The ultimate guide to river cruising
River cruising is an effortless way to enjoy a holiday packed with interest and variety. Itineraries are designed around daily stops at villages, towns, cities and places of interest along a river, with organised (but not compulsory) excursions to see castles, markets, temples, chateaux, antebellum mansions, wineries and wildlife. There is little that beats standing on deck with a view of the sun setting over an ancient temple on the Nile, or the city lights illuminating the gothic spires of Cologne’s cathedral.
In Europe, there are river cruises almost year-round, from the first spring departures in March through the wine harvest and Christmas markets. While river cruising is not a cheap holiday, standards are high, the food is excellent and comfortable cabins with river views are the norm.
So, if you are new to river cruising and full of questions, read on for our ultimate guide to booking – and enjoying to the full – a river-cruise holiday.
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Before you book
Where can I go?
Some of the most popular river cruises carve through the heart of Europe, soaking up the scenery and culture of riverside villages, towns and cities in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Austria, Czechia, Hungary and Italy and Portugal.
The Nile is a four-hour flight away, while further afield there are navigable rivers in North and South America, South-east Asia, India, China and southern Africa. Some of the key rivers are the Mississippi, Snake and Columbia (in the north-west US), the Ganges and Brahmaputra (India), the Mekong and Yangtze (Asia), the Amazon (South America), and the Zambezi (Africa). There are even river cruises in Australia, where you can make your way down the Murray River (South Australia).
What’s new?
There are some exciting new options for 2025. AmaWaterways is taking the first of two new ships to the Magdalena River, in Colombia, with visits to Cartagena, the historic towns of Palenque and Calamar and one of the county’s largest wetland regions, La Mojana.
Abercrombie & Kent is heading to the Peruvian Amazon, where passengers will be able to explore the backwaters of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. The new ship, Pure Amazon, has 10 suites and two solo cabins.
In Thailand the lush landscapes of the river Kwai feature in a trip from Fred Holidays, while in North America American Cruise Lines (ACL) is offering eight-day summer sailings on the Hudson River from New York. In the Deep South ACL now takes passengers into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as part of a 12-day cruise along the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. Both Viking and Tui are offering winter cruises on the Danube this year.
Viking’s cruise will sail between Budapest and Passau from December until early March and TUI Maya will sail from November. Four and five-night itineraries are available on TUI Isla and TUI Skyla for those who want to focus on Christmas markets or spend Christmas away.
What types of river cruise are available?
There is barely a month (even in Europe) when river ships don’t sail. River cruises make the most of festive holidays, wine and beer tasting, world-class gardens, spring blooms, art, music, gastronomy and more. Wildlife is a draw on the Amazon and on cruises in southern Africa, while several lines sail with a small fleet of e-bikes. Avalon’s “active” itineraries include hiking, cycling and canoeing, while the line also offers beer-appreciation cruises in Switzerland, Belgium and Germany.
Luxury operator Uniworld pairs cruises with train journeys and landmark hotels, including the Mandarin Oriental in Lake Lucerne and the Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz. New for 2025 is an Istanbul to Paris holiday combining a journey on the Golden Eagle Danube Express with a river cruise on the Seine. Viking has six new guided pre- and post-cruise extensions in Barcelona, Istanbul, Rome, Stockholm and Venice for those keen to explore those cities.
Riviera’s foodie trip on the Rhine includes chocolate tasting in Cologne and cheese tasting against the backdrop of Switzerland’s Stanserhorn mountain. AmaWaterways has “Celebration of Wine” departures to European destinations each year, and on the Snake and Columbia rivers in the US guests can tour vineyards and sample some of Washington State’s unsung white wines.
What facilities are on board?
Most ships have cabins on two or three levels, an al fresco sun deck with sunbeds and seating, one or more restaurants with big windows, a generously sized bar, and a lounge, which may double as an observation spot. Some have small spas or treatment rooms, fitness spaces and splash pools, and some even have a putting area. Others have lifts and small boutiques.
