9 Best River Cruise for Every Traveler

River cruise operators are highly competitive and usually offer very similar excursions and in-flight facilities. Even the ships are layout and functioning quite well, although with different decorative styles.

Nevertheless, each row has its advantages, and the wide variety of destinations and itineraries means that every type of traveler has a lot of river options, from adventure lovers to history nerds, wine and food fans.

Best for beginners

If you are going for your first river cruise, the Vikings is a good place to start as it is one of the largest and most experienced river cruise operators. Since its inception in 1997, Viking has focused on classic itineraries to see must-see destinations and ruins such as the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Cologne’s famous cathedral in Germany, the tulip fields in Belgium and the Netherlands, and antiques from Egypt. And, since the Vikings have over 80 river boats sailing around the world, it’s easy to find a trip that matches your interests.

Best for active travelers

In recent years, the river has been working hard to get rid of its image, mainly for older retired travelers. When Amawaterways launched bike travel and fitness classes on board about 10 years ago, most people followed suit.

But the Avalon Waterways does set itself apart on its “Active and Discovery” trips in Europe, which guarantee three visits every day: Classic, Active and Discovery. Classic is the instructor or hiking at the main attractions of the day. Positive options include hiking, cycling, and even kayaking and canoeing; although findings can be from local cooking and painting classes to early morning walks at a local cafe for breakfast.

Best for travelers seeking deep dives

Expedition cruising operator National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expected to immerse the Rhine in European history when it first begins sailing in 2026.

Lindblad’s ocean sailing focuses more on hiking, kayaking and wildlife and active exploration of the zodiac, but its European River cruise will highlight the rich history, culture and cuisine of the region.

For example, you can drink champagne with champagne at Rhinesmith Castle in the Rhine Canyon. Learn about the deeply ingrained Jewish history of Frankfurt during a private visit; or view the master’s work on a private tour at the Kroller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands during a private after-hours tour at the Kroller-Muller Museum in the Netherlands.

Each sailing staff includes adventure leaders, historians, cultural experts, certified photography coaches and national geographic destination experts. Like an expedition, the sailing will be held onboard speeches and tours.

Best for adventurers

If you agree that “if you have seen one church, you have seen all the churches”, then a cruise along Amazon may be the best choice for you. With the Aqua Adventure, you can hike in the jungle, hike for Piranha, and deep waters of the Peruvian Amazon on the Zodiac cycling in search of pink dolphins and many birds and other wildlife in the area.

Aqua Expeditions is just one of the few small operators in the area, offering the best luxury and adventure on its 20-suite Aqua Nera and 16-suite Aria Amazon. But the company has a new competitor in the luxury space: Abercrombie & Kent’s new Pure Amazon has only 12 cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows and guarantees a 1-1 employee-to-Lebi ratio.

Best for individual travelers

River cruises are perfect for solo travelers because of their close scale and nature that are perfect for making new friends. Still, like most of the time in the group travel industry, interest rates are based on double occupancy, which means that the Upcharge for individual travel can be steep.

Now most routes offer several off-duty cabins on each itinerary, while solo travelers can book without paying for a horrible single supplement. European operator Riviera River Cruises owns the entire sailing boat, specifically targeting solo travelers without paying, making them perfect for singles and friends who just want their own space.

Best for family

River cruises have never been particularly family friendly. Because the boat and its cabins are small, there is no space for children-only areas, and the tour is very focused on adults.

There are some exceptions. Disney’s adventures have long worked with Amawaterways to provide family-oriented river navigation on its boats. The boats only have some connected cabins and cabins with a chair that can be converted to single beds.

Other family-friendly river cruise companies include Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, which has a selection of family sailing year-round, Croisieurope and Croisieurope connect cabins, and offers multi-generational sailing in the summer and offers special excursions for children.

Best for luxury travelers

Most river cruises cater to North Americans are directly suitable for luxury camps. Their styles vary. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has been the leader in providing impeccable service, locally sourced food and wine, UK trained housekeepers and the unique decorations of each ship and its voyage area.

In France, Seine rides SS Joie de vivre, which inspired 20th-century Parisian design with handmade furniture, exquisite antiques, original artwork and spirit. Uniworld is also the only luxury line, sailing along the Venetian lagoon along SS La Venezia, where you will find Fortuny’s fabric and Murano Glass.

For more casual luxury, Amawaterways and Avalon Waterways feature first-class service, amenities and food, minus some more formal decor and more traditional luxury items.

Best for history lovers

European River Cruise offers many historical excursions, thanks to its location. But for those who want to dig deep into ancient history, nothing beats the journey of the four luxury sanctuaries of Abercrombie & Kent on the journey along the Egyptian Nile, a ship that ranges from six to 38 cabins in size.

For real exclusive experience, navigate the Valley of Kings, the Temple of Luxor and other famous landmark valleys in the Six Carbines Zein Nile Chateau, a favorite of celebrities including Samuel Jackson, Salma Hayek, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

When A&K excels at its guide, food and luxury ships, while several other luxury river companies sail the Nile, including Viking, Tucker, amawaterways and Uniworld. Most itineraries range from four to seven nights, including a trip to the front and back to view Cairo’s pyramids and museums.

Best for foodies

All the luxury rivers are known for their outstanding regional and international food and wine options on their itinerary, especially in France.

However, Riverside Luxury Parade is one of the newest players, who strives to have a reputation as the best restaurant in his class, especially when it comes to the special tasting menu. The special private dining experience offered is not cheap (an estimated cost of $320 per person is $320), but is called Michelin Quality.

They lived up to the promise of the menu, including roasted yellow chili peppers, as well as fresh anchovies and tender pink spring veal. And wine only just justifies the cost. On a recent voyage, we tasted excellent wine selections from France, Germany, Switzerland and Hungary, including Donatsch Pertoser Malanserrebe, a white wine of rare and ancient grapes from the Graubunden region of Switzerland.