Best River Cruise Line (2019)

Founded in 1997, Viking River Cruises plies the waterways of Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt with its fleet of more than 60 vessels. While Viking has also launched an award-winning ocean cruise line, the company built its reputation in river cruising. These all-inclusive cruises feature outside staterooms, WiFi, wine and beer with meals, shore excursions in every port and Viking’s signature Culture Curriculum program.
Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Many of the staterooms in AmaWaterways’ fleet of river ships feature a French balcony and a full outside balcony, providing guests stellar views of the passing scenery. Joined by no more than 163 fellow passengers, guests find plenty of room on board to spread out and relax. Shore excursions are included in the fare, and in many ports of call, guests can choose from several options. A fleet of complimentary bicycles on board allows guests to explore destinations in a more active, leisurely way.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Vantage’s state-of-the-art riverboats provide cruisers an intimate experience with no more than 176 travelers onboard, plus free extras like WiFi, staterooms with French balconies, sunrise yoga and stretching classes, and complimentary bicycles. All-inclusive packages mean almost all costs are taken care of up front, including shore excursions and cooking classes, performances, and demonstrations that comprise Vantage’s signature Cultural Connections program. Solo travelers enjoy custom-built single cabins (many with French balconies!) with no single supplement.
Photo courtesy of Vantage Deluxe World Travel

River cruisers in Europe will find the largest standard staterooms and suites aboard Avalon’s fleet of luxurious ships. Onboard amenities include fitness centers, a Sky Deck with a whirlpool and shade system, free WiFi, flat screen TVs and a self-serve beverage station. The Avalon Choice program allows cruisers to customize the details of their experience, ensuring each vacation is a perfect fit.
Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Luxurious river ships with an average capacity of 130 guests and one of the best staff-to-guest ratios in the industry ply the waters of Europe, Russia and Asia under the Uniworld name. Passengers on Uniworld vessels enjoy gourmet cuisine, immersive shore excursions and many all-inclusive benefits. The ships themselves are each unique, complete with sumptuous staterooms and original art commissioned exclusively for Uniworld.
Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Guests plying America’s waterways with American Cruise Line enjoy some of the newest and most environmentally friendly small ships and riverboats on the continent. Professional chefs cook up delectable meals from locally sourced ingredients, while musicians, naturalists and historians come aboard to enhance the cruising experience. Spacious staterooms feature private balconies for stellar views no matter the itinerary – there are 35 of them throughout the U.S.
Photo courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Australian-based tour company Scenic began offering all-inclusive European  and Asian river cruises aboard its fleet of Space-Ships in 2008. Each vessel has two decks of private balcony cabins – and at the touch of a button the balconies close up for all-weather use. All European passengers enjoy butler service, and guests choose from a range of sightseeing experiences and excursions instead of being tied down to a single group tour.
Photo courtesy of Scenic River Cruises

American Queen Steamboat Company specializes in Mississippi River cruises ranging from five to 23 days. These all-American, all-inclusive itineraries include pre-cruise hotel stays, wine and beer with dinner, regional cuisine and shore excursions in each port of call. Themed voyages dive deeper into topics of interest, like wine, bourbon, Mark Twain, Civil War, Elvis or Big Band.
Photo courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company

Emerald’s custom-built Star-Ships give guests more space than almost any other vessels in Europe. Onboard amenities for Emerald’s eight to 17-day itineraries include a heated pool, nightly cinema, sun deck, fine dining, beer and wine, soft drinks and EmeraldPLUS experiences – activities designed to immerse guests in the culture and history of each fascinating destination they visit.
Photo courtesy of Emerald Waterways

U.K.-based Riviera River Cruises offers more than 13 itineraries in Europe that appeal to value-conscious travelers. The fleet of 13 ships feature extras like tea and coffee-making facilities in all cabins, as well as fares inclusive of meals and excursions.
Photo courtesy of Riviera River Cruises