European River Cruises: The Best Rhine River Cruises, Danube River Cruises, Russian River Cruises & More

European River Cruise Deals

Choosing The Best European River Cruises
There's no better place to experience European river cruises than on the ever-popular Rhine River cruises or Danube River cruises. After 1992, the Rhine and Danube were connected, providing 2,200 miles of unobstructed waterways through over a dozen countries, most not accesssible on an ocean cruise. Today, with so many ships and new itineraries, European river cruises have come of age. TravelStore works with major Europe river cruise lines, and can arrange the best values for you. 

Europe River Cruise Itineraries 
We already mentioned the most popular European river cruises. Danube River cruises wind from Germany to the Black Sea, passing through Austria several Eastern European countries, and the beautiful cities of Vienna and Budapest. From the Alps, the Rhine River streches to the North Sea, offering the beautiful scenery of Switzerland, Germany, France and Holland.

In addition to historic Rhine River cruises and enchanting Danube River cruises, Europe river cruise itineraries include the Moselle; the Rhône and Saône rivers in Provence, France; the Duoro river that cruises through rural northern Portugal visting vineyards and restored palaces; and Russian river cruises on the Volga, Europe's largest river. There are also theme cruises, like the popular Christmas Markets river cruises.
Why Choose A Europe River Cruise?
As most commerce occured along rivers in the history of Europe's cities and towns, life along the river was central to growth, and as a result there is much to see and appreciate from the comfortable deck of a Europe river cruise ship.

While the vessels plying the world's rivers vary in standards and quality, all-inclusive European river cruises provide your accommodations, meals onboard and cultural entertainment. The ship stops at various cities or towns, where passengers disembark and enjoy shore excursions or explore on their own.

< European River Cruises: Quick Tip >
Many new European river cruise ships have been built in recent years, while some are of older vintage. Newer ships can offer more amenities and comforts (and WiFi access). Also some European river cruise ships offer picture windows, while others offer French balconies, where you can open the full length sliding glass door and breathe Europe in.

Advantages Of Europe River Cruises
  • On most itineraries European river cruise ships dock right in the heart of downtown, maximizing time ashore.
  • There are under 200 passengers on your Europe river cruise, so you enjoy a more personal experience and get to know fellow travelers.
  • There is no rough open ocean water to navigate, so your European river cruise is smooth sailing all the way.
  • Unlike an ocean cruise, you are always close to shore on a European river cruise, so there's always something to see.


< Europe River Cruise: Quick Tip >
Most European river cruise operators include shore excursions as part of the price, usually an added cost on an ocean cruise, increasing the value river cruises provide. Compare what is included when shopping for Europe river cruise deals.

Best Europe River Cruise Choices

There are several companies operating European river cruises that own their own river boats, and some that design programs primarily for American travelers. We prefer some lines over others for the quality of their river cruise ships and their service.

AMA Waterways
AMA Waterways (formerly Amadeus Waterways) is considered one of the best European river cruise lines, and has a fleet of ships operating in Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. AMA operates Europe river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, and in Holland & Belgium and Russia. Read more about AMA Waterways.


Uniworld
A longtime pioneer in Europe river cruises and one of the better lines, and our most popular, Uniworld has always specialized in tailoring cruises exclusively for Americans, and operates river cruise itineraries on all of Europe's major rivers, as well as in China and Egypt. Read more about Uniworld river cruises.


Tauck World Discovery
Tauck's impeccable high standards hold up well on its Swiss Emerald and Swiss Sapphire river cruise ships. The ships are among the most deluxe river cruises and fill up early. The ships carry just over 100 passengers, fewer passengers than most river ships their size, and staterooms are spacious and feature French balconies. Suites also available.

Some companies charter ships and operate river cruise programs under their brand, including Brendan and Lindblad Expeditions.

Are You Ready To Book A Europe River Cruise?
To arrange your best European river cruises, contact our river cruise river cruise experts who will help ensure you get the best overall value, search our Europe river cruise deals, or call us at 1-888-779-7447. Read more about river cruising.