If you are planning your first European river cruise, you are most likely overwhelmed by the wide assortment of options available to you.
Our guide below can help you boost your knowledge about the best European river cruises, help identify the top rated European river cruise companies, and ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime.
What is a river cruise?
River cruises through Europe are hugely popular vacation options. This form of leisure travel takes guests along scenic inland waterways with several port stops.

Depending on the ship size, a river cruise carries between 100 to 250 guests and the trip often lasts longer than a week. For example, the Danube River in Europe is one of the most popular rivers to cruise along as per the European river cruise lines ratings. Cruising Elbe, Rhine, Seine, Saone, Rhone, and the Moselle are also famous rivers that offer cruises in Europe.

What amenities can you expect on river cruise ships?
Amenities on river cruise ships vary, but you can expect these following amenities on cruise ships provided by the highest rated European river cruise companies:

• A restaurant, library, bar, lounge, and sky deck
• A fitness center and possibly a sauna as well
• A dipping pool on the top deck
• Alternative dining lounges and outdoor grilling areas
• Luxurious interiors throughout the ship’s indoor spaces
• Usually standard or smaller rooms with modern amenities
• Elevators

How a river cruise ship is different from an ocean cruise?
1. River ships are smaller
The passenger count of a river cruise is usually a maximum of 200 people whereas passenger count of ocean ships is in thousands.

2. The cabins are smaller
The rooms are smaller on river cruises, compared to the cabin sizes of ocean cruises, but they don’t lack any comfort or amenities.

3. Fewer restaurants
Usually there is a single restaurant offering a buffet-only lunch and dinner on river cruises.

4. Port-intensive itineraries
River cruises have port-intensive itineraries, which are unlike the leisurely sea schedules on ocean cruises.

5. Docks right in town
River cruises generally dock within towns, requiring a short walk or a quick bus ride into the heart of the city.

What are the top rated European river cruises?
If you are on a lookout for the top 10 European river cruises, consider:

• Viking River Cruises
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
• Crystal Cruises
• Avalon Waterways
• AmaWaterways
• Tauck
• Melodies of the Danube
• Enchanting Rhine
• Emerald Waterways
• Lueftner Cruises

What are the top-rated European river cruise companies?
For unforgettable experiences, you can count on the following highest rated European river cruise companies:

• A-Rosa
• Scenic Cruises
• APT
• Viking Cruises
• Avalon Waterways
• G Adventures
• U by Uniworld
• Intrepid

Things to know before taking your first European river cruise?

• Plan smart

You need to plan smart for making your river cruise experience rewarding. Over packing for a river cruise trip can be bad. However, under-prepared packing is even worse. Remember, you may be docking in cities with varied weather and climates.

• First-time Europe visitors

A river cruise trip is a great way to see Europe for the first time as it can provide you with all the main sights and experiences a region has to offer. You can count on the highest rated European river cruise to take you to all the most popular tourist sites, and even customize river cruise experience.

• Personalized Service

You can expect a personalized service just because of the fact that there are fewer passengers aboard a river cruise compared to an ocean liner. And the crew is generally prepared to  surpass your every vacation expectation.