As a travel agent who specializes in European river cruises, I frequently am asked what I believe are the best river cruises in Europe. These types of questions can be challenging as it could be interpreted to mean either:
- Which is the best river cruise itinerary in Europe; or
- Which company do I recommend for the best river cruises in Europe.
Best River Cruises in Europe – for Itinerary
Wherever there is a navigable river in Europe, you will find cruise options for that river. Actual itineraries for each of the rivers are substantially similar, which is not surprising as the cities and villages along the rivers basically “are what they are” and are the obvious stopping points for the cruise vessels as they make their way along the rivers.
That said, as to choice of itinerary, I would identify the Danube as my #1 choice for best river cruises in Europe. Itineraries on the Danube will include iconic cities such as Budapest, Vienna and Passau, as well as charming villages like Durnstein and the stunning Wachau Valley.
My #2 choice for the best river cruises in Europe is the Rhine River. The Rhine itineraries include cities like Amsterdam, Strasbourg, Heidelburg and Cologne, as well as the breathtaking castles and scenery of the Rhine River Gorge.
Other European river cruises with popular itineraries include:
- Rhone River
- Main River
- Douro River
- Seine River
Best River Cruises in Europe – Providers
As to what river cruise providers perform reliably and have earned a place on my short list of companies we recommend to clients as best river cruises in Europe, I include a number of excellent providers that I believe to be among the best river cruises in Europe.
While there are variations in onboard amenities and inclusions with each of the river cruise providers, the two main differentiators among the providers are 1) the number of passengers onboard the vessel; and 2) what is included onboard their sailings. Here is the short list of the best river cruises in Europe:
Luxury Experience – Approximately 130 passengers at full capacity and pretty much all-inclusive experience, including fare, port fees, gratuities, choice of excursions and beverage package:
- Tauck
- Uniworld
Premium Experience – Approximately 160 passengers onboard and includes fare, port fees, choice of excursions, nightly cocktail reception and beer/wine/soda with lunch and dinner:
- AMA Waterways
- Avalon
“Value” Experience – Great choices for those wanting a European river cruise that offers exceptionally good pricing:
- Viking River Cruise – Up to 190 passengers; fare port fees, one included excursion, beer/wine/soda with lunch and dinner
- Amadeus – Up to 160 passengers; includes fare, port fees, nightly cocktail reception; beer/wine/soda with lunch and dinner. No included excursions, options available for purchase
Best River Cruises in Europe – Conclusion
There you have Pat’s Picks for the best travel services in Europe. If you have been searching online for a travel agency near me, I hope you will reach out to one of the friendly, experienced agents at Dancing Moon Travel. With 14 agents strategically located in the USA, chances are, when you search travel agency near me, one of our advisors is nearby. Contact us today to discuss your preference for one of the best river cruises in Europe!
