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Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons 2024-2025

How to Find the best European river cruise Lines

By Hank Schrader -- Accredited Cruise Counselor Europe River Cruise Expert & European Destination Specialist


Overview

All river cruises are very good values & special trips.

There is no official rankings of the best European river cruise lines & many have won awards from various travel organizations.

These are my personal ratings & should be considered as such.

My ratings are based on sailing 18 river cruises, selling river cruises to clients; personal research & attending numerous webinars by these individual companies; earning specialist designations from individual river cruise companies; and ratings from The Berlitz River Cruising in Europe & the USA Guide.


7 Main River Cruise Companies for the US Market

  1. AMAWaterways—“Leading the Way in River Cruising”

  2. Avalon-- “Comfortably upscale... more- spacious-than-average-cabins.”

  3. Emerald—sometimes refers to itself as the next generation of river cruising

  4. Scenic “5-star, all-inclusive luxury river cruises throughout Europe and Asia”

  5. Tauck—“ Never Settle for Ordinary”

  6. Uniworld-- “The world's only authentic boutique cruise line”

  7. Viking– “Exploring the world in comfort”


 
ama-waterways-logo.jpg

AmaWaterways

AMAWATERWAY’S dream is to provide the most exceptional river cruise experience possible. They believe they achieve this by:

  • Providing custom-designed ships

  • Providing the Premium Experience

  • Being the only River Cruise Line inducted into the Chaînes Des Rôtisseurs, the oldest & largest food & wine society in the world—most observers feel they have the best food & wine in Europe River Cruising

  • Small group Excursions led by expert local guides

  • Providing Complimentary Limited Edition Tours

  • Complimentary Bicycles & guided bicycle excursions

AmaWaterways AmaCerto

AmaWaterways AmaCerto


 
avalon-waterways-logo.jpg

Avalon Waterways

Avalon has two goals in their approach to river cruising.

  • First, they believe their clients deserve more choices and they follow through with a long list of options that can be added for an extra fee.

  • Second, they want to be known as the “floating room with a view”—most cabins have floor to ceiling windows that open up.

Avalon Impression

Avalon Impression


 
 
emerald-waterways-logo.jpg

Emerald Waterways

Emerald Waterways features include:

  • Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks at lunch and dinner; all on board meals; balcony cabins on the upper 2 decks; bikes (without electronic assisted feature); & complimentary Wi-Fi.

  • As with most river cruise lines, there are included tours in every sailing.

  • They also have an EmeraldPLUS no addition cost tours to enhance the standard offerings. There are also Discover More tour options that cost extra and require a minimum number of passengers.

  • Gratuities are included in the basic cruise fare.

  • The long ships (135 meters or 443 feet) carry 182 passengers.

Emerald Sun

Emerald Sun


 
scenic-cruises-logo.jpg

Scenic Cruises

Scenic cruise line features:

  • your own butler (services vary by stateroom category)

  • complimentary beverages all day, every day; six dining options

  • the Tailormade GPS device

  • balcony suites on the 2 upper decks electronically assisted bikes

  • complimentary Wi-Fi; laundry and airport transfers.

  • There are no extra charges for tours or gratuities but massages and the hairdresser are extra charges.

  • The long ships (135 meters or 443 feet) carry 167 passengers.

Scenic Opal

Scenic Opal


 
tauck-river-cruising-logo.jpg

Tauck River Cruise

4 Cornerstones of Tauck River Cruising

  • Uncommon Access to included shore excursions

  • All-inclusive Value

  • Personalized Cruising from 4 on-board Tauck tour staff

  • Intimate Club-like atmosphere

Tauck Treasures

Tauck Treasures


 
uniworls-river-cruise-specialist-logo.jpg

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise

Uniworld is the world’s only authentic boutique river cruise line

  • All-inclusive

  • one-of-a-kind ships—operates 13 in Europe--each is different

  • stylish décor

  • thoughtful personal touches

  • welcoming ambiance

  • superb cuisine

  • gracious service

Uniworld River Royale

Uniworld River Royale



 
viking-river-cruises-logo.jpg

Viking Cruises

Viking provides good itineraries—a great value.

A Viking journey includes:

  • ExceptionalAccommodations

  • AttentiveService

  • Enriching Daily Shore Excursions

  • Engaging Cultural Enrichment

  • All Onboard Meals

  • Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner

  • Free onboard internet service

  • Has 63 ships deployed in Europe by my count. 53 are longships (135 m or 443 ft) & carry 190 passengers.

  • Has over 25 % of all river cruises ships in Europe.

  • Heavy advertising campaign—brand is most well known river cruise company.

Viking Jarl

Viking Jarl


 

What to Consider When Comparing River Cruise Companies

  • Number of on board passengers

  • Quality of the vessels

  • Accommodations

  • Cuisine

  • Service

  • Shore excursions

  • Extras

  • Cost—are you getting the value for your money?

 

How Many River Ships in Europe?

How Many Passengers?


the Giant on the Danube—the AmaMagna

  • Launched in May 2019, the AmaMagna, is a double wide vessel, & carries 196 passengers.

  • It has expanded on board facilities—4 restaurants (included) 5 bars, 2 massage rooms, and a water sports platform.

  • It can only sail on portions of the Danube, as their extra width does not allow it to use some of the locks on the Danube River

Staterooms Size/Views on the AmaMagna

•Since this ship is so unique, here is the size and number of 96 staterooms by category for comparison purposes:

•1 Owners Suite 710 sq feet with balcony

•6 Grand Suites 474 sq feet with balconies

•46 Suites Category SA & SB 355 sq feet with balconies

•34 Category AA & AB 252 sq feet with balconies

•11 Category D & E 205 sq feet with fixed windows

photograph of the AmaMagna, a 196 passenger river cruise boat that travels on the Danube river

Quality of Vessels

Three examples of European river boats in port - Best European River Cruise Lines - Comparison - 2020-2021

Designing & putting new river cruise ships on Europe’s rivers is a constant source of competition between companies.

There are many different approaches.

The Berlitz guide evaluates riverships by 5 criteria. They are Hardware; Accommodations; Cuisine; Service and Miscellaneous. It is probably as objective a rating system as currently available to potential river cruisers.

We use his evaluations in our rating system by using the top rated ship from each line.

 

Overall Ratings by Douglas Ward River Cruising in Europe & the USA


River Ship Size

There are basically 2 sizes of river cruise ships. River cruise ships have some limitations in width & height. To fit under bridges, they generally have only 3 decks (not counting the sun deck which is basically a roof).

  • All are generally 38 ft wide but the AmaMagna is the only double wide ship.

  • The big difference is their length. The two types are: Longships are 443 ft (135 m) & 360 ft ships, known as 110 m Class Ships.

  • How the limited space is used on the vessel is an important factor in your choice of which company to use.

Why is river ship length important?

  • One of the real subtle differences in river cruising is what the cruise line has on board their ships.

  • For accommodations, this includes # of passenger cabins, what is in the cabin & views from the cabin.

  • Unlike Ocean Cruising, there are no inside cabins, but there is a significant difference in window size & balconies.

  • On board facilities & equipment is another factor that should be considered.

 
 

Stateroom Size/Views Longships

Chart of the stateroom sizes on Longships - 2020-2021 European River Cruise Comparison - Dream Destinations
 

Stateroom Size/Views 110 m Class

Stateroom size and views chart for 110M class European River Cruise ships - 2020-2021 European River Cruise Comparison - Dream Destinations
 

Longship Onboard Features


Hardware Ratings by Berlitz

The next slide needs a little explanation. Hardware includes the condition and maintenance of the vessel, its age, and public areas. It also includes floor & wall coverings, passageways and stairwells. The last item evaluated is pools (or lack of them), and lifts (elevators—or lack of them).


Accommodations

(Ratings from Berlitz River Cruising In Europe & the USA)


Cuisine

Cuisine & Beverages

(Ratings from Berlitz River Cruising In Europe 2016-17)

 

Service

(Ratings from Berlitz River Cruising In Europe Guide 2016-2017)


Shore Excursions

Screenshot 2019-01-20 16.20.53.png

Ownership

Screenshot 2019-01-20 16.22.32.png

Extras


Comparing Prices

Comparing prices is difficult at best.

In our 2016 guide, I was able to make a price comparisons, but river cruise companies have recently added so many add-ons and seasonal price points, that these comparisons are no longer accurate or meaningful.

Also, some companies are not actually publishing fare prices and require their guests to call.

The best we can do now is to advise of what is included in the fare.

Here is a price range (all 8 cruise lines) for a balcony cabin in August 2019--$3,880 to $5,769 per person for a 7 day Danube cruise (based on my personal research for a client).

 

What is included in the fare?

 
ama-waterways-logo.jpg

AmaWaterways

  • Fine dining—all meals are first class

  • Chef ’s Table—an intimate dining alternative that features delicious dishes

  • Complimentary, high-quality unlimited red & white wine with lunch & dinner, or beer, or soft drinks.

  • City tours at all stops, limited edition tours & bicycle trips, all led by qualified, local guides. All excursions tailored to guest’s walking pace.

  • Impeccable service—guests are treated like family

  • Great onboard entertainment

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Fleet of onboard bikes/wellness instructor

 
 
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Avalon

  • Choice of spacious outside staterooms with plenty of room to relax (price varies).

  • Special touches, like regional wines and beer at every onboard dinner.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access

  • Good shore excursions, led by Certified Local Guides

  • VIP entrance into the must-see sites.

