Germany and Switzerland River Cruises
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10 best river cruises through Germany and Switzerland
Compiled by

MelissaGermany and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar
- Zurich - Lucerne & Jewels of the Rhine
- From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
- Christmas Markets on the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich 2025
- Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich Zurich → Amsterdam (2025)
- Rhine Christmas Markets with Switzerland 2025 - 12 Days (from Zurich to Amsterdam)
- Romantic Rhine, Alsace and Netherlands Crucevita Main Cabin
- Romantic Rhine, Alsace and Netherlands Crucevita Superior
- Castles along the Rhine (2026) (Amsterdam to Basel, 2026)
- Festive Time on the Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025
- Romantic Rhine for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2025
The Rhine beckons from Basel through Germany's Black Forest region. Highlights include Heidelberg Castle, medieval riverside towns, and UNESCO-listed Strasbourg. Emerald Star-Ships provide panoramic suites during guided tours of Freiburg and Koblenz.
Duration 11 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From
- NZ$15,503
From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cabins were clean, beds were comfortable. It was nice to be able to open the window and breath in fresh air along the Rhine.”
Janice, traveled in June
MS Symphonie connects Germany to Switzerland, featuring Breisach's old town and Basel's cultural sites. Mainz's Gutenberg Museum and Cologne's cathedral complement French dining and panoramic views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises From
- NZ$3,426
Duration 11 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Emerald Cruises From $18,494
53% Off- NZ$8,699You save $9,795
Rhine and Moselle rivers lead to Breisach's Black Forest region and Rudesheim's wine country. Musical heritage comes alive at Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Museum, while wine tasting at Schlagkamp Winery and Mt. Pilatus' cogwheel railway add adventure. Accommodations include Crowne Plaza Zurich and Radisson Blu Lucerne.
Duration 12 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Travel Marvel From
53% Off- NZ$6,965
Scenic Space-Ship unveils Germany and Switzerland's treasures, from Baden-Baden's Caracalla Spa to Heidelberg Castle and Strasbourg's Christmas markets. Restaurant Le Chalet demonstrates cheese-making while Fitz Ritter vineyard shares wine traditions.
Duration 12 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $12,200
8% Off- NZ$11,200You save $1,000
Cruise through Germany and Switzerland's scenic waterways, visiting Mainz's historic port and Koblenz's fortress. Experience the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley's castles, explore medieval Rüdesheim, and enjoy guided tours with full-board dining.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
8% Off- NZ$3,783
Cruise from Germany to Switzerland aboard MS Crucevita, passing through the UNESCO Rhine Valley. Visit Rüdesheim's wine taverns and Koblenz's fortress, with full-board dining and guided tours included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands Age Range up to 85 year olds Operator Europamundo From
8% Off- NZ$4,278
The S.S. Elisabeth glides from Germany to Switzerland, passing Rhine castles and wine regions. The Route des Vins in Breisach leads to Basel, with an optional extension to Lake Lucerne's alpine landscapes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 100 year olds Operator Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection From $6,399
10% Off- NZ$5,759You save $640
Avalon Suite Ships connect Swiss Basel to Germany's Black Forest. Christmas markets, medieval towns, and UNESCO sites line the route. Regional specialties and flexible dining complement Rhine's historic waterways.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$6,479+$349 upfront costs
The Rhine links Germany and Switzerland through picturesque waters. Black Forest villages, Heidelberg Castle, and historic wine cellars await exploration. Avalon View's luxury suites complement Master of Wine-hosted tastings through vineyard landscapes.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Operator Avalon Waterways From
10% Off- NZ$5,980+$349 upfront costs
What people love about River Cruise Tours in Germany and Switzerland
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
Wonderful trip packed full of many beautiful villages and towns. Only complaint is it was difficult finding the boat in Basel because of 4 different pontoons and no indication as to which one.
- From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)
Good value with excellent service and food
What our customers ask about Germany and Switzerland River Cruises
What are the main ports and highlights visited on Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
River cruises through Germany and Switzerland typically start in Basel before heading through key destinations like the Black Forest region Breisach and historic Strasbourg in France. The route connects medieval towns such as Koblenz and Cologne along the Rhine. The UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge stands out with its clifftop castles. Travelers can explore wine regions in the Moselle Valley visit Heidelberg Castle and end their journey along Amsterdam's network of canals. For pre or post-cruise stays the Hotel Drei Könige in Basel and Hotel Schweizerhof in Lucerne offer convenient locations. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Sailing through the Rhine Gorge was breathtaking - seeing all those ancient castles perched on the cliffs while enjoying lunch on deck was unforgettable."
What are the most scenic stretches along Germany and Switzerland river cruise routes?
The Rhine Gorge a UNESCO World Heritage site shows off castles set 400 feet above the water including the famous Lorelei Rock. Between Koblenz and Rüdesheim passengers see medieval castles vineyards and historic villages dot the riverbanks. The Basel to Lucerne section reveals Swiss Alpine landscapes while the Moselle Valley near Cochem presents rows of hillside vineyards. As one TourRadar traveler noted about the Romantic Rhine cruise: "The castles along the Rhine make the trip a very enjoyable cruise."
What kind of cabin options are available on Germany and Switzerland river cruise ships?
Different cabin types fit various needs and budgets on river cruise ships. The Avalon Vista provides Deluxe Staterooms at 172 square feet Panorama Suites at 200 square feet with wall-to-wall windows and spacious Royal Suites. On the Emerald Destiny guests choose between Owner's Suites Grand Suites and Emerald Staterooms. Each room comes with L'Occitane bath products climate control and WiFi access. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our Panorama Suite on the Avalon Vista was incredibly spacious with amazing floor-to-ceiling windows - waking up to Rhine River views every morning was magical."
What shore excursions and activities are typically included in Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
Standard offerings include guided walks through ports such as Cologne's Gothic Cathedral and Strasbourg's La Petite France quarter. Active travelers can hike the Black Forest or bike along the Rhine. Cultural stops feature Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. Basic tours come included while specialty excursions cost extra. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The included walking tours were excellent - our guides really brought the history and culture of each place to life."
What are the best times of year to do a Germany and Switzerland river cruise?
The main season runs May through September with mild weather and less rain. Spring brings flowers and smaller crowds to the Rhine while summer allows for more deck time and outdoor activities in places like the Black Forest. Fall offers wine festivals in regions like Rüdesheim. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Cruising in September was perfect - comfortable temperatures and beautiful fall colors along the Rhine Gorge."
What kind of dining experiences are offered on Germany and Switzerland river cruises?
Ships serve local dishes made with fresh ingredients offering flexible meal times and venues. Most packages include three meals daily plus complimentary drinks at lunch and dinner. Special events feature Black Forest cake making wine tastings in Rüdesheim and regional items like Cologne's Kölsch beer. Ships like the Avalon Vista offer both formal and casual dining spaces. According to one TourRadar traveler: "The food exceeded our expectations - we especially loved the local German and Swiss specialties and wine pairings at dinner."