Choose Your River Cruise Line
Match the line to the way you like to travel.
Ask Mister Cruise for a Free QuoteRiver ships look alike from the riverbank, but the lines behind them have very different personalities. Mister Cruise groups them by style first — it is the fastest way to find your fit. (For a ship-by-ship, head-to-head comparison, see our sister site River Cruise Lines.)
Step 1: Know Your Style
- Do you want everything in one price — drinks, tips, excursions? Look at the all-inclusive lines.
- Would you rather pay less upfront and choose your own extras? Look at value and premium lines.
- Are you active? Some lines carry bikes and offer hikes and paddling.
- Traveling with children or grandchildren? Pick a dedicated family sailing.
- Staying in the USA? A different set of lines sails American rivers.
Step 2: Meet the Lines by Style
All-inclusive, upscale
Uniworld — boutique, richly decorated ships and a high level of inclusions. Scenic — inclusive fares with butler service and a focus on spacious suites. Tauck — a tour company at heart, with fares that include gratuities and many extras.
Premium, broad choice
AmaWaterways — known for food and wine, bikes onboard and wellness programs. Avalon Waterways — “Suite Ships” with wall-to-wall windows that open up the room, and choice of excursions. Viking — the largest fleet on European rivers, culture-focused, adults only, with an included excursion in most ports.
Value-minded
Emerald Cruises — contemporary ships, several with a small heated pool. Riviera River Cruises — a British-founded line with a strong program of included excursions. CroisiEurope — a French family-owned line with routes few others sail, including the Loire.
American rivers
American Cruise Lines — the largest operator on US rivers, with modern riverboats and paddlewheelers on the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake and more. Viking — the Viking Mississippi sails the Mississippi River.
Step 3: Ask These Questions Before You Book
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which drinks are included, and when? | Some lines include wine and beer only with meals; others include an open bar all day. |
| Are gratuities included? | Tips can add a noticeable amount per person per day if they are not in the fare. |
| How many excursions are included? | One included tour per port is common; some lines offer a choice of several. |
| What is the cabin size and window type? | A “French balcony” is a floor-to-ceiling sliding window, not a balcony you can sit on. |
| What is the policy if water levels change? | Lines handle this differently, from ship swaps to busing guests to compensation. |
| Are flights or transfers included? | Some offers bundle air; others leave it to you. |
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise ask these questions for you and put the answers side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which river cruise line is the best?
The best line is the one that matches how you like to travel. A couple who want everything included and a butler will be happiest on a different ship from active travelers who want bikes and hiking. Tell us your style and we will narrow it down.
Do the lines take children?
Policies vary. Viking does not accept guests under 18. Several lines run dedicated family departures — for example Tauck’s Bridges family trips, and Adventures by Disney sailings on AmaWaterways ships. Ask us which dates suit your family.
Are all river ships basically the same inside?
No. Ship length is limited by locks, but lines use the space very differently: some build bigger suites with wall-to-wall windows, some add a small pool or extra restaurant, and some keep more cabins to hold fares down.
Let Us Match You to the Right Line
Tell us your style and budget. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the lines that fit and send free quotes.
Match Me to a Line