Luxury River Cruise Lines in Europe
Same rivers, very different ships. How each luxury line describes its own fleet, cabins and touring in Europe.
Compare Luxury River Lines FreeLuxury river cruise lines Europe-wide share the same waterways. Here is how each line describes its own ships, cabins and touring.
Uniworld
Uniworld calls its fleet boutique river cruises. The line lists unlimited beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, a wide variety of excursions, onboard entertainment, daily fitness classes, ship-wide Wi-Fi and gratuities for onboard staff. Suite guests add butler service, a fully stocked mini-bar and unlimited laundry. Uniworld’s active “Let’s Go” tours include walking, hiking, cycling and kayaking.
Scenic
Scenic’s European Space-Ships carry up to 163 guests. Every suite has butler service, and Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites have the Scenic Sun Lounge. Scenic Freechoice gives a choice of included excursions, and Scenic Enrich adds private events such as an after-hours dinner and concert at the Palais des Papes in Avignon on select Rhône cruises.
Tauck
Tauck is a guided-travel company, and its river journeys feel like it: up to four Tauck Director-level staff, privately guided small-group excursions, exclusive evening events in palaces and châteaux, and city-center hotel stays on select cruises. Tauck says 75% of its cabins are 225 square feet or larger, with 300-square-foot Tauck Suites on every riverboat.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways is known for twin balconies — a French balcony and a step-out balcony in the same stateroom — on most of its European ships. AmaVenita, for example, carries 162 guests with three included dining venues including The Chef’s Table. The fare includes guided excursions in every port; premium drinks and gratuities may be extra.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon builds what it calls Suite Ships, where Panorama Suites make up most of the cabins. Their wall-to-wall window opens wide into an open-air balcony, and the beds face the view. Avalon Choice offers Classic, Active and Discovery excursions.
Emerald Cruises
Emerald’s Star-Ships have Panorama Balcony Suites whose floor-to-ceiling window drops down electronically, and a heated pool that becomes a cinema on selected evenings. EmeraldACTIVE excursions, including guided cycling, are included.
Riverside Luxury Cruises
A European line whose ships are named for composers: Riverside Mozart on the Danube, Riverside Ravel on the Rhône and Saône, Riverside Debussy on the Rhine and Riverside Mahler on the Rhine and Danube. The line says every guest enjoys butler service and that its ships have several restaurants; Riverside Choice activities are offered in each port.
Riviera Travel
A UK-based tour company whose river cruises include a drinks package on most sailings, daily guided excursions with local experts, Wi-Fi and port taxes, according to Riviera’s own pages.
For excursion details line by line, see our sister site Luxury Riverside Cruising; for the rivers themselves, Rhine Riverboat Cruises and Danube Riverboat Cruises.
Europe Line Questions
Which luxury river cruise lines sail in Europe?
All of them. Uniworld, Scenic, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Emerald, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Riviera Travel and Viking all have large European programs.
Do luxury lines sail different routes from other lines?
Mostly the same rivers, sometimes with different overnight stops and private events. The difference is the ship and what is included, more than the route.
Which Line Is Right for Your Europe Trip?
Tell us the river and month. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise compare the luxury lines in Europe and send free quotes.
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