The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe

Table Of Content

• Planning a Rome Vacation From the Sea and Beyond
• Traveling to the Crystal Caves in Spain
• Spain & Portugal Cruise
• Viking
• Fun European Cities to Visit With Kids

The most popular time to cruise to Europe is during the summer months, but the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are prime times to see the continent with fewer crowds. A cruise allows you to explore different areas all in one trip while also enjoying activities and amenities on board. The most popular stops on a Greek cruise include Kos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Piraeus. These cruises are often combined with a few days in Croatia or Italy to make the most of your trip. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, with the canals of Venice to the white-washed buildings of Santorini and the charming harbors of Mallorca.

Planning a Rome Vacation From the Sea and Beyond

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You can feel warmth in your heart no matter the temperature outside, and the northwestern reaches of Europe illustrate this beautifully. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most relaxing and legendary destinations to travel to in Europe. The only thing better than strolling into Paris as the Eiffel Tower lights up at night? Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice. France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here. I’d have to say Rhine River cruises offer the most mesmerizing views with breathtaking cities and breathtaking landscapes to see.

Traveling to the Crystal Caves in Spain

Along its 2,000-mile course, it runs through several European countries and is a must-see if you’re planning a trip to Europe. You can even find river cruises through our dear friends at Booking.com. Last but not least, no European river cruise list would be complete without mention of the Douro River, which meanders through Spain into Portugal. This trip is perfect for tourists who want to experience sleepy Mediterranean villages and vineyards set against rolling hillsides.

Spain & Portugal Cruise

After a long day under the sun, it’s a good thing you’ll be able to recharge your energy right as you arrive. At Cochem, you can stay at a cozy accommodation called Hotel Zehnthof. If time is a factor, but you’re still looking to be blown away, think about a private boat tour of Paris. 37 bridges spanning the Seine in Paris alone, enough to make any architecture buff swoon.

Night Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise

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There's more to a European cruise vacation than just packing your bags! Plan the perfect trip on your travel getaway to visit the best places in Europe. Planning your next epic family vacation starts today onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Royal Caribbean Vision Class.

The value of vacation

Expect a casual vibe where passengers dress up like mermaids, crew dress up like drag queens, and performers look like real people. When Norwegian Epic debuted in 2010, it introduced Norwegian Cruise Line's first cabins for solo travelers. Designed with single beds and a bit less square footage, these so-called studio cabins are clustered around an exclusive lounge reserved for solos. Special activities allow folks traveling alone to mingle and make new friends. Plus, all cabins on Viking's ships have balconies, which is great if you want some fresh air but feel like keeping to yourself. Complimentary room service is available 24/7, so you can order dinner to your cabin for a relaxing alfresco dining experience for two.

Preparing your house for an extended vacation can seem like a huge task, but doing a few things before you go will make your trip carefree. This thrill-seekers guide will show you where to get the ultimate adrenaline fix on European vacations. Greece is remarkable, from the ancient Acropolis of Athens to the blue-roofed houses of Santorini.

Viking

Visit the crystal caves in Spain as you take a travel vacation to uncover a view of the magnificent Pulpí Geode. Take a moment to make the most of your Greek island hopping travels, reveal the best places to visit in Greece. Sitting down for Spanish tapas is one of the most satisfying food experiences in the world, especially when you wash it down with fruity sangria. Plus, the Jurassic topography of the Canary Islands and the storied streets of Barcelona are just a few of the best places to visit in Europe you'll find here. Endless possibilities are what the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal have always been about.

Fun European Cities to Visit With Kids

Travel Tuesday cruise deals go live at midnight on Cyber Monday, and are designed to bring you discounts on experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime. Go from exploring the awe-inspiring at the Colosseum in Rome to wandering along the Acropolis in Athens. Admire the architectural splendor of marvels like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and the blue-domed churches of Santorini. And eat your way through the Mediterranean and beyond — like pasta in Italy, tapas in Spain, fresh seafood in Norway and grilled meats in Greece. Pack a lifetime of adventure into one legendary Europe vacation next summer. It's no coincidence that many of the best European cruises call in the most beautiful ports in the world.

Admire Mother Nature’s masterpieces on some of our best European cruises. Ultimately, the best cruise to Europe is a bit subjective in that it depends where in Europe you'd like to go and what your travel style is. Be sure to weigh a combination of destination, price and onboard vibe when deciding which is best for you and your travel party.

The most popular ports in the British Isles are Edinburgh in Scotland and the cities of Belfast and Dublin in Ireland. No matter what you like, you will find your favourite European cruise. Uncover 8 of the best Mediterranean cruise destinations while on your travel vacation.

Along with historic towns, looming hills, thick forests, and magnificent castles along the way, you’ll get to enjoy some incredible food and drink. You can filter by departure port and duration and then compare prices to find the best deal. The fee for this luxury cruise, which includes stays at 4-star hotels, is relatively affordable at about $1,450. You’ll find all the amenities you need to enjoy a relaxing holiday in some of the world’s most beautiful places. There is no better way to experience this region than aboard a luxury river cruise experience along the River Rhône, one of the major rivers in France and Switzerland.

European Waterways has 17 barges sailing along the less-visited waterways in the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy. Most European Waterways ships are old working barges, though the casual houseboat atmosphere includes beautiful modern interiors. Each all-inclusive cruise holds just eight to 20 passengers and can also be chartered by families and groups. Fancy associations aside, these credentials translate into some truly awesome dining experiences. European ships have the cozy Chef's Table restaurant where all guests get to dine for free once every cruise.