  • Unique Local lectures designed to bring your destination to life.

  • Expansive panoramic views throughout the ship – included—bed faces window.

 
 
emerald-waterways-logo.jpg

Emerald

  • All meals

  • Carefully selected wine, beer & soft drinks at lunch & dinner

  • An included shore excursion in each port using local guides

  • Bikes on board for daily use

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard

  • Airport transfers to & from ship

  • All gratuities

  • Port charges

 
 
scenic-cruises-logo.jpg

Scenic

  • Most guests will never buy anything extra—it’s all included except massage & hairdresser or gift shop

  • Your own butler (services vary)

  • Complimentary beverages all day, every day. Mini bar in room.

  • Six dining options (some are limited to higher paying guests)

  • Exclusive Tailor made GPS for self guided tours

  • Electronically assisted bikes

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Airport transfers

  • All tours

 
 
tauck-river-cruising-logo.jpg

Tauck

  • Virtually every river cruise expense is included in one upfront price

  • All shore excursions

  • Unlimited complimentary beverages onboard (including all liquor—even stocked mini bar in stateroom)

  • All meals

  • Crew Gratuities

  • Pre/Post stays depending upon itinerary

  • There are no little extras to pay for, no hidden expenses, no options sold.

 
 
uniworld-river-cruise-specialist-logo.jpg

Uniworld

  • All gratuities onboard and onshore

  • All meals onboard

  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including extensive selection of distinctive wines, craft beers, spirits, soft drinks, specialty teas and coffees

  • Carefully crafted shore excursions—many exclusive to Uniworld—hosted by English-speaking local experts with options to personalize

  • All scheduled airport transfers

  • All entertainment & cultural enrichment programs onboard

  • Internet and Wi-Fi access onboard

 
 
viking-river-cruises-logo.jpg

Viking

  • Choice of staterooms, including Suites, Junior Suites and Staterooms with verandas and French balconies & window cabins (price varies).

  • Complimentary internet service

  • In-room Infotainment system

  • Complimentary beer, wine & soft drinks served at lunch & dinner

  • Daily shore excursion - led by friendly, knowledgeable local guides utilizing a high- tech audio headset system.

  • Cultural enrichment - itinerary includes informative talks, performances, hands-on cooking and craft demonstrations.

  • All onboard meals - the exquisite cuisine created by Swiss-trained chefs, features fresh ingredients and regional specialty options.


My Personal River Cruise Line Ratings

 

AmaWaterways

Advantages

  • Best food & fine regional wines that change daily—added free cocktail hour—included Chef’s Table

  • Best Active line—added wellness instructor

  • Good tours—usually 3 groups & at least 2 options—sometimes more

  • Crew becomes your friends—service is excellent & consistently high standards

  • Slow, steady growth—new ships have high staff standards

  • Owners hands on—they read every critique—always improving

  • Great Cruise Managers go the extra mile for your trip

  • Great Partners with Backroads (bike touring) & Disney

  • Only cruise line fully Green Certified in Europe

Disadvantages

  • No gratuities included in price

  • If food & wine are not of high importance, price may be considered too high by some.

  • Double Wide AmaMagna can’t sail on Main-Danube Canal—won’t fit into ;locks.

AmaWaterways Routes

•We have a lot of detailed information about AmaWaterways on our Website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/amawaterways

•Information included:

•AmaMagna Ship Tour

•135 m ships tour of 6 ships in the fleet

Day-by-Day Route summaries of 30 of 33 they offer with our pictures of the port stops

 

Avalon

Advantages

  • They deliver a good product at a fair price.

  • Since they are owned by Globus Corporation (tour company), they have good tours.

  • They claim to have the newest fleet in Europe market—oldest ship built in 2008 but with Crystal, Scenic & Emerald no longer true.

  • Cabin bed faces window—has larger windows & French balconies compared to others

  • Added more active options during shore visits

Disadvantages

  • A lot of extra services for a fee

  • Food is described as “bland” by some observers & wines “are low quality” but Avalon Fresh (vegetarian option) very good.

  • Lease, do not own, riverships.

 
 

Avalon Routes

•We have a lot of detailed information about Avalon Waterways on our website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/avalon

• information included:

•Avalon Longship Tour

•Day-by-Day Route summaries of 18 of 36 they offer with our pictures of the port stops.

Emerald

Advantages

  • Very good quality cruise at a good price.

  • Gratuities included.

  • 2 upper decks on most ships have 1⁄2 window balcony that opens with touch of a button.

  • Pool has retractable roof & converts into evening cinema—it is awesome!

  • Even with higher guest capacity (182) it has bikes, spa & fitness area—Viking (190) does not have these items

  • Does not feel crowded based on our inspection tour.

