Top 5 River Cruise Lines Across The World

Discover the luxury world of river cruising, one of the most unique ways to travel, revitalising the passion of city break holidays. Combine gothic cities with beautiful riverside scenery, waking up to views across Amsterdam, Budapest and Paris, as well as charming villages tucked away amidst the countryside. River cruises also offer a more convenient and immersive experience of each destination and port of call. Dock in the heart of each port of call, before visiting ancient castles, floating markets and vineyards - perfected by included shore excursions.

From European highlights to River Nile cruise holidays, take a look at Destinology's top 5 river cruise lines across the world, and the mesmerising rivers they sail upon.

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Highly acclaimed as one of the most awarded luxury cruise lines in the world, UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises has redefined the world of luxury river cruises. Each of UNIWORLD’s luxury ships are uniquely furnished with bespoke items and luxury furnishings, each unique to the next. 

Their excellent 1:2.4 crew-to-passenger ratio is one of the highlights onboard UNIWORLD River Cruises, along with gourmet farm-to-table cuisine. Wake up to a new boutique port each morning, framed by stunning riverside scenery, before your day of exploration begins. Take advantage of UNIWORLD’s exclusive access to the best tours and sights, including in-depth village visits, after-hours museum tours, or even cheese and wine tasting through Bordeaux - all private and bespoke for UNIWORLD guests.

UNIWORLD Cruise Ships

• Aria Amazon
• Ganges Voyager II
• Mekong Jewel
• River Duchess
• River Princess
• River Queen
• River Tosca
• S.S Antoinette
• S.S Beatrice
• S.S Bon Voyage
• S.S Joie de Vivre
• S.S La Venezia
• S.S Maria Theresa
• S.S São
• S.S Sphinx
• S.S Victoria

Which Rivers Does UNIWORLD Sail On?

Danube River

Mekong River

Seine River

Nile River

Ganges River

Douro River

Rhine River

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Emerald River Cruises

Since 2013, Emerald River Cruises has specialised in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruising, sailing across Europe and Southeast Asia. Onboard you can relax, knowing that every detail has been taken care of from shore excursions in each port, to included gratuities and transfers to and from the vessel.

Additionally, each ship boasts a wide variety of onboard activities and inclusions. Take a dip in the indoor heated pool, or watch films each evening in the outdoor cinema, created by the ship’s transformed retractable roof. As you pause in the heart of each boutique port, take advantage of Emerald Plus experiences and Emerald ACTIVE guided bike tours, picturesque hikes and a variety of activities. 

Emerald River Cruise Ships

• Emerald Dawn
• Emerald Destiny
• Emerald Star
• Emerald Sky
• Emerald Harmony
• Emerald Luna
• Emerald Sun

Which Rivers Does Emerald River Cruises Sail On?

Rhone River

Saone River

Danube River

Moselle River

Main River

Douro River

Rhine River

Mekong River

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Scenic River Cruises

Scenic River Cruises are ultra-luxurious and all-inclusive, with every ship custom-designed to create the most spacious, calming environments onboard.  Luxury accommodations boast the most spacious river cruise suites in Europe and Asia. Complementing these vast spaces, tuck into branded Scenic Slumber beds for the most comfortable, river cruise sleep.

Match exceptional service with the finest hand-crafted itineraries, with Scenic Enrich experiences and personalised Scenic Freechoice excursions. Enjoy guided e-bike tours, private classical concerts, exclusive temple gala dinners in Southeast Asia and so much more.

Scenic River Cruise Ships

• Scenic Jasper
• Scenic Pearl
• Scenic Ruby
• Scenic Sapphire
• Scenic Diamond
• Scenic Azure
• Scenic Aura
• Scenic Amber
• Scenic Opal
• Scenic Jade
• Scenic Jade
• Scenic Gem
• Scenic Jewel
• Scenic Crystal
• Scenic Spirit
• Sanctuary Sun Boat III

Which Rivers Does Scenic River Cruises Sail On?

Seine River

Rhine River

Caption for Image 3

Volga River

Douro River

Moselle River

Mekong River

Danube River

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AmaWaterways

The award-winning fleet of AmaWaterways exceeds the expectations of river cruising, with fewer guests on board, a cinema room and fitness classes in the Zen Wellness Studio. Award-winning luxuries continue into the four unique dining spaces, with ingredients sourced from each sailing region. Indulge in complimentary lunch and dinner, alongside hand-selected wines and local beers.

With guests able to indulge in up to 8 included shore excursions per day, AmaWaterways is one of the most cultural and immersive river cruise lines in the world. Within each boutique port and beautiful destination, take part in included guided hikes and private city tours. Additionally, for the romantics, indulge in private tasting evenings - perfect for special occasions.

AmaWaterways River Cruise Ships

• AmaBella
• AmaCerto
• AmaCello
• AmaDahlia
• AmaDante
• AmaDara
• AmaDolce
• AmaDouro
• AmaKristina
• AmaLea
• AmaLilia
• AmaLucia
• AmaLyra
• AmaMagdalena
• AmaMagma
• AmaMelodia
• AmaMora
• AmaPrima
• AmaReina
• AmaSerena
• AmaSiena
• AmaSintra
• AmaSonata
• AmaStella
• AmaVenita
• AmaVerde
• AmaVida
• AmaViola
• Zambezi Queen

Which Rivers Does AmaWaterways Sail On?

Main River

Garonne River

Danube River

Moselle River

Rhone River

Douro River

Seine River

Rhine River

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APT River Cruises

Family-owned with over 95 years of travel experience, APT River Cruises are experts at bringing each destination to life. Discover the most beautiful, tucked-away treasures along the banks of lesser-known rivers, from ancient castles to quaint villages. To complement each incredible sailing experience, take advantage of return UK flights, exquisite dining, complimentary drinks and overseas transfers.

Europe’s brand-new fleet boasts sleek exteriors and ultra-luxurious interiors, launching in 2025. This sophisticated design is matched by stylish accommodations that gaze out across the passing riverside scenery along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.

APT River Cruise Ships

• MS AmaReina Concerto River Ships
• MS AmaVenita Concerto River Ships
• MS AmaStella Concerto River Ships
• APT Ostara
• APT Solara
• Mekong Serenity
• MS Estrela
• MS Sun Goddess
• MS Moon Goddess
• MS Royal Lotus
• MV Lady Eleganza
• Bhaya Classic
• RV Apsara
• RV Rajmahal

Which Rivers Does APT River Cruises Sail On?

Irrawaddy River

Yangtze River

Nile River

Ganges River

Douro River

Mekong River

Rhine River

Main River

Danube River

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Find your dream cruise holiday today