25 BEST Europe Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to Europe on Cruise Critic

Table Of Content

• Douro River Cruise
• Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations
• Night Europe - Northern Cruise
• MEDITERRANEAN
• European Cruise Departure Ports
• Night British Isles Cruise
• Scandinavia & Baltic Cruises

Find a new perspective from high in the sky with a hot air balloon ride in Turkey. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Turkey, with something for every traveler. The headstrong Spanish farmers continue to produce some of the world's finest oranges, olives, and hams.

Douro River Cruise

While fares aren't the cheapest you'll find, you'll get a lot for your money. In addition to the tours, Viking includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and beer and wine with lunch and dinner in its prices. From the majestic Mediterranean to the beautiful countries of Spain, Belgium, Italy and Greece, there are many options for a memorable European cruise. Here are some fun European cities to visit on your next European cruise — plus tips to make it a memorable, stress-free experience.

Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

Whether on board or ashore, find activities created with every type of guest in mind on a cruise to Europe. See the many faces of the world with seasonal European cruise sailings from Princess. In the spring, shop France’s colorful outdoor markets for hand-crafted souvenirs. Until it was popularized by the 1992 Olympics, Barcelona was a hidden gem amidst Europe’s diverse landscapes. Now it’s widely recognized for its architectural masterpieces and spirited customs.

Night Europe - Northern Cruise

Viking includes one excursion in each port with your fare, and offers a wider variety of river cruises in Europe than others. That gives new-to-river-cruise passengers plenty of options to try their hand at a cruise length that fits their style and a wide array destinations from which to choose. Italy is incredible when it comes to cruising, with its coastal towns, picturesque landscapes and rich history. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the charming Cinque Terre, plenty of beautiful and unique destinations exist. Not forgetting the cuisine that Italy is so famous for, from the fresh seafood to the delicious pasta dishes and excellent wine options. Europe is an ideal location to go on a cruise as there tends to be shorter travel time between destinations.

Fares start from $434 per person, per night, for an ocean-view cabin. Extras like Wi-Fi, gratuities and alcohol (including the in-room mini-bar) are rolled into the fares. Back-to-back itineraries are rarely the same as Viking Star circles the Med.

Best European Cruises

On a European cruise to the British Isles, walk in the footsteps of royalty, like the kings, queens and musical empires before you. Travel along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, where bagpipes greet you. See the world’s oldest book, The Book of Kells, at Trinity College Library. Or walk along Abbey Road and visit the old stomping grounds of one of the world’s most famous boybands. Wild nights on board include raucous and sometimes raunchy theater shows, impromptu dance parties and Scarlet Night, a poolside bash reminiscent of a rave where everyone's dressed in red. If that's not enough, attend enough daily activities, and you might be invited to a secret nighttime tour of the crew bar, drinks included.

European Cruise Departure Ports

At only 19 miles long, this is one of the smaller rivers on our list, although no less impressive than the others. It makes up for its small size by connecting some of Europe’s most important art and architecture collections, such as the famous Museumplein. The Amstel also hosts various tributaries that divert into Amsterdam’s incredible canals.

Night British Isles Cruise

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AmaWaterways is the only cruise line on Europe's rivers to be a member of the prestigious international gastronomy organization Chaine des Rotisseurs. Additionally, the line's culinary director is a member of the French association Tables et Auberges de France. Our onboard activities bring the diverse cultures of the region directly to you. Sing, dance, feast and celebrate in a way that only Europe — and Princess — knows how.

From Lyon to Avignon, this relaxing cruise boasts the best of Provence, including whimsical landscapes and charming chateaus. You can expect to see the Roman amphitheater in Arles, the papal palace, and the charming old-town region of Lyon. You can travel in style in one of the latter bad boys between some of Europe’s most iconic locations. Best of all, when your accommodation is your ride, you can see many more of your chosen destinations without worrying about transport logistics.

Instead, you'll be met with stellar service, gourmet food, a room with a view (all cabins have at least a window) and relative peace and quiet. The long itineraries are ideal for wealthier passengers with lots of time to travel. To help you out, I've narrowed down my favorites for the best cruises to Europe for different types of travelers, including families, couples and solo travelers. Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Going on a cruise is like entering a magical floating city dedicated to fun!

Culinary excellence also awaits, from familiar favourites like Italian pasta and Spanish tapas, to lesser-known cuisines from Amsterdam to Zagreb. While a Douro tour offers excursions to various historical monasteries and ports, it also takes you through a vibrant urban scene full of world-class eateries. When you board the river cruise line, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sights, including the Bordeaux Cathedral and the Place de la Bourse. Rhône cruise liners are famously luxurious, with some sporting onboard spas and gyms, as well as decadently kitted-out dining areas and evening entertainment.

The river cruise ships that frequent the Elbe River are well worth it if you’re interested in the German waterways of the historic city of Dresden. There are tons of short and single-day cruises of the Elbe in Dresden. As this river is located in one of France’s most famous wine areas, most river cruise ships include a glass (or two) of wine. Most tours on this trip focused on the history of the buildings in town. You will also be able to appreciate the magnificent structures as the cruiser passes the UNESCO World Heritage site, Port de la Lune.

While on board, luxuriate in the best that your ship has to offer — like the Princess Luxury Bed and cuisine made from scratch. Get to know the unique personalities of your ship and the destinations visited, only on a Transatlantic European cruise with Princess. Many Spanish cruises start from the beautiful coastal city of Barcelona. You can explore the Mediterranean Sea and visit some of the most popular ports, including Cadiz, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Lisbon. These cities offer various attractions, from ancient castles and museums to vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine.