What is the best river cruise for your trip?
The best river cruise depends on where you want to travel, how active or luxurious you want the experience to be, and what the fare includes. Compare destination, cruise line, itinerary length, ship and cabin style, excursions, dining, gratuities, accessibility, departure date, and total price before booking.
River cruises use smaller ships to travel inland waterways and place travelers close to historic cities, towns, cultural landmarks, and scenic countryside. Popular choices include the Rhine and Danube in Europe, the Nile in Egypt, the Mississippi in the United States, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Cruises.com lets you compare river cruise lines, destinations, inclusions, and deals in one place.
River cruises use smaller ships to travel inland waterways and place travelers close to historic cities, towns, cultural landmarks, and scenic countryside. Popular choices include the Rhine and Danube in Europe, the Nile in Egypt, the Mississippi in the United States, and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Cruises.com lets you compare river cruise lines, destinations, inclusions, and deals in one place.
How do you choose the right river cruise?
Start with the destination that interests you most. Then compare river cruise lines by itinerary length, ship size and style, cabin type, dining, included drinks and gratuities, shore excursions, activity level, accessibility, departure date, and total trip price.
What are the best river cruise lines?
The best river cruise line varies by traveler. The comparison below highlights who each line is best for, its standout features, and the regions it serves.
| Cruise line | Best for | What stands out | Popular river cruise regions | What's included? | Average price per person* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Viking River Cruises | First-time river cruisers and culture-focused travelers | Destination-rich itineraries, refined ships, and an included shore excursion in each port | Europe, Egypt, Asia, Mississippi River | Meals, Wi-Fi, one shore excursion per port, and beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. | $2,199 |
 AmaWaterways | Active travelers, food and wine lovers, and travelers who want excursion choice | Guided biking and hiking, wellness programming, and immersive dining experiences | Europe, Africa, Asia, South America | Meals, Wi-Fi, daily excursions, select drinks with meals, and a complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour. | $1,429 |
 Avalon Waterways | Travelers who prioritize spacious accommodations and flexibility | Panorama Suites, Open-Air Balconies, and multiple ways to explore ashore | Europe, Egypt, Asia, South America | Meals, Wi-Fi, daily excursions, select drinks with meals, and a complimentary evening Happy Hour. | $2,406 |
 Celebrity River Cruises | Celebrity loyalists, premium travelers, and ocean cruisers trying river cruising for the first time | A new premium river cruise experience designed to bring Celebrity’s modern ship style, elevated dining, and included experiences to Europe’s rivers | Danube and Rhine | Meals, Wi-Fi, select alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and one shore excursion per day. | $3,118 |
 Scenic River Cruises | Travelers seeking ultra-luxury and highly inclusive travel | All-inclusive luxury, exclusive experiences, and a choice of included excursions | Europe and Southeast Asia | Meals, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, gratuities, transfers, and butler service. | $4,595 |
 Uniworld River Cruises | Boutique-hotel lovers and travelers seeking a polished luxury experience | Destination-inspired ships, personalized service, premium inclusions, and curated excursions | Europe, Egypt, India, Southeast Asia, South America | Meals, unlimited premium beverages, Wi-Fi, guided shore excursions, and onboard gratuities. | $2,499 |
 American Cruise Lines | Travelers who want to explore the United States by small ship | U.S. river and coastal itineraries, regional cuisine, local history, and small-group experiences | Mississippi River, Columbia & Snake Rivers, New England, Alaska, Southeast U.S. | Meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, port charges, and at least one shore excursion in each port. | $3,420 |
*Average starting fares per person based on September 2026 Cruises.com booking data. Prices are subject to change.
What are the best river cruise destinations?
Europe is a popular choice for first-time river cruisers, while the Nile suits ancient-history trips, the Mississippi offers U.S. music and heritage itineraries, and Asia provides immersive long-haul journeys. Use the comparison below to match each region to your interests.
| Destination | Best for | What you can expect | Popular waterways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | First-time river cruisers, history lovers, wine lovers, and Christmas market travelers | Historic cities, castles, vineyards, museums, local cuisine, and easy access to multiple countries | Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Rhône, Moselle |
| Nile River | Travelers fascinated by ancient history and bucket-list landmarks | Ancient temples, archaeological sites, Egyptian culture, and optional Cairo land stays | Nile River |
| Mississippi River | Travelers who want a U.S. vacation rich in music, history, and regional cuisine | Southern cities, river towns, Civil War history, jazz and blues heritage, and heartland scenery | Upper, Lower, and Complete Mississippi River |
| Asia | Travelers seeking immersive culture and a more far-flung journey | Local markets, temples, rural villages, major cities, and cruise-tour combinations | Mekong, Ganges, Yangtze |
Why should you book a river cruise with Cruises.com?
Booking a river cruise requires more than choosing a destination. Compare cruise lines, itineraries, ship styles, cabin types, included amenities, shore excursions, departure dates, and current offers to understand the total value of each fare.
Cruises.com brings river cruise deals from leading cruise lines into one comparison experience. A Personal Cruise Advisor can help you evaluate sailings and book when you are ready. Your booking includes the advertised cruise-line offers plus eligible Cruises.com exclusive offers for added value and savings.
Members of Cruises.com Rewards can also earn benefits such as free onboard spending, cash back, and other perks with eligible bookings.
Cruises.com brings river cruise deals from leading cruise lines into one comparison experience. A Personal Cruise Advisor can help you evaluate sailings and book when you are ready. Your booking includes the advertised cruise-line offers plus eligible Cruises.com exclusive offers for added value and savings.
Members of Cruises.com Rewards can also earn benefits such as free onboard spending, cash back, and other perks with eligible bookings.
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