Rhine River Cruises
Did you know that there are more than 40 medieval castles and fortresses along the Rhine Gorge?. Sail down the mighty Rhine in total comfort, enjoying some of the best locations as you go. Head to Cologne and visit the iconic cathedral, try local wines in Rüdesheim, and simply gaze in awe at the sights around you. This river is legendary, and your trip will be, too.
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Mick • traveled in October, 2025
The boat was well fitted-out and its smaller size gave it an intimate feel. Unfortunately the boat often docked away from city centres and sometimes away from easy access to public transport, so having a shuttle bus option would have been a good idea. The food was excellent and the staff were all very friendly. The walking tour groups were too big, except in Amsterdam where government regulations limits tour groups to 15 persons. The boat's bar was welcoming and laid-back with comfy sink-into sofas, however it was disappointing that the free-drinks package was limited to only "house" beer and wines.
UNDISCOVERED NETHERLANDS, Cologne - Amsterdam - Cologne, MS Vista Rio - J
Joanna • traveled in September, 2025
Service and food were very good. The tour guide is good, information in English is a bit "scattered" because she speaks more in Spanish to most of the group. She is polite and communicate well.
SPECTACULAR RHINE, Cologne – Strasbourg-Basel – Cologne - A
Andrew • traveled in April
Helpful responsive staff
Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2026 (6 destinations)
Traveler Photos & Videos from Rhine Cruises
UNDISCOVERED NETHERLANDS, Cologne - Amsterdam - Cologne, MS Vista Rio
ROGER
CWColin
LEGENDS OF RHINE (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS River Diamond 5*
New year in Holland and the romantic Rhine (port-to-port cruise)Michele
CSChristobel
SPECTACULAR RHINE, Cologne – Strasbourg-Basel – Cologne
PKPaul
The romantic Rhine Valley and the rock of the Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)
ERElaine
From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
DANUBE “BELGRADE EXPRESS” (Belgrade - Vienna), MS RIVER SAPPHIREBrian
Christmas markets cruise MS AlbertinaJesmond
SHShane
From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River
MMmichael
Rhine Enchanting Christmas Markets 2026
Rhine Getaway Amsterdam to BaselYasmine
Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024Gail
LLindaShah
Magnificent Europe 2025
SHsabine
Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2024)
Table of contents
- The best Rhine cruises
- Travel Rhine your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Rhine Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Rhine tours for every budget
- Rhine tours for every type of group
- Top Rhine travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Rhine travel experts
- What our customers ask about Rhine River Cruises
The best Rhine cruises
Compiled by
MelissaRhine travel expert at TourRadar
UNDISCOVERED NETHERLANDS, Cologne - Amsterdam - Cologne, MS Vista Rio
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic Service all round.”
Joseph, traveled in May
The scenic route takes you through Amsterdam's canals, Cologne's Gothic Cathedral, and Strasbourg's La Petite France district. The UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley unfolds with stops at medieval Koblenz and wine-rich Rüdesheim. MS Crucevita offers elegant 12.3m² cabins, with an all-day drinks package and three daily meals.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Ships MS CrucevitaMS Vista Rio River Rhine Operator Crucemundo From $2,176
20% Off- US$1,741+$88 upfront costsYou save $435
SPECTACULAR RHINE, Cologne – Strasbourg-Basel – Cologne
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Cabin was great. Cruise was great.. included a day of sightseeing whilst cruising.”
Sharon, traveled in May
The elegant MS Crucevita welcomes passengers to French balcony cabins on the Promenade deck. Local specialties await at 3 daily meals, while Heidelberg Castle ruins and Rudesheim's vineyards beckon. Includes welcome cocktails, 24-hour coffee station, and nightly entertainment for approx. $210 per day with optional WiFi and excursion packages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Ships MS CrucevitaMS Vista GraciaMS Vista Rio River Rhine Operator Crucemundo From $2,176
20% Off- US$1,741+$88 upfront costsYou save $435
Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2026 (6 destinations)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Helpful responsive staff.”
Andrew, traveled in April
A-ROSA SENA offers harbor tours in Rotterdam and Antwerp, plus extended Amsterdam stays. Luxurious 21m² balcony cabins, SPA-ROSA facilities, and comprehensive dining with live-cooking stations create an ideal setting between historic sites and modern cities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA SENA River Rhine Operator A-ROSA From
20% Off- US$1,881
Southern Rhine Experience 2026
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Outstanding service, clean spaces, good food. Just incredible for the price.”
