If you are planning to take a river cruise through Europe, there is a high chance that you must be feeling overwhelmed because of the wide variety of options available. Most travelers do not have a lot of information about these cruises. Our guide below can help you as it will boost your knowledge about the best European river cruises, the highest-rated European river cruise companies, and more.

What is a river cruise?

• River cruises through Europe have been experiencing a surge in popularity.
• It is a form of leisure travel which takes guests along inland waterways.
• Each river cruise ship stops at several ports.
• Depending on the ship’s size, a river cruise carries 100 to 250 guests, and the trip often lasts longer than a week.
• According to travelers’ reviews, Danube river in Europe is one of the most popular waterways for cruises. Elbe, Rhine, Seine, Saone, Rhone, and the Moselle are also famous for river cruises in Europe.

What amenities are available on river cruise ships?
The amenities available differ from one river cruise ship to another. However, the highest-rated Europen river cruise companies provide the following amenities on their ships –

• A restaurant, library, bar, lounge, and sky deck
• A fitness center and a sauna
• A dipping pool on the top deck
• Multiple dining lounges and outdoor grilling areas
• Luxurious interiors throughout the ship’s indoor spaces
• Elevators

Usually, the room sizes are a little small. However, they have all the modern amenities required.

What is the difference between a river cruise ship and an ocean cruise?

• River ships are smaller in size: Their passenger count is usually a maximum of 200 people whereas ocean ships can hold thousands of passengers comfortably.
• Smaller cabins: They are smaller as compared to the cabin sizes of ocean cruises, but they don’t lack any comfort.
• Fewer restaurants: Usually, most river cruises have a single restaurant that offers a buffet-only lunch and dinner.
• Port-intensive itineraries: River cruises have port-intensive itineraries, unlike the leisurely vacations offered by ocean cruises.
• Docks right in the town: River cruises dock right in town. Often, travelers can reach the heart of the city by walking a short distance or taking a quick bus ride.

What are the top ten European river cruises?
If you are on a lookout for the top ten European river cruises, here is a list that you can consider –

• Paris & the Heart of Normandy by Viking® River Cruises
• Alluring Amsterdam and Vienna by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
• Danube Dreams & Discoveries by Crystal Cruises
• A Taste of the Danube by Avalon Waterways®
• French Escapade by Tauck
• Melodies of the Danube by AmaWaterways™
• Enchanting Rhine River Cruise by AmaWaterways™
• Enchantment of Eastern Europe by Emerald Waterways®
• Across the Heart of Europe by Lüeftner Cruises

Which are some of the highest-rated European river cruise companies?
For unforgettable experiences, you can count on the following European river cruise lines which have the highest ratings:

• A-ROSA
• Scenic Cruises
• APT Tours
• Viking Cruises
• Avalon Waterways®
• G Adventures
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
• Intrepid Travel

What are the things you should know before taking your first river cruise through Europe?

• Smart planning: You need to plan smartly for making the most of your river cruise. Over packing for a river cruise trip is bad whereas going under-prepared is even worse.
• Great option for first-time visitors to Europe: The highest-rated European river cruise companies design their programs in such a way that you get to enjoy all the sights and experiences that a region has to offer. Thus, river cruises are the best option if you’re visiting Europe for the first time. The highest-rated European river cruise companies also provide customized river cruise experiences.
• Personalized service: You can expect personalized service because there are a limited number of passengers aboard the cruise ship. Thus, the crew can easily surpass your service expectations.