Europe River Cruises
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10 best European river cruises
Compiled by

NadineEurope travel expert at TourRadar
- Danube in Depth with Prague, Ljubljana & Zagreb 2026
- The Danube from Germany to Romania with 2 Nights in Prague and 1 Night in Bucharest 2026
- The Danube from Germany to Romania with 1 Night in Bucharest 2026
- Adriatic and Danube Jewels Budapest → Dubrovnik (2026)
- Magnificent Europe with Prague Prague → Amsterdam (2026)
- Baltic Sea Capitals with European Gems Helsinki → Budapest (2026)
- Magnificent Europe with Prague Amsterdam → Prague (2025)
- Danube City & Nature 2026
- The Danube from Germany to Romania 2026
- The Danube from Germany to Romania with 1 Night in Bucharest and 2 Nights in Transylvania 2026
Duration 17 days Destinations Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,835
19% Off- NZ$10,335You save $2,500
Duration 18 days Destinations Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
19% Off- NZ$17,147+$817 upfront costs
Duration 16 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
19% Off- NZ$15,929+$817 upfront costs
Premium ships offer dual adventures on Danube and Adriatic waters. Seven nights each on Travelmarvel Capella and MV Princess Eleganza include guided tours of riverside cities and coastal towns. The route features Krka National Park's waterfalls and secluded Croatian bays.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
19% Off- NZ$11,087+$1,552 upfront costs
Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam aboard APT Ostara, featuring in-suite dining and exclusive shore excursions. Navigate the Main-Danube Canal, explore medieval river towns, and enjoy private castle visits with spectacular riverside views.
Duration 18 days Destinations Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
19% Off- NZ$12,093+$1,810 upfront costs
Duration 22 days Destinations Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Travel Marvel From
19% Off- NZ$15,168+$2,069 upfront costs
Magnificent Europe with Prague Amsterdam → Prague (2025)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Everything from the food to the tours to the company, we loved it. The staff were kind and ensured we had everything we needed to make our experience one to remember forever.”
Lenore, traveled in July
APT's luxury vessels link Amsterdam's canals to Budapest's riverfront. The journey features exclusive access to Namedy Castle, private concerts at Vienna's City Palace, and passage through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley.
Duration 18 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic Age Range Ages 8+ Operator APT From
19% Off- NZ$12,955+$1,810 upfront costs
This 19-day voyage aboard A-ROSA FLORA offers balcony suites and comprehensive dining. The ship traverses 8 countries from Passau to Bucharest, stopping at UNESCO Danube Delta. Onboard entertainment and local performances complement Europe's second-longest river cruise.
Duration 19 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Netherlands, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator A-ROSA From
19% Off- NZ$7,101
Germany to Romania unfolds aboard luxury Avalon ships. The route features Wachau Valley vineyards, Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, and Bulgaria's ancient Veliko Târnovo, while panoramic suites, gourmet dining, and guided excursions enhance each stop.
Duration 15 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
19% Off- NZ$15,559+$817 upfront costs
Duration 18 days Destinations Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Avalon Waterways From
19% Off- NZ$17,361+$817 upfront costs
European River Cruises Reviews
- Magnificent Europe with Prague Amsterdam → Prague (2025)
The tour was an absolute delight. Everything from the food to the tours to the company, we loved it. The staff were kind and ensured we had everything we needed to make our experience one to remember forever
- Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio
The overall tour and its organization was excellent. The package included tours and the optional tours were well organized and the tour guides were well informed and covered the most important aspects of each city that we visited given the time frame that the ship was docked. It was unfortunate that the tour group was unable to embark in Romania due to the recent floods and the likelihood of the Danube flooding around Turnu Magurele, necessitating the tour organizers transferring the group via bus to Port Vidin, Bulgaria to board the ship. The crew when approached were diligent, responsive and attentive to the guests requests and needs. The ship was kept in a hygienically clean condition and the food not only varied and generous but of a very high standard. All in all, I loved this cruise experience.
- Danube Classics Vienna 2026
A pity that air conditioner was not working the last night. It would also have been great to have more spa staff. Apart from that it was enjoyable.
What our customers ask about Europe River Cruises
What's the difference between Rhine and Danube river cruise itineraries?
The Rhine and Danube offer distinct sailing experiences through Europe's heartland. Rhine voyages navigate through western Europe crossing Germany Switzerland France and the Netherlands. Passengers explore Amsterdam's water-laced streets Cologne's towering cathedral and the storied Rhine Gorge. Danube journeys wind through central and eastern Europe including Austria Hungary Slovakia and sometimes extend to Bulgaria and Romania. The route connects major capitals like Vienna Budapest and Bratislava. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "On this Danube cruise we have seen 7 different countries from impressive capitals like Vienna and Budapest to charming small towns. Highly recommended."
What types of cabin options are available on European river cruise ships?
Modern river vessels offer accommodations that range from practical to luxurious. Ships like AmaWaterways' AmaMagna feature spacious suites (300-710 sq ft) with dedicated living spaces and wall-to-wall windows. Standard staterooms (160-235 sq ft) come equipped with French or twin balconies while lower deck rooms have fixed windows. Upper Violin Deck cabins provide premium views and Piano Deck rooms offer budget-friendly options. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our Panorama Suite on the Violin Deck of the AmaLea had twin balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows - the views of passing castles and villages were incredible."
Which European river cruise lines offer the best value for money?
The value spectrum spans from comfortable to ultra-luxury experiences. Crucemundo's fleet including the MS Crucevita offers 8-day voyages starting at USD 1808 with comprehensive inclusions. Premium operators like AmaWaterways set sail on vessels such as AmaMagna with rates beginning at USD 4298. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Great value and well organised. The meals were excellent and the crew was wonderful - worth every single cent."
What are the best times of year to take a Europe river cruise?
European river cruise season peaks from April through October. Spring brings Amsterdam's tulip displays and pleasant temperatures in Vienna and Budapest. Summer allows for extended daylight hours perfect for exploring landmarks like Melk Abbey and Rothenburg. Fall cruises draw praise for moderate weather and colorful landscapes particularly along the Danube. One A-ROSA FLORA passenger noted: "The autumn colors along the river were spectacular and the weather was perfect for exploring ports."
How accessible are European river cruise ships for passengers with mobility issues?
Contemporary vessels prioritize accessibility through thoughtful design. Ships like AmaMagna and MS Crucevita incorporate elevators between main decks accessible public spaces and modified cabins. The MS Crucevita features a four-person elevator connecting Main and Promenade Decks plus Sun Deck chairlift access. A TourRadar traveler observed: "The ship's layout was very accessible with good elevator service between decks though some ports required walking on uneven surfaces."
What's included in the dining experience on European river cruises?
Dining programs blend regional cuisines with international offerings. Ships typically feature main restaurants for three daily meals plus specialty venues like AmaWaterways' Chef's Table. Menus showcase local dishes accompanied by regional wines beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner. Extra touches include afternoon tea tapas stations and formal Captain's Dinners. One Uniworld guest reported: "The food was exceptional - we enjoyed wine-paired dinners featuring local specialties like Wiener Schnitzel in Austria and goulash in Hungary."
How does transportation work between cruise ports and city centers?
Ships often dock steps from city centers providing direct access to local attractions. In Budapest vessels moor near the Chain Bridge while Vienna stops utilize the Reichsbrücke with convenient tram connections downtown. When docked further out complimentary shuttles bridge the gap. Organized excursions include transportation. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "The ship's docking locations were incredibly convenient - we could walk right into the heart of most cities within minutes."
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