6 Best European River Cruise Lines. Which One Is Right For You?
What are the best European river cruise lines? I discuss the 6, based on my numerous river cruises through Europe that I recommend that you consider for your first or next river cruise in Europe. I review and discuss lines ranging from premium to more value, and those in between. These are the 6 best river cruise lines to consider. Which one sounds right and best for you?
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Gary Bembridge’s Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.
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No scenic ?
Well, as a cruiser, my primary interests are destinations, cost, language onboard, rooms, food and destinations.
What is not in my top ten interests are ‘wellness coaches’, activities and bicycle availability, which seemed to be more the focus of this video.
Take this for what it is worth.
Don’t you think Avalon is better than 4 star? I would have put Viking at 4 star and Avalon higher
This videos describes the difference between cruise lines.
Thanks forthe review, Gary! I’m glad you haven’t included nicko cruises. We attended two river cruises with them. Never again.
Tips For Travellers?
Yet another waste of time from yet another shaved head’s gonna’ give us the lowdown on something it knows little about.
Gad, these nightmares are a perfect plague of boors no sane person cares to ever know.
I’m seeking advice regarding the level of "stuffiness," formality, dress wear, etc., on the different river cruise lines. Some of the videos I’ve seen (Tauck, in particular) depict a very formal experience that seems to be 24/7. We are looking for a high-quality experience without the expectation of formality, if possible.
Fantastic and educational video as always, than you so much! I wish that all Youtube informational videos are as good as yours.
do you have a recommendation for a cruise ship that targets the GLBTQ plus community? 0:06
We have taken 6 of these river cruises. One warning with this video is tat I fear he shows you the highly upgraded rooms and doesn’t mention the costs. We have exclusively traveled on Grand Circle Cruise Lines, a company out of Boston. We usually book the upper level rooms with a balcony. They can range from $200 to $500 additional to the basic costs. The rooms are not spacious as you see on this video but they are comfortable and we figure we only spend our sleeping hours and maybe an extra one or two hours a day in them. Viking might be a bit more upscale but many of their cruises are 8 days whereas most Grand Circle cruises are 14 days or longer for the same costs. We would rate Grand Circle trips in the 4 star category. Do yourself a favor when you plan a river cruise and check out Grand Circle Cruise lines and compare. No….we are not employees of this company, we just know that they completely satisfy our needs for an economical and fun relaxing trip.
Thanks for this, I did not know about CoisiEurope. Just a note: Canadians are also big on cruising Europes rivers, so please do not lump us in with our neighbours to the south. Cheers.
Note that country centric vessels, where the focus may be on the local language, it may not be 100%. For instance, we often travel with Niko Cruises, a German-based line,. The serving staff often ask that we speak English, as their German was even worse than ours. Germans are very frugal, and we find great bang for the buck, but it is not a "luxury" service, which are largely priced out of our budget.
dancing on board?
We’ve cruised with both Viking and Avalon, and both are great. We prefer Avalon for their cabins, and their slightly smaller, more intimate ships.
I definitely don’t need 6 star, couldn’t afford it and I’m not fancy like that. Thank you for including mid level prices with the 4s… or at least sound more mid level
What about Grand Circle Cruise Lines?
One thing you didn’t mention was when boats are docked next to each other, climbing stairs and crossing over to the boat nearest land can be a big problem for the disabled.
I would like to know how much these tours are and for how long. You don’t mention that.
I see Viking listed constantly and I agree, they must spend a lot of $$ on Advertising. TV ads, and mailers at least once a month. My question: What do you think is the average age of most Viking cruisers? My friend and I are in our early 70s, super healthy and active. We would be interested in day excursions that offer more than just visiting a cathedral or castle. Also, some evening entertainment…I’m a night owl.
Regarding gratuities, it is 20 + eur/ day, or 300 eur per couple, 7 day cruuse. A norm. Cabin steward another 300.
Gary – have you updated this video at all? It’s 4 years old now and I’m just wondering if you’re thoughts on the different companies has changed in that time? We’re actively looking at a river cruise for 2025/6
Fantastic breakdown of perks, downsides, and cultures. I’ll seek a river cruise accordingly!