Victoria, traveled in April
A-ROSA SILVA takes guests along the Rhine to UNESCO-listed Speyer Cathedral and Cologne's Gothic masterpiece. The route includes Loreley Valley's dramatic landscapes, Rüdesheim's historic Drosselgasse, and Koblenz's Deutsches Eck, with meals and e-bikes included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA SILVA River Rhine Operator A-ROSA From
20% Off- US$1,706
Family Club - The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Rock of Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great tour of the best part of the Rhine. Highly recommended.”
David, traveled in October
Premium ships MS Beethoven and MS Lafayette offer panoramic cabins and French balconies. The route passes Stolzenfels Castle, Rudesheim's wine taverns, and the Lorelei Rock. All-inclusive dining features regional wines, approx. $200 per day.
Duration 5 days Destinations Germany, Switzerland, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Ships MS Gerard SchmitterMS La BohèmeMS Monet River Rhine Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
20% Off- US$1,264
Cruise Rhine River aboard luxury Scenic Ruby, visiting UNESCO sites and medieval towns. Highlights include Marksburg Castle, Rudesheim's wine country, and Koblenz's fortress. Features butler service, gourmet dining, and expert-guided excursions along historic waterways.
Duration 15 days Destinations Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Ship Scenic Ruby River Rhine Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $16,990
62% Off- US$6,495You save $10,495
Castle-view staterooms aboard AmaLea or AmaStella frame the Rhine's stunning vistas. The Rhine Gorge presents 40 castles, while exclusive access to Burg Lahneck Castle and wine tastings in Rüdesheim's vineyards round out this premium voyage.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 12+ Ships AmaLeaAmaStella River Rhine Operator AmaWaterways From
62% Off- US$6,999+$490 upfront costs
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands, England Age Range Ages 12+ River Rhine Operator Emerald Cruises From $11,815
44% Off- US$6,670You save $5,145
An 11-day voyage from Basel to Munich costs around $5,600 aboard Avalon Tranquility II. The itinerary features Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral, the Rhine Gorge, and Neuschwanstein Castle. Luxury Panorama Suites with Open-Air balconies complement regional cuisine with included wines.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France Age Range Ages 8+ River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
44% Off- US$5,678+$264 upfront costs
Duration 29 days Destinations Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Ships Scenic Jade Scenic Pearl River RhineMoselle Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $21,361
20% Off- US$17,011You save $4,350
Travel Rhine your way
Best tour companies
Based on feedback from our Rhine cruise travelers, AmaWaterways stands out for going above and beyond with their service - they've really mastered the art of luxury river cruising. Our guests particularly appreciate how the staff anticipates needs before they even arise.Crucemundo delivers solid value with comfortable cabins and satisfying meals, and cruise directors Marina and Jessica get mentioned often in guest reviews for solving problems quickly. Though the drink package could use some adjustments and meal timing isn't always ideal, these are minor points in an otherwise smooth experience.If you're interested in seeing the Rhine from a different angle, Luftner Company excels at thoughtful itinerary planning. Their crew consistently receives praise for creating a welcoming atmosphere while keeping everything running like clockwork.Emerald Cruises rounds out the options with their modern Star-Ships and well-organized shore excursions. The tours hit all the right spots, though our non-German speaking passengers sometimes mention feeling a bit disconnected from the full cultural experience. Still, their contemporary approach to river cruising appeals to travelers who prefer updated amenities and fresh perspectives on classic routes.
Popular Rhine Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Amsterdam tops our departure city list - we've got 36 different cruise options starting there. You can also begin your journey from Cologne, Basel and also Strasbourg, each offering 13-15 departure choices. Based on what works best for our travelers, booking about 3 months ahead (94 days to be exact) gives you the widest choice of cabins and early booking benefits. Many of our guests swear by the French balcony cabins for watching medieval towns and castles drift by. While summer brings perfect weather conditions, we see lots of happy travelers in spring when flowers line the riverbanks, or during December when Christmas markets light up historic squares with their seasonal charm.
Discover Rhine tours for every budget
Rhine tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Rhine travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers259 tours- Couples287 tours
- Seniors (50+)260 tours
Best time to visit
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings something special to the Rhine, particularly in December when Christmas markets fill the historic squares. The Dusseldorf round-trip route on MS Crucevita takes you to festive markets in Koblenz, Rudesheim and also Mainz. Our guests tell us how much they love wandering from the ship right into these easy-to-find markets, with the boat's seasonal decorations adding just the right touch to the experience. There's also a popular route through Vienna, Budapest and also Bratislava, where traditional markets pop up against beautiful baroque buildings. The crews make winter trips extra welcoming - they're known for adding thoughtful festive details that turn cold-weather sailing into something really memorable.
