River cruise ship sailing past a historic riverside town

River cruises worldwide

Discover 10 great rivers with boutique ships and daily shore excursions

All River Cruise Destinations

Top rivers

The most travelled river cruise destinations, from the Danube and Rhine to the Nile, Douro and Mekong. Each tile opens the river with its ships, seasons and live departures.

Seasons

Best time to travel

Most European rivers sail from spring to autumn, with festive market cruises in December. The Nile and Mekong are best in the cooler, drier months, while the Amazon changes character with high and low water.

8 rivers are in peak season in October.

River
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Peak seasonShoulder seasonOff season / no sailings

Indicative seasons; water levels can change routes at short notice.

Prices

What a river cruise costs

Live starting prices per person for every river ship, from the cheapest upcoming departure. Prices include cabin, meals and usually daily guided excursions.

Prices per person in a double cabin; port fees and drinks may be extra.

How to choose your river cruise

River cruises differ more by river and route than by ship. Pick when you can travel, then the river that matches your interests, and only then compare ships.

Historic riverside town seen from a river cruise ship

Step 1

Start with your travel month

European rivers are best from spring to autumn and in December for Christmas markets. The Nile and Mekong shine in the cooler months, while the Amazon changes with high and low water. Let your dates narrow the list first.

Wine tasting on a river cruise excursion

Step 2

Match the river to your interests

Choose the Douro or Rhine for wine and castles, the Danube for imperial capitals, the Nile for ancient monuments, the Mekong for village life and the Amazon for wildlife. Every river has its own signature experience.

Sun deck of a boutique river cruise ship

Step 3

Then compare the ships

Compare guest count, cabin size, included excursions and price per night. Smaller ships reach more central moorings and feel more personal; our price overview above shows live starting prices for every river ship.

Frequently asked questions

What is a river cruise?
A river cruise is a multi-night journey on a comfortable river ship that stops in a new town almost every day. Meals and usually guided shore excursions are included, and you unpack only once.
Will I get seasick?
Very unlikely. Rivers are calm and ships stay close to the banks, so motion is minimal compared with ocean cruising.
What is included in the price?
Typically your cabin, all meals on board and many guided excursions. Drinks, gratuities, port fees and optional tours vary by ship; each departure lists exactly what is included.
When should I book?
Popular rivers and dates sell out six to twelve months ahead, especially spring, autumn and festive sailings. Last-minute offers exist but with less cabin choice.
How do I choose the right ship?
Pick the river and month first, then compare ships by guest count, cabin size, included excursions and price per night.
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Ready for your river journey?

Search every river ship by river, date and budget to find the cruise that fits your trip.

  • 10 great rivers
  • Daily guided excursions
  • Live dates and prices