Truck cruise
Let the suckers continue to pay entirely too much for Viking — keeps ’em off the better lines, where’d they’d just Karen the crew and non-English-speaking passengers mercilessly.
Just come back from a Danube cruise with AmaWaerways. It was fantastic. The owner came on board for a few days and spoke to us all and went on excursions as well
QUESTION Hi Gary, have you ever done a Disney Cruise? Thx Richard
Thanks Gary–great summary review! Have you done a deeper dive comparing Avalon/Emerald/Viking? Can’t really afford Uniworld/Scenic, but we just did the Rhine with Viking in November (and enjoyed it quite much), but want to do the Danube next year and are trying to figure out if a step-up will be worth it to us. We’re both around 50 and quite active (seemed like the average age on our Viking Rhine cruise was maybe closer to 70?), and are looking for a notch higher than what we experienced with Viking in terms of service, active excursions, cuisine, etc.–thanks!
Who has the best beds? Good sleep makes all the difference for me.
I would add 1 more … Scenic the only ALL inclusive that I am aware of 😊
@tipsfortravellers Gary, any tips and recommendations for a group of 3 couples and the best Christmas Market river cruise in December?
I cruised the Danube with AMA WATERWAYS. I would highly recommend.
I realise that this is somewhat later, but currently on a Douro cruise with Emerald waterways whom I would not have considered before watching this assessment of the better river cruise lines. Thank you Gary! Okay the river is too high for the cruise to continue up river, but all the stops are being pulled out to ensure that we still have a fulfilling and exciting journey. As such I would highly recommend Emerald Waterways as a cruise line. Would definitely book with them again. Food is excellent (too good 😂), cabins really comfortable and staff cheerful and welcoming
Hi Gary, Just booked my 5th CroisiEurope trip all have been fabulous and good value and high quality. Having spoken to many other river travellers Viking not so good, Emerald to much cost etc etc so it Croisi for me see my videos on my trips. Gerry Kidd.
All inclusive doesn’t always include transfers and tips and liquor at non meal times and excursions. Cheaper price up front means you are likely going to be paying added fees once you’re on board. Uniworld really does include everything!
Interesting comparison. It seems your best bet is with the last one, if you characters care about what you eat, the only one that will give you wonderful FRENCH CUISINE and not any more god damned Sandwiches US passengers are so used to (But can also have at home, without spending an arm and a leg for that crap!)
Have you tried, or heard of, Riviera Cruises? Condé Nast travel ranked them very high for solo travelers. Curious to get your perspective. Thanks!
Yes river levels are crucial. We got stranded in Germany. Never go again.
Gary, thank you for all the tips and other information. You keep everything clear and concise, which is so helpful. My husband and I are planning our first European river cruise, probably Danube though not sure yet. He is somewhat reluctant as he feels we are "too old " to take advantage of the excursions (ages 75 and 77). We neither of us have trouble with walking or balance, etc., so I say "go for it" (as do many of our younger relatives and friends, who know us well). We can sit out a day or two if we want/need to.
Which cruise is more for seniors?
Uniworld La Venezia was the one that I picked they do a full Venetian cruise.
Did I miss any comment on which lines are most accommodating too the single ( older male) excursionist?
What an incomplete analysis. By my experience Tauck is the best and you didn’t even cover them.
I have heard scenic offers a wider range of excursions for different levels of mobility, and is also 6*…first timers here…what do you think?
We were on viking, and the beds are absolutely the most uncomfortable anywhere in the world
Is there one for lazy people who want to wander around by themselves at the ports and have good food?
No mention of Grand Circle , the company for older travelers. Have much better programs with directors who live in the areas they serve. More people to people experiences.. Have made 12 tours with them and their sister Overseas Adventure Travel.
The contact section on Viking website is simply idiotic and doesn’t work. I have excellent IT experience since 1982. Can they not design a functional website? It rejects my email address, phone number, country and address.
First Time river cruisers, like a little more active experience, which company would you suggest. We looked at Emerald and Viking. Between those two which would you suggest, if not these what company? Looking for a reasonable cost too
Q: Book them via their pages or agents/travel companies?
Gary, glad I discovered your blog. I’m enjoying learning about River cruises from you, very detailed information. 👌