- December 2026 popular 67 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring sets up perfect conditions for Rhine cruising, especially when Dutch tulip fields burst into color. The Amsterdam-based Tulip Serenade aboard AMADEUS Riva lets you mix city visits with time at Keukenhof Gardens while millions of bulbs bloom. Our travelers particularly enjoy combining cultural stops in medieval Ghent and Bruges with countryside bike rides past windmills and also canals. The Basel to Amsterdam route shows off riverbanks dotted with wildflowers, plus you'll get to explore Strasbourg's cathedral and walk through the Black Forest as it wakes up for spring. The mild temperatures work perfectly for active outings - think guided cycling through Cologne or hiking above Rudesheim's vineyards.
- March 2026 42 tours
- April 2026 52 tours
- May 2026 popular 77 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer along the Rhine means long daylight hours that make scenic cruising through the gorge especially good. The Basel to Amsterdam routes get lots of praise for their outdoor dining spots and open-air viewing areas - just right for watching castles go by on warm evenings. Active options really shine in summer, with cycling tours, vineyard walks and also gondola rides above the river. MS Crucevita's summer sailings earn great feedback, especially for stops in Koblenz, Rudesheim and also Strasbourg. The crews set up fantastic outdoor activities, from deck barbecues to evening shows under the stars while docked in small wine towns.
- June 2026 75 tours
- July 2026 67 tours
- August 2026 popular 78 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall turns the Rhine Valley golden and red, making it prime time for cruises between Amsterdam and Basel in either direction. The vineyard hillsides change color beautifully, setting up perfect wine-focused trips through the Rhine Gorge. Our guests particularly like autumn cruises with wine tastings in Rudesheim - you can try local Rieslings while watching the grape harvest in nearby vineyards. Cool temperatures make it just right for getting active - you might hike Heidelberg's Philosopher's Path or cycle through Strasbourg's old town without summer crowds. When evening comes, entertainment moves inside, often with local musicians joining while ships dock in riverside towns.
- September 2026 68 tours
- October 2026 popular 74 tours
- 64 tours
Contact our Rhine travel experts
Joachim
Expert in Rhine at TourRadar
Joachim is one of our seasoned Rhine Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Rhine tours answered!
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Rhine River Cruises
What's Different About Rhine River Cruises vs Ocean Ones?
You'll find Rhine cruises are way more intimate with smaller ships that typically take around 150-200 passengers nothing like those massive ocean liners. These journeys really get you into the heart of Europe docking right in those charming historic towns that big ships just can't reach. Take the Classical Rhine Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam for example you'll wind through France Germany Switzerland and the Netherlands getting a real feel for each place.
When Should You Plan Your Rhine River Cruise?
Spring's really lovely especially April and May when everything's blooming and the weather's just right perfect timing to catch the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. The Tulip Serenade cruise on AMADEUS Riva is actually designed around this whole experience. Summer gives you those warm days that are great for hiking through vineyards or cycling along the river while fall shows off amazing colors and harvest festivals. Winter's pretty special too when all those riverside towns light up with Christmas markets there's this really nice budget-friendly cruise called A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace that's worth checking out.
Which Places Along the Rhine Are UNESCO Heritage Sites?
The Rhine Gorge's probably the most famous one running from Bingen to Koblenz it's got these dramatic cliffs terraced vineyards and would you believe over 40 castles. You'll see it all on AmaWaterways' Captivating Rhine Christmas Cruise they're known for amazing food too. Then there's Speyer Cathedral this incredible Romanesque church in Germany and Strasbourg's La Petite France district with all its pretty canals both UNESCO sites you'll catch on lots of cruises like the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps tour.
What Can You Actually Do on These Cruises Besides Sightseeing?
There's actually quite a lot going on you can hike through Rudesheim's vineyards cycle along the Neckar River or explore Amsterdam by bike. Food lovers get plenty of chances to taste local wines in Rudesheim or join food tours in Cologne. Some trips even let you try making traditional butter in the Black Forest which is pretty cool especially on tours like the Romantic Rhine with Lucerne stay.
What Other Companies Besides Viking Run Rhine Cruises?
AmaWaterways is really popular with TourRadar travelers they're known for luxury ships and fantastic food just look at their Captivating Rhine Christmas Cruise. Uniworld does these really stylish trips with really personal service while Emerald Cruises gives you good value with both included stuff and optional activities their Majestic Rhine tour is great for families. Crucemundo's interesting because they do multilingual cruises that work for different nationalities their Treasures of the Rhine cruise on MS Crucevita gets lots of couples and seniors.