Set sail on a luxurious adventure through some of the world's greatest rivers with these European cruise companies.
There’s something utterly romantic about exploring Europe by boat. Whether you’re travelling down the Danube through Austria, Hungary and Serbia where castles and charming towns emerge around every turn, or along the River Rhine through Switzerland, Germany and Amsterdam where dramatic mountains and heritage canals paint the landscape - seeing Europe by river is an experience like no other.
Keen to board ship and set sail? These are the companies offering river cruises with the most arresting landscapes in Europe. Where will you go?
1. Scenic Cruises
Boasting a handful of awards including Best Luxury Cruise Line 2015 by Cruise Passenger Magazine and Best Luxury Tour Operator 2016 by Luxury Travel Magazine, Scenic Cruises has made a name for itself in luxury tourism. Its 5 star cruise ships travel throughout Europe, Russia and Asia offering services that include airport-to-boat transport, unlimited access to top-shelf beverages, personal butler services and onshore excursions tailored to your whims and desires. Quality, thy name is Scenic.
- Luxury travel that includes 5 star cruise ships, unlimited beverages, personal butler services and tailored onshore excursions.
- River cruises travel throughout Europe (including France and Portugal) Russia and Asia (Vietnam and Myanmar).
- Solo travellers welcome.
Image: APT
2. APT
A cruise company that needs no introduction, APT Touring has a reputation for being the most innovative and awarded luxury river cruise operator in Europe - and with good reason. Its fleet sails throughout Africa, Asia and Europe, delivering personalised service, all-inclusive luxuries and amenities and grand on-shore hotel experiences on each and every cruise. Go on, spoil yourself.
- Themed cruises include APT’s Wine Series, which sees you travel through vineyards and partake in onboard wine tastings.
- APT Collection cruises offers Royal Signature Experiences where you can undertake an imperial rail journey, visit Namedy Castle and attend a concert in the City Palace in Vienna.
- 260+ river cruise options throughout Europe.
3. Avalon Waterways
A member of the larger Globus travel company, Avalon Waterways has an extensive catalogue of cruise experiences for whatever your fancy. Choose your cruise by region, country or even theme - beer appreciation river cruise anyone? The sky (or should that be the water?) is the limit.
- Book cruises through Austria, Bulgaria, Holland, Switzerland, Hungary, Belgium, France, Romania, Serbia, Germany and Slovakia.
- Christmas river cruises available.
- Stopover packages available.
4. Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises prides itself in offering an intimate on-water experience. Each one of its longships typically caters to less than 200 guests, delivering a relaxing and uncrowded on-board experience. Its river cruises travel along the Danube, Rhine, Douro (Portugal) and Elbe (Germany) rivers with numerous guided tours being offered at each docked city, making the experience not only intimate, but immersive as well.
- Travel on small ships of 200 guests or less.
- River cruises travel along the Danube, Rhine, Douro and Elbe rivers.
- River cruises and ocean cruises available.
5. G Adventures
Those who prefer a faster-paced river cruise experience can explore G Adventures’ sailing options. Although limited to Burgundy for European adventures, the tour company offers exceptionally intimate boats (a maximum of 22 passengers) making it ideal for larger groups or for social butterflies who enjoy the company of strangers.
- Sail through Burgundy via river cruise or barge.
- Intimate sailing groups (22 passengers on cruises through Burgundy).
- River cruises through the Amazon, Mekong and Ganges also available.
6. A-Rosa
Based out of Germany, A-Rosa’s humble fleet of 11 vessels is dedicated to river cruises through Germany and Eastern Europe. For those who prefer touristic luxuries, five of its bespoke ships are designated for international travellers with a variety of international cuisines and languages available.
- Specialises in river cruises throughout Germany including down the Danube, Rhine and Rhone.
- Single supplements available.
- Meals included on most sailings.
7. Intrepid Travel
Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, Intrepid Travel offers adventurous sailing that will fuel your lust for travel. Its fleet of Europe-based yachts travel through the Mediterranean, with each housing up to 11 passengers who won’t have to lift a finger to help sail the ship - unless of course, you want to.
- Intimate groups of 8-11 per yacht.
- Minimal luxury facilities with bathrooms being shared and meals operating by a trip kitty, which everyone contributes to.
- Activities are 50/50 land-based/water-based so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the townships you dock into.
European river cruise companies compared: What's included?
| Company | Meals included? | Beverages included? | Solo-traveller friendly? | Excursions included? | Extras included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic Cruises | Yes | Yes | Yes (Supplement) | Yes | Butler service |
| APT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Airport transfers and gratuities |
| Avalon Waterways | Yes | Yes | Yes (Supplement) | Yes | Wi-Fi access |
| Viking Cruises | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Wi-Fi access |
| G Adventures | Most | Yes | Yes | Yes | Internal flights (select tours) |
| A-Rosa | Yes | Yes | No | No | Wi-Fi access |
| Intrepid | No | No | Yes | Yes | N/A |
