It's true what they say, that oceans take you to countries, while rivers take you through them. The chance to explore ancient sites, experience magnificent cities and immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of places that can't be reached on a traditional cruise ship is the allure of river cruising.
But which river cruise line is right for you? What amenities or services are offered by each? How does each river cruise line compare?
Whether you're considering your very first river cruise or you're a seasoned river cruise veteran, here is our breakdown of the very best luxury river cruise lines.Peaceful, scenic and intimate, river cruising offers a smooth, gentle ride along the world's most remarkable waterways visiting the world's most historic cities and hidden charms in style and safety.
The handy chart below offers a quick comparison of the world's best river lines, but read on to see why our experts recommend each of these river cruise options.
Exploring the world in comfort, Viking boasts the largest river cruise fleet on earth and is also one of the most well-regarded and most-awarded, offering destination-focused itineraries on the rivers of Europe, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt.
Viking's most popular river voyage is their "Rhine Getaway."
On a Viking river cruise you'll enjoy exciting cities, culturally enriching local experiences including visits to UNESCO world heritage sites, and spacious accommodations aboard elegant, state-of-the-art ships.
Why our experts recommend Viking:
Just one voyage with Tauck and you'll see why they are consistently ranked among the very best in all of river cruising. With uncommon access to unique experiences ashore, plus over-the-top service and truly personalized attention, Tauck removes the guesswork of river cruising and offers superior value in every category.
Tauck's river ships often dock just steps away from the center of Europe's towns and villages.
With 90 years of expertise in both cruising and custom land journeys, Tauck is the unparalleled leader in premium travel experiences for every age and adventure at sea, on shore and every stop in between. Tauck ensures every moment of your ship experience and shore excursion is meaningful.
Why our experts recommend Tauck:
An AmaWaterways river cruise is about more than the destination – it’s the journey. See the world in luxury and comfort with all-inclusive river cruise vacations navigating the great waterways of Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
AmaWaterways offers complimentary guided bicycle tours along European rivers.
With some of the highest-rated ships in Europe, each vessel features an incomparable array of amenities and complimentary extras: spacious staterooms with balconies, ship-wide 4G Wi-Fi, beverages with dinner, gourmet dining in multiple venues, nightly entertainment and more.
Why our experts recommend AmaWaterways:
Aqua Expeditions offers unparalleled travel experiences, in the utmost comfort, for modern-day adventurers cruising the world’s most exotic rivers and remote ecosystems. You'll connect with riveting cultures, be exposed to vibrant diversity, and be immersed in the local customs, history, and wildlife.
Aqua Expeditions offers incredible views on observation decks and from all staterooms.
On Aqua Expeditions, you'll experience unique, immersive journeys surrounded by exotic wildlife and the rugged, natural beauty of Amazonia or the culturally diverse Mekong Delta, while enjoying these remote locales in luxury and at your leisure.
Why our experts recommend Aqua Expeditions:
Uniworld's Boutique River Cruise Collection offer luxurious voyages along some of the world's most iconic rivers in Europe, Egypt, India, Africa, China and Southeast Asia.
With unique themes and one-of-a-kind artwork in each, Uniworld's ships are more like museums.
Each Uniworld ship itself is a masterpiece, uniquely appointed and rich in character, not two ships are alike. Providing discerning guests with an unsurpassed and unforgettable river cruise experience, Uniworld elevates all-inclusive river cruising in to an entirely new level.
Why our experts recommend Uniworld:
With CruiseInsider's extensive river cruise expertise and established reputation for savings, service and special extras you can't get anywhere else, you'll rest easy knowing that our experts will always help you find and save on a river cruise experience that's right for you.
Speak to one of our river cruise experts at 1 (877) 734-6858 to start planning your luxury river cruise adventure now!