River Cruise Tours & Trips
Travel with ultimate luxury and class on a river cruise, no matter your budget. Indulge on your suite balcony with the finest Douro Valley wines, or dance your way through the rhythmic cities of the Mississippi. Unpack once and see many destinations with a river cruise—from the tropical villages of the Mekong to the Rhine Christmas markets and even a city that has deservedly been coined the “Pearl of the Danube.”
Best ways to cruise
From family-friendly ocean liners to small ship expeditions and romantic river cruises, there are many ways where an organized adventure on the waters creates an ideal vacation package.
What to expect on a River Cruise
Glide along Europe’s fairytale rivers
If you’ve ever been on a river cruise, you know exactly why so many people fall in love with this Adventure Style. Not only does it allow you to explore many destinations in one adventure, but it also promises a stress-free experience from start to finish. Visiting a mix of iconic cities and postcard-perfect villages, many river cruise itineraries in Europe are ideal for first-time cruisers and seasoned cruisers alike.
What customers think
Best River Cruises in Europe
- Cruising the Rhine River is an enchanting way to explore the heart of Europe. See Amsterdam's famous canals and flower markets, visit the picturesque town of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and discover Basel, a city that blends Swiss, German, and French...See More
- Sail down the Danube and enter the gateway to Eastern Europe. From here, you'll glide into Salzburg (for those who love The Sound of Music), Vienna (the city of waltzes) bustling Budapest. From there, you'll glide languidly into the heart of the impressive Wachau Valley.See More
- Start your adventure in Porto, the vibrant city where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy wine tastings and gourmet meals at local quintas (wine estates) in Pinhão, and visit the enchanting Mateus Palace near Vila Real, an 18th-century baroque manor surrounded by beautifully...See More
- Taste the finest wines in Burgundy, experience the charming lavender fields of Provence, and wander through ancient Roman ruins in Arles. A Rhone River cruise provides a unique glimpse into France's diverse heritage and beauty.See More
- Winding through Germany's picturesque regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the Main River offers astounding natural scenery for those who explore it on a river cruise. Visit iconic castles, savor traditional Bavarian and Swabian dishes, and tour renowned vineyards along the riverbanksSee More
- Cruise the Moselle River and enjoy verdant landscapes and visit picturesque towns such as Trier and explore its architectural masterpieces like the Porta Nigra, imperial amphitheater and baths, and cathedrals.See More
Popular River Cruises around the world
Africa
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Best River Cruise experiences
All good river cruise itineraries come with on-land excursions (or at least the option to add them). We’ve hand-picked our top river cruise excursions and experiences you must add to your itinerary.
Complete luxury, no matter your budget
For those who like to enjoy the finer things—like spacious suites, a butler service, champagne on arrival, and more—we have a collection of luxury river cruises that are sure to please.
Onboard accommodation
Staterooms vary from ship to ship, but one thing is certain, it’s guaranteed to be your home away from home for a few days. Let’s get acquainted with some staterooms and suites that might be on your ship.
Your River Cruise trips questions, answered
When will I receive my travel documents?
You can expect to receive your travel documents approximately 3-4 weeks prior to departure once you have paid for your cruise. Your documents usually include eTicket receipts, itineraries, and other essential information for your adventure.
Are shore excursions and meals included?
Most cruises on TourRadar include breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on board, with the exception of only a few operators. Depending on your river cruise operator, shore excursions may be included in the cost of your adventure. Please contact your TourRadar Cruise Consultant for a full list of inclusions.
When and where do I board the ship?
All embarkation details are included within your final travel documents. Typically boarding starts at 3:00 pm to allow the crew enough time to prepare your stateroom and get the ship ready for your cruise. Weather, water levels, and ship scheduling can influence the final docking location for your ship, so please wait until you receive your final travel documents before you arrange flights or accommodations.
Are transfers to and from the port included?
Some river cruise operators include complimentary arrival and departure transfers within your total tour cost. If transfers are not included, please contact your TourRadar Cruise Consultant to purchase airport transfers.
What facilities will be in my room?
Most staterooms feature a good-sized bed, towels, hairdryers, a writing desk, charging ports, and ample storage space. Some ships also have laundry facilities onboard for an extra charge. Of course, these can vary from room to room and ship to ship, so please check out the Ship Details on your adventure—or contact your TourRadar Cruise Consultant—to see the full list of inclusions.
Can I take a wheelchair onboard?
Some ships are unable to accommodate travelers in wheelchairs due to difficulties with embarking and disembarking the ship, no onboard elevators, and narrow doorways on board. For travelers who use a collapsible wheelchair, they must be stored in the stateroom, which can sometimes be a tight squeeze. Please contact your TourRadar Cruise Consultant for more information.
Can I board the ship early?
If the ship is already docked, many river cruise companies will allow you to store your luggage onboard prior to embarkation, allowing you to explore your embarkation destination before you begin your cruise. As the crew needs to get the ship ready for your cruise, travelers are unable to stay on the ship during this time and need to wait until the embarkation time to board the ship.
Can I cruise as a solo traveler?
Yes, absolutely! However, please keep in mind that ship cabins and staterooms are designed for double occupancy and do not offer the option to share with another solo traveler, so generally, a mandatory single supplement is required. The only exception is a cruise with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, as they pair solo travelers together on their river cruises. See adventures with no single supplements
Ask a TourRadar Cruise Consultant
Our dedicated Cruise Consultants are delighted to answer any questions you may have about cruises, pre-cruise preparations, onboard expectations and beyond. To reserve a place on your next cruise, simply submit an enquiry on the cruise of interest or contact our team today.
Best companies for River Cruises
Much loved by our past travelers, these river cruise operators know how to craft the perfect cruising adventure.
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