How big are river ships?
Egypt’s dahabayas carry as few as eight passengers but the norm is between 40 and 190 passengers. Those in Europe are long and narrow, to fit through locks. An exception is the AmaMagna, which is twice the width of traditional European river ships, with four dining venues and suites with full balconies. As a result, it can only cruise on the Danube.
Expect three or four decks, with the rooftop given over to passenger relaxation. In Germany, Czechia, and the Mississippi and Snake rivers in the US you can cruise on shallow-drafted vessels powered partly by paddlewheel. In Egypt, Sanctuary Retreats and Oberoi offer luxury ships that enable you to cruise the Nile on converted six- to 12-passenger dahabiyas – ideal for family or friends. Some ships, including the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe and Aqua Expeditions on the Amazon are akin to luxury houseboats.
Where do they moor?
The most common mooring spots are alongside a towpath, with disembarkation by short gangway, or at a passenger terminal (such as in Amsterdam). Depending on location, in parts of the Mekong and Brahmaputra for example, mooring can be by sand. In popular river-cruising cities, ships may have to moor alongside each other, in which case you will have to walk through two or three boats to reach the gangway. Moorings in Paris, Cologne and Budapest are great cities for night-time views.
How do I choose between ships?
In Europe, the key brands build elegant ships of a uniformly high standard that are similar in size, so often it is a matter of matching a ship to your preferred destination and personal taste. If aesthetics are important, choose a newer ship. Those of Viking, Scenic and Emerald (part of the Scenic group) favour a more contemporary, minimalist look. AmaWaterways and Avalon have plush, warm décor, while Uniworld offers four-poster beds and statement wallpaper. Riviera’s ships have a more classic British style, and A-Rosa’s ships are known for their excellent spa facilities. River cruises can also be a great place to meet and mingle with other nationalities.
Will I have a view?
All cabins on a river ship are on the outside, guaranteeing natural light. Cabins on most ships will have a Juliet or French balcony – a floor-to-ceiling sliding door opening to a safety railing or transparent panel. Cabins with a full balcony, which might also be called a veranda or step-out balcony, will have room to fit a table and seating. Budget permitting, you could book a front-facing suite with a wraparound balcony (a Viking Owner’s Suite, for example).
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What’s included in the price?
River cruises are – for the most part – all-inclusive, which means you won’t pay extra for meals, a daily excursion, onboard talks or round-the-clock refreshments, all of which are standard. At the pricier end, you might find door-to-door transfers, all drinks, onboard gratuities, exclusive excursions including evening concerts, roomier cabins and fancier bathrooms, as well as return flights or rail travel are included. At the more affordable end are Riviera, Titan and A-Rosa (though the last includes unlimited drinks). Free Wi-Fi is becoming the norm, but it is worth checking before you book.
Who will my fellow passengers be?
River cruising tends to attract an older, well-travelled and eager-to-explore demographic. A few lines, including Tauck and A-Rosa, cater to families, with interconnecting cabins, flexible dining options and dedicated family programmes, usually in the summer. You will find more Australians and New Zealanders on Scenic, Emerald and APT; plenty of Americans cruising with Uniworld, Tauck and AmaWaterways; lots of French on CroisiEurope, and Germans and other Europeans on A-Rosa and Amadeus. British travellers cruise on all of these, and almost exclusively on Riviera, Saga and Marella ships. The latter are adult-only, and suites on Scenic and Uniworld come with butlers.
Read our guide to Saga cruises.
How mobile do I need to be?
A river-cruise holiday is as relaxed or busy as you decide to make it. Most passengers book a river cruise with the intention of taking at least one walking tour or shore excursion every day – river cruises are more active than your average summer-sun ocean cruise. Because of riverside mooring, this style of cruising isn’t suited to wheelchairs and many ships don’t have lifts between decks.
Life on board
What does the cruising day look like?
