River Cruise Lines
Every river cruise line has a personality — luxury, active, value, all-inclusive. Knowing which is which is the secret to the perfect river cruise, and we’ll match the right line to you.
On the great rivers, the ships are remarkably similar in size — so the line you choose shapes your whole trip. Some are ultra-inclusive luxury with butlers and everything folded into the fare; others are active and food-focused, or unbeatable value, or the most immersive touring. This is your guide to the major river cruise lines — Viking, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Avalon, Scenic, Emerald, Tauck, Riviera and CroisiEurope — how they differ in style, inclusions, ships and price, and which rivers each does best. Then, when you know your fit, we compare live fares across the lines and send up to five free, no-obligation quotes.
Why the line matters most
Ships are similar — lines aren’t
River ships are nearly all 100–190 guests over three decks; the line sets the style, service and inclusions.
Inclusions vary widely
From meals-and-excursions to fully all-inclusive with drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and every tour — the fine print is everything.
Each has a sweet spot
Luxury, active, value, family, most-inclusive touring — the right line depends on how you like to travel.
We compare them for you
We know which line does what best and when to book — and we quote several side by side.
How to pick the right line
Start with style and budget. Want understated, great-value classics? Viking. Superb dining, wine and active excursions? AmaWaterways. All-inclusive luxury with a butler? Scenic or Uniworld. Modern ships and strong value? Avalon or Emerald. The most inclusive guided touring? Tauck. British-style value? Riviera. The widest European program? CroisiEurope.
Then match it to the river and season — the Danube and Rhine for first-timers, the Douro, Seine and Rhône for wine, the Nile and Mekong for adventure, and the Christmas markets in December. Tell us your priorities and we’ll narrow it to the perfect fit.
river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your river cruise?
Tell us how you like to travel — luxury, active, value or all-inclusive — and where you’d love to go, and we’ll match the line, ship and river with up to five free, no-obligation quotes.
Get up to 5 free river cruise quotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which river cruise line is best?
There’s no single best — it depends on you. Viking leads on value and enrichment; AmaWaterways on dining and activity; Scenic and Uniworld on all-inclusive luxury; Avalon and Emerald on modern value; Tauck on inclusive touring. We match the line to your priorities.
Which lines are truly all-inclusive?
Scenic and Tauck are the most inclusive (drinks, gratuities, excursions and more), with Uniworld and AmaWaterways close behind. Viking, Avalon, Emerald and Riviera include meals and most excursions, with drinks at dinner or as add-ons. We spell out each fare.
Are the ships very different between lines?
Physically they’re similar — most carry 100–190 guests over three decks — so the differences are in cabins, décor, dining, inclusions and service style rather than size.
Which line is best for a first river cruise?
Viking, Avalon and AmaWaterways are all excellent first choices on the Danube or Rhine — well-run, well-priced and easy. We’ll match the line and ship to your budget and style.
How do I get quotes?
Tell us your preferred style, river and dates, and request up to five free, no-obligation quotes to compare the lines side by side.