Disadvantages

  • 182 passengers—only Viking carries more

  • Only 7 boats at present, limits access

 

Emerald River Cruises

•We have a lot of detailed information about Emerald Waterways on our website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/emerald

• information included:

•Emerald Sun 135m Longship Tour

•Day-by-Day Route summaries of 14 of 22 they offer with our pictures of the port stops.

Scenic

Advantages

  • All inclusive—all is included—most guests will not pay anything more unless they get a massage or use the hairdresser.

  • Onshore tours are awesome—includes Scenic enrich (exclusive experiences) & sundowner (hosted cocktails in Europe’s most beautiful locations).

  • Seafood buffet is excellent!

  • Offers 6 reds & 6 whites wines at dinner for free.

Disadvantages

  • More expensive cabins get more services, especially diamond deck guests

  • Exclusive Table La Rive located in main dining room—other guests get to see the 6-course degustation menu while served a lesser meal

  • Service & meals inconsistent on our cruise with them

 

Scenic Routes

•We have a lot of detailed information about Scenic Waterways on our website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/scenic

• information included:

•The Scenic Opal Longship Tour

•Day-by-Day Route summaries of 16 of 22 they offer with our pictures of the port stops.

Tauck

Advantages

  • All-inclusive

  • Generally fewest passengers on Tauck ships as compared to other river cruise companies, but Crystal has less

  • Many feel they offer the best tours & on-shore experiences—mostly due to 4 onboard staff members who lead all tours—others disagree, like local guides

  • Generally has more large sized staterooms than others but only French Balconies. Crystal has larger sized staterooms but fewer available.

  • Has best window first deck (waterline) staterooms.

  • Has a good family program called Tauck Bridges

Disadvantages

  • Usually the most costly cruise line

  • 8 ships provide limited availability to take a Tauck River Cruise—they often sell out very early.

  • Lease, do not own, riverships but have refurbished 110 m. riverboats.

 

Tauck Routes

•We have a lot of detailed information about Tauck River Cruises on our website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/tauck

• information included:

•Day-by-Day Route summaries of 15 of 30 they offer with our pictures of the port stops.

Uniworld

Advantages

  • All-inclusive

  • Each ship is different—big emphasis on boutique aspect for the client

  • Only cruise line on the Po River (Italy) & has a Burgundy region cruise

  • Rate very high on most comparison lists—a lot to like about their product & service.

  • U by Uniworld brand sold in 2024, so no confusion about target adience 

Disadvantages

  • Some find interiors just “too much”

  • Higher price point

  • 110 m ships have no French Balconies—only windows

 

Uniworld Routes

•We have a lot of detailed information about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises on our website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/uniworld

• information included:

•Day-by-Day Route summaries of 6 of 23 they offer with our pictures of the port stops.


Viking

Advantages

  • Sometimes best pricing but often requires full payment at booking while other river cruise companies allow deposit + 90 day prior to departure final payment.

  • Only company that cruises Elbe (special shallow water design)

  • Herb garden; solar panels (very green ships)

  • Since long ships are identical; in low water situations; Viking has been able to switch ships to avoid extended bus tours—generally successful but does not always work

  • Has best port docking locations

Disadvantages

  • Carries 190 passengers on long ships—all others carry around 165-170 or less on longships except Emerald at 182.

  • No extras—no bikes, no exercise room, no pool

  • Dinner meals sometimes only has 2 choices & they often use same 2 wines for all 7 days of a cruise

  • Some cruisers feel they are crowded--not enough room in lounges & main dining room

  • Only major river cruise line that caters to US market that is not CLIA member (more protections for cruise clients)

  • On most cruises only 6 tours provided for free; if more than 2 tours per day it may require an extra fee.

 

Viking Routes

•We have a lot of detailed information about Viking River Cruises on our website:

www.dreamdestinations.com/viking

• information included:

•Viking Longship Tour

•Day-by-Day Route summaries of 16 of 25 they offer with our pictures of the port stops.


How Best to Use This Comparison Guide

  • First, realize that all river cruises are a good value!

  • The most important info is to first select the itinerary and make sure it visits the sights you desire to see, then pick the line.

  • To select the line, match the items you consider most important from the river cruise line—this guide is a good place to start.

  • Use price last—look for value!

  • This is very complicated—why not seek our advice to get the best possible trip?


Visit Dream Destinations, LLC Your Journey Begins Here!

We want to be your travel consultants!

Please contact us at:

aschrader@dreamdestinations.com 

hschrader@dreamdestinations.com 

hschrader@visirdd.com

Call us at:

832-244-0215 (Anne Cell)

713-397-0188 (Hank Cell)

Or visit at: 

www.dreamdestinations.com


Disclaimer

  • The river cruise scene is constantly changing.

  • I have tried to provide accurate information but changes happen rapidly.

  • Also, companies change policies.

  • Every effort has been made to communicate correct information. We apologize for any errors, omissions, but assume no liability should they occur.