Most cruising is done overnight to maximise time in port, but you might also sail to a second destination after lunch. Cruising of particularly scenic sections, like the Rhine Gorge, will always take place in the daytime. Dinner is usually from 7pm and lunch fits in around port calls. The first excursions depart between 9am and 10am.
Do I have to leave the ship every day?
No – though most passengers do. If you decide to spend a morning or afternoon on the sun deck or in the lounge, you are almost guaranteed peace and quiet.
What are excursions like?
The standard is high and guides first class. Occasionally – especially in Europe where architecture, churches and other buildings feature heavily – the complimentary tours can be a tad dry. Use them for an overview and then strike out independently or pay for an excursion that caters to a specific interest. The additional cost will be money well spent. Viking, Scenic and Uniworld offer a huge choice of shore excursions. In Asia outings ashore might be the only (and best) way to explore more rural scenery.
Is dining a formal affair and can I eat when I want?
Dining is organised around excursions and is typically waiter-served à la carte food at lunch and dinner and a buffet (and à la carte items) at breakfast. There is no fixed seating, but as passenger numbers are smaller, people generally like to socialise at larger tables (though tables for two and four are available). Ships with more than one restaurant usually offer flexible dining including light, casual lunch and bistro-style menus. A-Rosa offers a self-service buffet at all three meals. Teas and coffee, fruit and biscuits and other snacks are available 24 hours a day.
Is there any entertainment?
Evenings on board are low-key and any entertainment generally has a cultural bent. Folk singers, local choirs or classical musicians may come on board in the evenings, and in the afternoon a local wine and cheese expert to host tastings. Emerald’s ships have an indoor pool that converts to a small cinema at night, and some lines such as Scenic, Viking and Uniworld offer exclusive evening concerts ashore.
Can I cruise solo?
River companies accommodate solo travellers and it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest single-supplement offers online. Riviera has 33 dedicated solo departures across 11 itineraries next year, including festive cruises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay. Uniworld waives the supplement on several of its European cruises throughout the year – including this year’s Christmas market sailings.
Singles specialist One Traveller features the Mekong, Nile and Douro and AmaWaterways has single-occupancy cabins on four of its European river ships. Scenic’s single supplements start at 25 per cent of the published fare on selected cruises and Pandaw, which offers small-ship river cruising in Asia, waives the supplement on various departures throughout the year.
Do I need to fly to the ship?
More operators are offering travel by Eurostar to reach the river-cruise gateways in Europe. Great Rail Journeys has 22 itineraries incorporating Eurostar, with escorted travel from St Pancras International to the ship.
Riviera Travel has a range of cruise itineraries featuring return travel on Eurostar and Fred Holidays can tailor-make rail journeys to any river cruise in Europe. Scenic’s no-fly cruises include travel in Eurostar’s Standard Premier Class. Prefer to drive? In France, Uniworld includes parking in a secure car park near the ship for those keen to stock up on wine, chocolate and cheese.
Can I keep active?
River cruise holidays are already pretty full on during the day and many lines carry bikes and e-bikes and offer small pools and gyms for cardio, yoga and stretching classes. A few have a small running track on the sun deck. AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna has a full-sized pickleball court and spin bikes. Some of its itineraries offer a dedicated range of “active” of excursions.
Will I get seasick, and is there a doctor on board?
River cruises don’t carry doctors. Ships are never far from land, so medical emergencies can be easily catered for. On a river ship, you will barely know you are moving. One exception is a cruise on the Guadalquivir river in Spain, which sails briefly on the ocean.
Should I use a travel agent?
If you are used to booking holidays independently, booking a river cruise won’t be taxing. If, however, you want to finesse your transfer and travel details, include a rail package, have your sights on a deal or are unsure about inclusions, use a travel agent or an operator such as Riviera, Great Rail Journeys, Imagine Travel, Mundy Cruising, A&K, Tui, Saga or Titan, which will package the cruise for you.
