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Select Your River Cruise
River Cruise Selection – Europe
Explore the Top 9 Luxury River Cruise Lines of Europe and their destinations below
Boutique ships with unique, opulent design inspired by their destinations; Partnership with Red Carnation Hotels for distinctive décor and service
Recognition: Travel + Leisure “World’s Best River Cruise Line”; Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice “Top River Cruise Line”
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, Bordeaux waterways
Price: $ 5,000 – $ 15,000 per person
All-inclusive luxury with unique cultural experiences, lowest guest-to-staff ratio, and exclusive shore excursions led by Tauck Directors
Recognition: Travel + Leisure “World’s Best River Cruise Line” finalist (consistently); “Best River Cruise Line for Families” by Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Moselle
Price: $ 5,500 – $ 14,000 per person
Truly all-inclusive with butlers for all guests; innovative “Space-Ships” with sun lounges that transform into all-weather balconies
Recognition: Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards “Best River Cruise Line”; “Best River Cruise Line” at Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List Awards
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Bordeaux waterways, Douro
Price: $ 5,500 – $ 16,000 per person
Europe’s newest luxury river cruise line operating former Crystal River ships with German engineering precision and contemporary luxury
Recognition: “Best New River Cruise Line” at Travel Weekly Magellan Awards); “Best New Luxury Experience” by Cruise Industry News
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône
Price: $ 4,800 – $ 12,500 per person
Family-owned line known for innovative ship design with twin balconies, wellness focus, and immersive wine experiences
Recognition: Travel + Leisure “World’s Best River Cruise Line” finalist; “Best River Cruise Line” at Virtuoso Luxe Report
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, Dutch waterways
Price: $ 5,000 – $ 13,500 per person
Scandinavian design with “Longships” featuring contemporary décor, included shore excursions, and cultural enrichment program
Recognition: #1 River Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure for multiple consecutive years; Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice “Best River Cruise Line”
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro, Rhône
Price: $ 4,500 – $ 12,000 per person
Innovative “Panorama Suites” with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows and beds facing the view; focus on “Active & Discovery” experiences
Recognition: “Best Cabins” in Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards (consistently); “Best River Cruise Staterooms” by TravelAge West
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Seine, Dutch waterways
Price: $ 4,200 – $ 11,500 per person
Contemporary luxury at accessible price points; innovative ships with indoor pools that transform into cinemas at night
Recognition: “Best River Cruise Line for Value” by Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks; “Best River Cruise Line for Solo Travelers” by Porthole Cruise Magazine
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Moselle
Price: $ 4,000 – $ 10,500 per person
Industry-leading space-to-guest ratio; all-suite accommodations with butler service and Michelin-inspired farm-to-table cuisine
Recognition: “Best Luxury River Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards; “Best Dining” in Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards
Curated Voyages: Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main
Price: $ 5,500 – $ 15,000 per person
Note: Travel selection links are for inspiring your travel planning … these partner links may compensate our site, at no extra cost to you.
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Actual pricing depends on season, specific itinerary, and cabin/suite selection.
European River Cruise Destinations
Europe’s legendary rivers have shaped civilizations, and today’s luxury river cruise lines offer privileged access to these historic waterways. Each prestigious line navigates a carefully curated selection of Europe’s most scenic and culturally rich rivers, from the romantic Rhine to the majestic Danube, from the artistic Seine to the wine-blessed Rhône.
Understanding which cruise line sails your desired rivers is essential for crafting your perfect journey. Our comprehensive river cruise matrix reveals how these distinguished operators bring their unique interpretation of luxury to Europe’s magnificent waterways. Explore the destinations–matrix to discover which elegant vessel will carry you through Europe’s living history.
River Cruise Selection – North America
Explore the Top 3 River Cruise Lines of North America and their destinations
Newest fleet of small ships in U.S.; modern riverboats with private balconies and spacious staterooms operating on American rivers
Recognition: USA Today “10 Best” River Cruise Line; Cruise Critic Editors’ Pick “Best River Cruise Line in North America” (multiple years)
Rivers / Destinations: Mississippi River, Columbia River, Hudson River, Snake River
Price: $ 4,800 – $ 12,500 per person
Authentic paddle-wheeler experience with the largest steamboats ever built; immersive historical journeys through America’s heartland
Recognition: Travel + Leisure “World’s Best River Cruise Line in North America” ; Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award Winner
Curated Voyages: Mississippi River, Ohio River, Columbia & Snake Rivers
Price: $ 4,500 – $ 11,000 per person
Small-ship adventure cruising with focus on active exploration, wildlife encounters, and off-the-beaten-path destinations
Recognition: USA Today “10 Best Small Ship Cruise Line”; Travel Age West “Best Adventure Cruise Line” (multiple years)
Curated Voyages: Columbia & Snake Rivers, Alaska’s Inside Passage
Price: $ 4,000 – $ 10,000 per person
Note: Travel selection links are for inspiring your travel planning … these partner links may compensate our site, at no extra cost to you.
Prices are indicative and subject to change. Actual pricing depends on season, specific itinerary, and cabin/suite selection.
North American River Cruise Destinations
North America’s magnificent rivers tell stories of pioneers, progress, and natural splendor. From the mighty Mississippi’s tales of Mark Twain to the wild beauty of Alaska’s waterways, from the scenic Columbia River Gorge to the historic Hudson Valley, each river holds its own enchanting narrative. These prestigious river cruise lines have mastered the art of bringing luxury to America’s storied waterways.
Our comprehensive destination matrix reveals which cruise line navigates your desired route, allowing you to match your adventure dreams with the perfect vessel. Explore below to discover how these elegant ships can transport you through America’s richest landscapes.
Europe's Most Scenic Luxury River Cruises – An Essential Guide
Embark on a journey through Europe’s most magnificent waterways, where luxury river cruising offers an unparalleled blend of scenic beauty and refined comfort. From castle-crowned Rhine valleys to the imperial Danube, from French wine regions to Portuguese river landscapes, discover how to choose your perfect luxury river cruise. Explore expert insights on premier cruise lines, seasonal highlights, and essential planning strategies for an extraordinary river journey.
