Everyone dreams of traveling through Europe, but have you ever considered exploring by river cruise? Unlike large ocean cruises, river cruises offer a more intimate, luxurious experience that takes you through multiple must-see destinations.
With carefully curated itineraries and various cruise lines to choose from, river cruises provide a truly unforgettable way to experience Europe. Enjoy top-tier amenities onboard while immersing yourself in local cultures along the way.
Here are the best river cruises in Europe and what you can expect when sailing through some of the continent’s most scenic waterways.
1. Viking River Cruises
Cruise at a glance:
- Best for: Culture and history lovers
- AAA member benefits: Onboard credit based on number of nights:
- $100 on cruises 8–11 days
- $200 on cruises 12+ days
- Unique features: Spacious ships, unique itineraries, pre- and post-cruise packages and onboard entertainment
- Popular ports of call: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Cairo and New Orleans
Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises is an award-winning river cruise offering immersive itineraries across Europe, Africa and Asia. With thoughtfully curated routes and luxurious onboard amenities, Viking provides an exceptional travel experience along the world's most scenic waterways.
Aboard the cruise ships, travelers will find immediate comfort in the spacious staterooms. They will satisfy their passion for worldly culture through various destination-based lectures, music performances and cooking classes.
Plus, Viking provides historic guided tours and intimate experiences in every destination. For those who want to explore more while onboard, Viking offers pre- and post-cruise packages to help you book your lodging and extend your stay.
2. AmaWaterways
Cruise at a glance:
- Best for: Premium luxury
- AAA member benefits: Stateroom savings and Welcome Amenity based on the number of nights:
- Save per stateroom:
- $200 on cruises under 7 nights
- $300 on cruises 7–11 nights
- $600 on cruises 14+ nights
- Welcome Amenity:
- Europe Cruises: Bottle of wine & chocolates
- Asia & Africa Cruises: $50 onboard credit
- Egypt Cruises: $50 onboard credit
- Save per stateroom:
- AAA Vacations® amenities:
- $150 onboard credit (7–11 nights)
- $300 onboard credit (14+ nights)
- $200 stateroom savings
- Unique features: Free Wi-Fi, onboard fitness centers, daily shore excursions, high-end restaurants and spa and wellness services
- Popular ports of call: Amsterdam, Budapest and Paris
AmaWaterways is a leader in luxury river cruises, known for its premium onboard amenities and activities, including comfortable staterooms and high-end dining options. The cruise ships also feature fitness centers, a spa and wellness services for complete rejuvenation and relaxation.
The cruise line runs river cruises throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Travelers can partake in authentic shore excursions and cultural experiences at AmaWaterways’s various destination ports.
3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Cruise at a glance:
- Best for: Boutique-style accommodations
- AAA member benefits: Couples savings based on number of nights:
- $250 per couple on cruises up to 13 days
- $500 per couple on cruises 14+ days
- AAA Vacations® amenities:
- Receive a $300 onboard spending credit per couple. AAA Vacations® amenities are available on select sailings and can be combined with AAA Member Benefits.
- Unique features: All-inclusive amenities, daily excursions, unlimited wine and beer, onboard entertainment, airport transports and gourmet cuisine
- Popular ports of call: Bordeaux, Venice and Amsterdam
Since 1976, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has provided travelers with luxurious pampering and unforgettable European experiences. Each of Uniworld’s 17 luxury ships is uniquely designed to offer the feel of a boutique hotel for adults, making it the perfect choice for couples seeking romance and relaxation.
Onboard amenities include spa services, swimming pools and all-inclusive local wine and beer options. There are also opportunities to indulge in regional cuisine and art auctions.
Guests can immerse themselves in local culture through Uniworld's exclusive relationships, offering authentic exploration of the villages and landmarks they visit. Whether enjoying a relaxing day at sea or discovering hidden gems ashore, Uniworld ensures an unforgettable river cruise experience.
The Best European Rivers to Cruise
Choosing the best European river cruises begins with selecting the river for your journey, as it’s as crucial as choosing your ideal cruise line. Consider the destinations where you'd like to make stops and identify the countries that pique your interest the most. Below are some of the most popular European rivers to sail upon.
Danube
The Danube River is home to four national capitals: Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna. Explore the rich history of these major destinations and beautiful views of the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains and Wachau Valley. Most Danube River cruises are divided between the Upper and Lower Danube, offering a wealth of sights along the way.
Seine
Most known for passing through Paris, a Seine River cruise offers much to explore once you leave the city limits. Visit historical landmarks such as the villages in Normandy, the Château Gaillard castle and the medieval Rouen. Those interested in learning more about World War II can visit the Normandy beaches and American Cemetery and Memorial.
Rhine
Those interested in visiting Eastern Europe will enjoy a Rhine river cruise. Explore the wonders of Germany, such as the Heidelberg Castle and the Black Forest. See the beauty of the Netherlands and visit the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens. You may also stop in Amsterdam and visit its many museums.
Moselle
The Moselle flows through three countries: Germany, France and Luxembourg. This is a beautiful river to visit if you’re interested in sightseeing quaint villages. In France, you’ll pass by Metz and Thionville, while in Germany, you can visit Bernkastel-Kues and Trier. Explore one of the world’s smallest countries and stop by Luxembourg City along the way.
Main
The Main finds a home in Germany and is known for its crossing through Frankfurt. You’ll pass by many medieval villages and gothic-style castles along the route through Central Germany. You may also pass through the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal and small towns such as Nuremberg and Bamberg.
Book Your Perfect River Cruise with AAA
From the intimate charm of European rivers to the grand voyages of around-the-world cruises, AAA Travel offers a diverse range of travel experiences to suit every taste.
Enjoy exclusive member benefits, savings and expert planning assistance to ensure a seamless, unforgettable trip. Whether you’re sailing past fairytale castles on the Rhine or discovering history along the Seine, let Trip Canvas help you craft the perfect river cruise experience.