Before you go
What to pack
Most river cruises are informal, so pack comfortable all-weather layers and two pairs of comfy trainers and/or boots. Attire at evening meals tends to be a bit smarter (and lose the walking boots) but you won’t be frowned upon if you stay casual. Evening excursions out will require something a bit smarter.
Tip: If you are on a Christmas market cruise, take an extra bag to bring gifts and produce back.
What to research
If you are planning to explore independently, look up museum and gallery opening times and book tickets for tours and events online to save queuing time. If you have a special interest in gardens, art or music, consider finding a dedicated guide. Download maps on your phone for walking and cycling routes, familiarise yourself with tram and metro routes, and if a nice lunch is a priority, research the options – particularly in cities such as Vienna and Amsterdam, so that you can plan your day around it.
Seasonality is key in some parts of the world, and rivers can flood or run dry. Low river levels can impact an itinerary, so ask the river line about contingency plans (most have them in place).
Five of the best river cruises to book
Cruise into Colombia
Be among the first to explore the Magdalena river on a cruise from Cartagena to Barranquilla, in Colombia. Launching in January, the itinerary combines jungle-fringed Caribbean beaches with visits to national parks, villages and historical cities. There are opportunities to extend the holiday with tours and hotel nights in Medellin and Cartagena.
Book it: A seven-night Wonders of Colombia cruise costs from £4,714pp departing on January 18, 2025. Includes flights, overseas transfers, drinks with lunch and dinner and excursions (amawaterways.co.uk)
Easy does it on the Nile
Join other single travellers on a dedicated solo cruise along the Nile. All touring in Cairo and along the Nile is guided and there’s a pre-holiday get-together for those keen to meet fellow travellers before the trip. From Aswan there is an optional trip to Abu Simbel (£300pp), the temple complex on the shore of Lake Nasser. The fare includes a double cabin on board the MS Steigenberger Regency and four nights at the four-star Marriot hotel in Cairo.
Book it: A 12-night Cairo and Nile cruise costs from £4,990pp departing on February 19, 2025. Includes international and domestic flights, UK airport chauffeur service (within 100 miles), excursions and drinks on board (onetraveller.co.uk)
Highlights of the Hudson
New York is the springboard for summer cruises exploring the scenic Hudson Valley. The new cruise on the 100-passenger American Eagle sails right past the Statue of Liberty and visits Catskill, Albany, Kingston, Hyde Park, West Point and Sleepy Hollow. Excursion highlights include FDR’s Presidential Library, the Vanderbilt Mansion, The World Trade Center, Memorial and Museum and Sleepy Hollow, where novelist Washington Irving penned The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Book it: An eight-day Hudson River Summer Classic cruise roundtrip from New York starts from £4,890pp departing on June 10, 2025. Excludes flights. (americancruiselines.com)
More sailings on the Mekong
Viking will boost its Mekong fleet in late 2025 with the addition of Viking Tonle. Built specifically to navigate the Mekong, Tonle will sail between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Kampong Cham in Cambodia and Mỹ Tho in Vietnam. The 15-day trip includes hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City and excursions to fishing villages, monasteries, floating markets and the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat.
Book it: A 15-day Magnificent Mekong cruise costs from £7,595pp including drinks with meals, Wi-Fi, tips, a daily excursion and flights. (viking.com)
A new ship on the Main
Saga’s newest ship, Spirit of the Moselle, joins the river fleet in July next year. It will cruise on Germany’s Main River, with tours in medieval Nuremberg, UNESCO-listed Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim and Miltenberg’s old town. There’s also a walking tour of Bavarian Schweinfurt. The ship has a small library, a fitness area and a shaded sun deck with a splash pool.
Book it: A seven-night Gems of the Main River cruise costs from £1,949pp including return home-to-airport transfer, drinks, gratuities, excursions and new for next year, regional flights. (0800 096 0082; travel.saga.co.uk)
This piece was first published in August 2023 and has been revised and updated.
