Smooth Sailing: How to Choose the Right River Cruise Line for You

by Michelle Feilberg

When it comes to cruising, it’s often ocean cruising that comes to mind with the cruise lines competing for size and activity packed space - but what about river cruising. In recent years the design - both interior and itinerary - have seriously levelled up. Whether you’re floating through European wine country, jungle-wrapped rivers in the Amazon or cruising past ancient temples on the Nile, the experience isn’t just about where you go — it’s how you feel doing it.

Some lines are luxurious to the point of spoiling you. Others are built for adventurers who want to hop off and bike through vineyards.

This is your go-to guide to navigating the major river cruise brands and what sets them apart.

Where They Sail: Classic & Unexpected Rivers

Most lines cover the iconic European rivers — Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and Moselle — but if you want a bit of flavour and faraway magic, here’s where else these lines can take you:

   •   Mekong (Vietnam & Cambodia)

   •   The Nile (Egypt)

   •   Amazon (Peru)

   •   Chobe River (Botswana)

   •   Mississippi (USA)

   •   Irrawaddy (Myanmar – select lines only)

Cruising the Danube in Budapest.

Onboard Features: What Each Line Offers That’s Different

From e-bikes and butlers to binoculars and bubbly on the top deck — here’s what really sets each cruise line apart;

E-bikes for exploring

AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways allow you to ride riverside trails between villages.

Self-guided audio tours

Viking, Scenic and CroisiEurope offer you the chance to wander solo without missing the history.

Binoculars in-suite

Tauck and Aqua Expeditions and others provide you with a set of binoculars in your room, which is perfect for wildlife spotting on the go.

Top-deck drink & food service

Scenic, Uniworld, Avalon and CroisiEurope have food service available up on the top deck, so that you can relax in the sun, Aperol in hand, without going hungry.

Hot tubs/plunge pools

AmaWaterways, Scenic, APT’s new ship, Aqua Expeditions allow you to make a

splash. and soak under the stars.

Beds facing the water

On Avalon Waterways, guests can wake up to views from bed, no awkward angles.

All-inclusive luxury

Scenic, Tauck, APT Luxury, Uniworld, Belmond, Aqua Expeditions offer all inclusive fares – everything bundled, no surprise bills.

Wellness (gyms, yoga, massage)

AmaWaterways, Scenic, Riviera, APT’s new ship, Aqua Expeditions – wellness lovers, you’re covered.

Now let’s look at it from a line by line perspective,

to help you find the right fit for your next holiday.

The River Style Breakdown: Cruise Line by Cruise Line

Here’s the vibe, highlights, and Virtuoso status of each brand.

AmaWaterways (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Active, polished, warm

   •   Known for: E-bikes, excellent cuisine, wellness program

   •   European routes + Nile + Mekong

Avalon Waterways

   •   Relaxed, smart, independent

   •   Known for: Open-air balconies, beds that face the view

   •   Europe, Mekong, Amazon, Nile

Scenic (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Ultra-luxe, all-inclusive, exclusive

   •   Known for: Butler service, top-shelf bevvies, private shore experiences

   •   Europe, Nile, Mekong

Tauck (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Refined, discreet, seamless

   •   Known for: Intimate tours, all-inclusive high-end style

   •   Europe, Nile

Uniworld (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Boutique, artful, all-the-frills

   •   Known for: Over-the-top design, incredible food, immersive shore tours

   •   Europe, Mekong, India, Egypt

APT Luxury

   •   Classic luxury, Aussie favourite

   •   Known for: Signature Experiences, new-gen river ships, private events

   •   Europe, Mekong, Nile

Riviera Travel

   •   Value-driven, elegant, good for independents

   •   Known for: Lower price point, excellent guides, clean modern ships

   •   Europe only

CroisiEurope

   •   Authentic, French, no-fuss

   •   Known for: Regional menus, compact ships, good value

   •   Europe, Mekong, Africa

Viking (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Educational, classic, mature crowd

   •   Known for: Cultural depth, clean Nordic style, lectures

   •   Europe, Nile, Mekong, Mississippi

Belmond (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Timeless, private, luxury meets heritage

   •   Known for: Iconic barge cruises in France, and luxury Nile cruising

   •   France (barges), Myanmar, Nile

Aqua Expeditions (Virtuoso supplier)

   •   Expedition-meets-luxury, eco-chic

   •   Known for: Amazon, Mekong, and wildlife-heavy itineraries in style

   •   Amazon, Mekong

Off the Ship: What You’ll Actually Do

   •   Scenic, Tauck, APT – private events, palace concerts, exclusive tours

   •   AmaWaterways, Avalon – hikes, bike rides, wine tastings

   •   Viking, Riviera – more traditional sightseeing, solid education focus, local cultural entertainment

   •   CroisiEurope – simple and regional, great for independent-minded guests

   •   Aqua Expeditions, Belmond – deep cultural immersion, small groups, big wow factor

When I ask clients for feedback, here’s what I hear most:

   •   Room layout

Avalon wins for bed-to-window flow

   •   Décor – Uniworld is like cruising inside a museum

   •   Service – Scenic, Tauck, and Belmond nail it every time

   •   Food – AmaWaterways and Uniworld make it a full foodie affair

   •   Atmosphere – Riviera, Viking and Avalon keep it peaceful and non-pushy

   •   Wildlife – Aqua Expeditions and Belmond (Nile, Myanmar) bring it to life

How To Choose The Right Line

Ask yourself what means the most to you now as you plan and save, but also what will leave the most lasting memories, well after the holiday is over:

   •   Want everything included? Go for Tauck, Scenic, APT, Uniworld, Belmond, or Aqua

   •   Prefer activity + exploration? Pick AmaWaterways or Avalon

   •   Need style + service? Choose Uniworld, Belmond, or Scenic

   •   On a smarter budget? Consider Riviera or CroisiEurope

   •   Looking for wildlife + off-grid? You’ll love Aqua Expeditions or Belmond’s Nile or Myanmar journeys

Final Word

Not all river cruises are created equal — and that’s a good thing. Whether you’re dreaming of castle-spotting on the Rhine, tracking pink dolphins in the Amazon or sipping rosé on a rooftop deck in Provence, there’s a river cruise that matches your energy.

Find the one that fits, pack your human magic, and let the river do the rest