6 Best European River Cruise Lines. Which One Is Right For You?

What are the best European river cruise lines? I discuss the 6, based on my numerous river cruises through Europe that I recommend that you consider for your first or next river cruise in Europe. I review and discuss lines ranging from premium to more value, and those in between. These are the 6 best river cruise lines to consider. Which one sounds right and best for you?

Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 60+ cruises.

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[colleenwilson]

I notice I commented on here 11 months ago on cruises and forgot to mention a very important thing. We were in Egypt on a river cruise with Saga at the time of the massacre in Hatsheputs temple. No hesitation, Saga got us out immediately. A plane was diverted from Rome . We were flown to Cairo and then a plane had been diverted to pick us up. We were the first to arrive at Heathrow with all the reporters waiting. Duty of care second to none.

[markp]

I just discovered this channel.. I was surprised not to see Tauck here. I chose them because of the all inclusive nature. Absolutely everything was included. Even token to use restrooms on land excursions. Beautiful ships and cabins. The service impeccable. One day I wasn't feeling well, and one of the tour guides brought me back a gift and snack from the days land tour.

[anthonymark]

We chose Viking for one main reason, so many boats meant if the river was low, it was more likely to swap boats rather than getting stuck in motels and on buses. Service was brilliant and staff fantastic. In fact Viking were so good that we found the staff and service were significantly better and far more friendly than on the Orient Express Train we did two weeks later. Thats how good Viking is.

[janejackson]

We did a Viking cruise and it was amazing, superb quality all round. Service was wonderful and staff were very helpful. Food was excellent and shore excursions were also excellent, would definitely book another cruise with Viking.

[gumbycat]

My only river cruise was with Croisieurope, down the Moselle and up the Rhine. The food was fantastic. We were seated with a French food critic and he was impressed. We had an absolutely delightful time and I highly recommend it. It certainly helped that I speak French.

[collierladdie]

Brilliant!
Only having traveled with Viking until now, your perspective of that line gives me confidence in your perspective of the other lines as well.
Thank you for touching upon some of the major considerations my wife and I use as a selection guide.
We will definitely be exploring the idea of one of your selections in a future holiday.

[susanr]

I was on a Croisi cruise about four years ago and so enjoyed it. Thanks for speaking about Emerald cruise lines, too. I will look them up. Wonderful video by the way. Thanks very much.

[authunhx]

Really enjoyed this, for me, informative introduction to river cruising. I followed the links to some of the Croisi cruise vids. Opened a new range of options for me. Thanks.

[Street]

Hi Gary,
Another informative video focusing on river cruises. You obviously do a lot of homework which enables you to share this information with your viewers. I appreciate the wonderful balance of
comparisons and then elaborating on the specifics that would showcase each cruise line.
Thanks,
Darryl

[zoemartin]

We went on a Viking river cruise for our 50th wedding anniversary. Two days before, we got an email from Viking informing us the the river was low but expected to be high enough to sail in a day or two. Upon arrival we learned the river had been low for months. We were bussed to every location taking hours to get to the tour. Since the time to get there and then return back to the ship was so long, the tour was rushed and not enjoyable. For the entire cruise the ship was docked in Germany. We had to rise very early with very little time for breakfast to spend hours on the bus to get to the next tour and then after the tour more hours to get back to the ship for dinner. For lunches we had a brown bag lunch which included a half a sandwich, apple and bottle of water. Not quite the cuisine we expected. Several days we spent 8-10 hours on the bus with our legs swelling and other hazardous health difficulties. Viking knew the river was too low for cruising and should have cancelled the trip. This was the worst cruise we have ever experienced and the passengers were furious. Upon return, Viking offered us $1, 500 toward another cruise which is a drop in the bucket of the over $10, 000 we spent. I would never go on another Viking cruise because of the deceitful way they handled this cruise. Buyer beware . . . make sure the water is high enough to sail before going.

[richardong]

Fantastic and educational video as always, than you so much! I wish that all Youtube informational videos are as good as yours.

[kathyerickson]

Great information that definitely helps provide some direction when looking at which cruise line might be more appealing for me. Thank you!

[leeseifert]

You provide a great overview to help with our decision making process. Thanks.

[stuartcarefoot]

Love the correct use of “permutations “ rather than “combination”, cudos

[Hollis_has_questions]

Window-facing beds, panoramic windows, excellent food, comfy furnishings and accoutrements, and WiFi are my best friends. Local cuisine, museums, bookstores and yarn shops are all the lagniappe I ask. I don’t care about the other guests, they’re not why I’m there. I’m looking for ambiance, culture, and history. And my #1 requirement is a room with a view. For knitting. Now all I need is the wherewithal to do it. But poor as I am, I have it (mostly) right here — “Here is where the birds sing! Here is where the sky is blue!”

[Watercrake]

My wife is a very savvy traveller and, after careful research, decided Scenic was our best choice. They have many of the pluses you have listed here; including the power window/balcony combo, bikes, true all-inclusive, included tips, a choice of 2 excursions per day, chef's table, spa and gorgeous staterooms. Everybody is assigned to a butler who will do their utmost to make you happy. It was just a delight. It was mostly Australians; a few Brits and Canadians.

[ljclauson]

Thanks so much for your important information I really enjoy how you presented and it’s so easy to sort out what my personal taste would be because of how well you present the cruising information.

[barbaracronin]

Your tips are always right on the money. Thank you.

[tonybains]

First time looking into river cruise & come across your video. Great insight and overall review. Thank you

[chriswilliams]

Thanks Gary, always useful. We have been on the Danube with Uniworld, fabulous, and the Rhine with Emerald, also great. I would try Croisieurope as agree, found some good pricing. They even do rivers that no one else does, i.e in southern Spain.