Introducing Seven of the Top Premium River Cruise Lines

Explore seven premier luxury river cruise lines, each recognised for their exceptional quality. This guide presents top-tier options for those seeking a luxury river cruise experience in Europe and beyond. Known for their excellent service, premium tours, unforgettable experiences, gourmet dining, and fine wines, these lines stand out in the industry.

Here’s an overview to help you choose the ideal river cruise.

AmaWaterways:

AmaWaterways’ mission centres on delivering innovative and memorable travel experiences. The company’s motto, “Ama means love,” is deeply ingrained in its onboard culture. They’re a family run company who have been operating for over two decades.

AmaWaterways offer immersive and authentic experiences, exploring the history, culture and cuisine of the regions that they sail through. Onboard activities like talks, cooking demonstrations, and visiting entertainers enhance the experience, with local recipes provided for guests to take home. Their flagship, AmaMagna, a double-width vessel, offers spacious luxury with four restaurants, a wellness studio, and even a full-size pickleball court on deck.

My stand-out feature: beautiful use of colour in the ship design and the obvious family ethos.

Avalon Waterways:

Avalon Waterways is renowned for its innovative design and exceptional comfort. Avalon’s Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create an open-air balcony, offering stunning views. The beds are positioned to face the windows, allowing guests to enjoy the passing scenery in comfort.

Avalon Waterways provides a relaxed luxury experience with a focus on flexibility. Their “Your Way” program allows guests to customise their excursions, dining, and pace of their cruise. The emphasis is on offering a personalised experience, with a variety of included shore excursions and options for active, discovery, and classic activities. Additionally, Avalon offers a range of themed cruises such as wine appreciation, culinary, and history cruises.

My stand-out feature: it has to be the incredible panoramic windows.

Riverside Luxury Cruises:

Riverside Luxury Cruises, part of the Seaside Collection features three vessels previously owned by Crystal Cruises. The highlight is Riverside Mozart, which accommodates 158 passengers and offers an ultra-luxury experience. Mozart is a double-width ship and provides spacious accommodation with facilities like four different restaurants, a wellness area, and an onboard library.

Riverside stands out by offering a flexible pricing policy, allowing passengers to choose cruise-only fares or fully inclusive tariffs. Riverside showcase culinary excellence, presenting locally inspired meals with freshly delivered ingredients. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy the speciality Vintage Room (at an extra cost), where exceptional wines are paired with the menu.

My stand-out feature: a complete ultra-luxury experience.

Riviera:

Riviera Travel offer a premium river cruise experience, combining beautiful ships, interesting itineraries, and exceptional service. They are a Which trusted supplier based on customer reviews and have been recognised for their ‘best value river cruises’. The onboard experience is designed to be enriching yet informal, with informative talks, cultural insights, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Riviera Price Promise: book early knowing you will pay the lowest price. In the very rare event that Riviera reduce the price after you’ve booked, you’ll receive a Future Travel Voucher for the difference in value, plus an extra 25%.

Happiness Guaranteed: if you’re not happy by day two of your holiday, they’ll bring you home with a full refund.

My stand-out feature: value for money – particularly when planning ahead.

Scenic:

For an ultra-luxury European river cruise with a modern ambiance, Scenic’s river ships are an excellent choice. Known as Space-Ships, Scenic vessels are designed to maximize natural light. The line’s all-inclusive river itineraries offer a high-end experience with a relaxed atmosphere. Scenic ships feature the innovative Scenic Sun Lounge – a balcony area with a floor-to-ceiling retractable window, allowing uninterrupted river views and fresh air.

Scenic enhances the luxury experience with butler service, in-room breakfast, daily canapés, and exclusive dining at Table La Rive. Exceptional food, often themed around local cuisine, is a highlight. I’ve sailed on two Scenic ships and toured two more, and each experience has been remarkable. Scenic also offers exclusive events, such as private concerts in historic castles and tailored shore excursions.

My stand-out features: fantastic staff and beautiful ship design.

Tauck:

Tauck, with its motto “Travel Beyond the Ordinary™,” offers an exceptional experience, consistently exceeding expectations. They weave unique local encounters into each itinerary, providing exclusive access to authentic local sights not available to the public. Tauck’s fleet of nine ships exudes understated elegance, with tasteful chandeliers and neutral cabin colours.

Tauck’s vessels feature 22 suites per ship, the most for a European river ship of similar size. Each suite measures 300 square feet and includes a spacious balcony for breathtaking views. Tauck includes unexpected extras, described as “lagniappe,” offering unique experiences such as private dinners or concerts in historic venues. Tauck’s all-inclusive pricing covers shore excursions, gratuities, and premium beverages, ensuring a hassle-free luxury experience.

My stand-out feature: exceptional and unique excursions.

Uniworld:

Uniworld is recognised for its ultra-luxury river cruises and is the world’s most awarded river cruise line. Uniworld’s fleet of boutique ships is adorned with original artwork, antiques, and opulent hand-finished details in gold leaf. Their ships feature lavish suites, including some with four-poster beds. Uniworld’s distinguished service, provided by butlers trained at the Ivor Spencer Butler School, meets the standards required by Buckingham Palace.

Uniworld consistently delivers an extraordinary luxury experience across its fleet. Each ship is uniquely decorated to complement its location, with a strong emphasis on service and local culinary inspiration. Enrichment activities highlight the destination, and excursions are tailored for a unique experience. My two Uniworld river cruises have been marked by exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail. Uniworld also includes themed cruises like art and wine voyages, which offer specialized experiences and expert-led activities.

My stand-out feature: the staff are fantastic, and I also love the unique design of each ship.