Explore Iconic Rivers
From the castles of the Rhine to the jazz halls of New Orleans, discover the world’s great rivers!
Why Should I Consider a River Cruise?
Intimate Ships
Fewer than 200 guests, offering a relaxed atmosphere and personalized service.
All-Inclusive
Meals, wine/beer, Wi-Fi, and guided tours often included at no extra cost.
Immersive Destinations
Dock in the heart of historic cities and charming riverside towns - — river ships can fit where larger vessels can’t.
Trusted Advisor
Veteran-owned, ASTA member, and always fee-free for your peace of mind.
River Cruises Are Designed to Be Almost All-Inclusive — Most of Your Essentials Are Already Covered:
✅ Daily meals featuring regional specialties, often paired with local wines
✅ Beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch & dinner (varies by cruise line)
✅ Guided excursions and cultural tours led by local experts
✅ Wi-Fi access onboard most ships
✅ Unpack once — your floating hotel takes you right into the heart of cities and towns
A few things are not included in the cruise fare, so it’s good to plan ahead:
❌ Airfare (unless bundled with your cruise line)
❌ Travel insurance (highly recommended for peace of mind)
❌ Visas or entry requirements for certain destinations
❌ Premium excursions or specialty dining experiences
❌ Personal expenses such as spa treatments, souvenirs, or onboard shopping
Danube
Highlights: Vienna’s imperial palaces, Budapest’s thermal baths, and castles in the Wachau Valley.
Best For: First-time river cruisers and culture lovers.
Best Time: April–June & September–December (Christmas markets).
Rhine
Highlights: Fairytale castles, vineyard slopes, Cologne, and Basel.
Best For: Scenic cruising, wine enthusiasts, and history buffs.
Best Time: May–September or December for holiday cruises.
Douro
Highlights: Porto’s wine cellars, golden valleys, and UNESCO landscapes.
Best For: Foodies and wine lovers seeking intimate sailings.
Best Time: May–October (harvest season).
Seine
Highlights: Paris, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and Normandy beaches.
Best For: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, and romantics.
Best Time: April–June & September–October.
Mekong
Highlights: Angkor Wat, floating markets, and riverside villages.
Best For: Adventurers seeking authentic cultural immersion.
Best Time: November–February for cooler weather.
Nile
Highlights: Luxor, Aswan, Valley of the Kings, and ancient temples.
Best For: Bucket-list travelers and history buffs.
Best Time: October–April for ideal sightseeing.
Mississippi
Highlights: New Orleans jazz, Civil War history, Mark Twain towns, and America’s heartland scenery.
Best For: Travelers who want a slice of Americana without leaving the U.S.
Best Time: September–November & March–May for mild weather.
Popular River Cruise Destinations Around the World
Did You Know?
Viking — famous for its award-winning European river cruises — now sails right here in the United States on the Mississippi River. Their purpose-built ship, Viking Mississippi, began sailing in 2022 and was designed specifically for American waters. This modern vessel explores America’s heartland and the Deep South with itineraries from St. Paul to New Orleans. Read more…
Compare the Leading Cruise River Lines
We’ll guide you through top river cruise companies including Viking, Amadeus River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Tauck River Cruises, Uniworld, and Scenic. Each line has its own style — from classic luxury to modern casual — so you can find the one that best matches your travel personality.
Introducing: Celebrity River Cruises
Launching in 2027, Celebrity enters the river cruise world with sleek ships like Compass and Seeker. We’ll help you compare Celebrity with the established leaders above to see which is right for you.
Celebrity River Cruise Availability Update:
We’ve just received word that all 2027 river cruise sailings are already sold out. Interest in these journeys continues to grow quickly, and 2028 sailings are expected to open for booking in early 2026. If you’d like to be the first to know when new dates are released, reach out today and we’ll keep you updated.
Our Certifications
Is a River Cruise Right for You?
New to river cruising? Compare ship size, pace, inclusions, and who loves this style of travel.
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The Best Time to Take a River Cruise in Europe: A Month-by-Month Guide
Danube in spring or Rhine in fall? Use this seasonal cheat sheet to pick your perfect departure.
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Top River Cruises in Europe for Art & History Lovers
From Vienna’s museums to Normandy’s stories—sail routes curated for culture seekers.
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Top 5 River Cruises for Wine Lovers: Sip & Sail Through Europe
Douro reds, Rhine Rieslings, and more—our favorite sailings for serious wine enthusiasts.
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Sailing the Viking Mississippi
Discover America’s heartland in Viking’s modern river ship—an iconic new way to cruise the Mississippi.
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