Quick answer: how the main river cruise lines differ
There is no single best river cruise line. Most European river cruise brands fall into a few broad groups, and the right one depends on how much you want included, how much you want to spend and what kind of atmosphere you like.
- Luxury, close to all-inclusive: Scenic, Uniworld and Tauck. These lines generally bundle drinks, excursions and, in several cases, gratuities into the fare.
- Premium mainstream: Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways. These include wine and beer with meals, Wi-Fi and a set of included excursions, but usually charge extra for tips and premium drinks.
- Value and contemporary: Emerald Cruises, Scenic’s sister brand, and CroisiEurope, a French family-owned company. These tend to be priced lower, with inclusions that vary by sailing.
Inclusions change from year to year and between itineraries, so treat everything below as a general guide and confirm the current inclusions on the line’s own site before you book.
What “all-inclusive” means on a river cruise
River cruising is often described as all-inclusive, but the term is used loosely. In practice, a river fare usually covers your cabin, meals, the cruise itself and some shore excursions. Beyond that, lines differ in four main areas:
- Drinks. Almost every line includes wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Fewer include spirits or drinks all day.
- Excursions. Most include at least one guided tour in each port. Optional extras and premium tours are typically charged separately.
- Gratuities. This is the biggest difference. Some luxury lines fold tips into the fare, while most mainstream lines expect you to add them. For one example, see how much tips run on Viking.
- Extras. Airport transfers, spa treatments, specialty coffee, laundry and some shore tours are included on some lines and charged on others.
A fare that looks higher can work out cheaper once you add tips, drinks and excursions to a lower-priced competitor’s fare, so compare totals rather than headline prices.
Inclusions at a glance
This table is a general guide only. Lines change their packages, and individual sailings differ.
| Line | Wine/beer with meals | Wi-Fi | Included excursions | Gratuities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | Yes | Yes | Typically one per port | Usually extra |
| AmaWaterways | Yes | Yes | Yes, including active options | Usually extra |
| Avalon Waterways | Yes | Yes | Typically one per port, with choice of style | Usually extra |
| Scenic | Yes, with a wider drinks offering | Yes | Many included | Marketed as included |
| Emerald | Yes | Yes | Some included, more offered as options | Check per sailing |
| Uniworld | Yes, with a wider drinks offering | Yes | Many included | Marketed as included |
| Tauck | Yes | Yes | Most included | Marketed as included |
Line-by-line reviews
Viking
Viking operates the largest river fleet in Europe, with standardised Longships that feel very similar from one ship to the next. That consistency is part of the appeal for first-timers. The atmosphere leans towards culture and history, and the passenger mix tends to skew older. Viking river cruises are for adults only, and the line is known for a straightforward, good-value package. For a detailed list of what is and isn’t covered, including the minibar question, see what Viking includes.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways, formerly Amadeus Waterways, is regularly ranked at or near the top of reader polls. It is known for twin-balcony staterooms on many ships, complimentary bicycles on most European ships, a wide choice of excursions at different activity levels, and a food-focused reputation. It also partners with Adventures by Disney for family-oriented sailings, covered in our guide to Adventures by Disney river cruises.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon is best known for its Panorama Suites, where the bed faces a wall of windows that opens to the river view. It offers a choice of excursion styles, from gentle walking to more active options. It’s a good fit if cabin light and space matter to you. See the section below on whether Avalon counts as all-inclusive.
Scenic
Scenic sells itself as a luxury, all-inclusive line, with suite-style accommodation, butler service on many ships and a broad drinks offering. It tends to cost more than Viking or Emerald. For a direct comparison, see Scenic vs Viking.
Emerald
Emerald Cruises is part of the same group as Scenic and generally sits at a more accessible price point, with contemporary “Star-Ships”. Some of its ships have an indoor pool with a retractable roof, which is unusual on rivers. See Emerald vs Scenic and our note on who owns Emerald.
Uniworld
Uniworld is known for richly decorated ships with antiques and custom interiors. Its fares have been described as including a wide range of drinks and gratuities, and it is usually priced in the luxury tier. As with every line, check the current inclusions.
Tauck
Tauck runs smaller ships with a high level of service and is known for a seamless, mostly included approach, including tours with exclusive access at some stops. It is a good option if you want to avoid decisions about extras.
CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope is a French family-owned company with a European flavour. Pricing is often lower than American-marketed competitors, and the emphasis is on regional food and wine. If France itself is your focus, see which river cruise in France is best. Service styles and cabin features may differ from what North American travellers expect.
Are Avalon river cruises all-inclusive?
Not entirely. Avalon is generally described as inclusive of many of the essentials, but not everything. Typically, the fare includes wine, beer and soft drinks with meals, Wi-Fi, and guided excursions in each port. Items such as gratuities, premium or specialty drinks and optional excursions are usually extra. Because Avalon changes its packages and runs promotions, check the specific sailing you’re considering. For a family angle, see the comparison in our Adventures by Disney guide, which touches on AmaWaterways versus Avalon.
What is included on an Amadeus river cruise?
“Amadeus” can mean two different things, so check which one you are looking at:
- AmaWaterways was called Amadeus Waterways until it changed its name in 2008. Its fares typically include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, bicycles on most European ships, and included shore excursions. Gratuities are usually extra.
- Amadeus Silver ships belong to a separate fleet that is marketed by some travel agencies as all-inclusive. Their inclusions may differ from AmaWaterways, so read the current fare description.
How to choose a river cruise line
Start with these questions:
- How much do you want to think about money on board? If the answer is “as little as possible,” look at the luxury lines.
- What pace suits you? Some lines offer gentle walking, active and standard excursion options in each port.
- How important is the cabin? Compare balcony designs, such as French balconies, cabin sizes and where the bed faces.
- Are you travelling with children, alone or with limited mobility? See solo travel and single supplements and river cruise accessibility.
- When can you travel? Our guide to the best months for a European river cruise covers the seasons.
It also helps to know the downsides before booking. See the negatives of river cruising, and compare with ocean cruising if you’re undecided.
How to compare fares fairly
- Start with the per-person fare for the same itinerary, cabin type and dates.
- Add estimated gratuities for the length of the cruise.
- Add what you’d realistically spend on drinks beyond the included wine and beer.
- Add any excursions you’d want that aren’t included.
- Factor in flights or transfers if they’re not part of the package.
Two fares that look 20% apart can end up very close once you’ve done this.
Related questions
Many travellers also want to know what the food is like, and River cruise menus explains what you actually eat on board. If you’re concerned about the ride, see our article on seasickness and speed on a river cruise. For packing, see what to wear on a river cruise, and for staying online, Wi-Fi on river cruises.