Luxury River Cruise Lines
Who the luxury river lines are, where they sail and what each includes — from their own websites, side by side.
Compare Luxury River Lines FreeThe Luxury River Cruise Lines at a Glance
Luxury river cruise lines all sail the same rivers, often from the same docks. What separates them is what the fare includes, how many guests share the ship, how much of it is given to suites, and the style of service. This site sets the lines side by side, using only what each line publishes on its own website.
| Line | Ships and regions | Hallmarks (per the line) |
|---|---|---|
| Uniworld | Boutique river ships in Europe plus Egypt, India, Southeast Asia and Peru | Unlimited drinks including fine wines and premium spirits, excursions, gratuities for onboard staff, Wi-Fi, bikes; suite guests add a butler |
| Scenic | Space-Ships in Europe; Scenic Spirit on the Mekong | Butler for every suite, premium drinks all day, Freechoice excursions, Enrich events, e-bikes, all gratuities |
| Tauck | Guided-travel company with its own riverboats in Europe | Unlimited drinks, privately guided excursions, all gratuities, transfers, select city-center hotel stays |
| AmaWaterways | Twin-balcony ships in Europe, plus Colombia’s Magdalena | Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail hour, guided excursions in every port, Wi-Fi, bikes |
| Avalon Waterways | Suite Ships with Panorama Suites | Avalon Choice excursions (Classic, Active, Discovery) |
| Emerald Cruises | Star-Ships in Europe; Emerald Harmony in Southeast Asia | EmeraldACTIVE excursions included, Panorama Balcony Suites with drop-down windows |
| Riverside Luxury Cruises | Riverside Mozart, Ravel, Debussy and Mahler in Europe | Butler for every guest, several restaurants, Riverside Choice activities |
| Riviera Travel | European river cruises from a UK-based tour company | Drinks package on most sailings, daily guided excursions, Wi-Fi, port taxes |
Facts above come from each line’s own website, checked in October 2026. Inclusions vary by itinerary and region — Uniworld, for example, notes that inclusions differ in Egypt, India, Southeast Asia and Peru — so we confirm the details for your sailing in every quote.
All-Inclusive or Inclusive? The First Question to Ask
Most river cruises include more than ocean cruises: meals, Wi-Fi and at least one guided tour in each port are common. The true dividing line is drinks and gratuities. Uniworld, Scenic and Tauck include both. AmaWaterways includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner but lists gratuities and premium beverages as possible extras; Viking includes beer and wine with lunch and dinner and sells a beverage package for the rest.
See exactly how they compare on our all inclusive river cruises page, or read Mister River Cruise for a plain-language explanation of what river fares include.
Luxury River Cruise Lines in Europe
Europe is where every luxury line concentrates its fleet: the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Bordeaux’s rivers and the Douro. Our guide to luxury river cruise lines in Europe profiles each one — ships, cabin style, excursion programs and service — and our luxury river cruise companies page explains what else each company does, from ocean yachts to family journeys.
Want everything included?
Start with Uniworld, Scenic and Tauck. Find your best fit →
Want a big balcony?
Compare Scenic’s Sun Lounge, AmaWaterways’ twin balconies and Avalon’s open-air balcony on Luxury Riverside Cruises.
Considering Viking?
See where Viking fits against the luxury lines.
Who Is Behind This Site
Luxury River Cruise Lines is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
We are not owned by any cruise line. Tell us the lines and dates you are considering, and our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare them honestly and send free quotes. Meet Mister Cruise →
Compare more lines in the Official River Cruise Directory and River Cruise Lines; see the luxury fleets worldwide at Luxury Riverboat Cruises; and get new offers first with the Mister Cruise cruise-offers newsletter.
Luxury River Cruise Line Questions
Which are the luxury river cruise lines?
The lines most often described as luxury are Uniworld, Scenic, Tauck and Riverside Luxury Cruises, with AmaWaterways, Avalon, Emerald and Riviera close behind on comfort if not on inclusions. Viking is a large, premium line with a strong inclusive fare but is not usually sold as all-inclusive.
Which luxury river cruise line is the best?
There is no single best line — only the best fit for you. Some travelers want every drink and tip included; others care more about balconies, excursion choice or a quiet ship. Our advisors compare the lines for your priorities.
Do you book all of these lines?
Yes. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise quote and book the major river lines, and we can compare several on the same dates.
Compare the Luxury River Lines
Tell us your river and month. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the luxury lines on the same dates and send free quotes.
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