Rhine River Cruises
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Table of contents
- The best Rhine cruises
- What people love about Rhine Cruises
- Travel Rhine your way
- Best tour companies
- Popular Rhine Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Rhine tours for every budget
- Rhine tours for every type of group
- Top Rhine travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Rhine travel experts
- What our customers ask about Rhine River Cruises
The best Rhine cruises
Compiled by
MelissaRhine travel expert at TourRadar
Christmas markets cruise MS Albertina
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Locations to disembark all great. Food good with excellent service, the overall organisation of the tour was very good.”
Jesmond, traveled in December
MS Albertina offers 13m² main deck cabins and French balcony rooms while sailing the Rhine. Riverside Christmas markets dot the journey, accompanied by full-board dining, festive entertainment, and optional guided tours of historic landmarks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Austria, Hungary, Slovakia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Crucevita River Rhine Operator Crucemundo From $2,047
50% Off- NZ$1,024+$126 upfront costsYou save $1,024
Classic Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organised with plenty to see.”
Alan, traveled in September
The 5-star MS Crucevita offers French balconies and panoramic views along the Rhine. Highlights include Cologne's Cathedral, Rüdesheim's Brömser Castle, and Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed old town, complemented by regional cuisine and nightly entertainment.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Crucevita River Rhine Operator Crucemundo From $4,104
30% Off- NZ$2,873+$204 upfront costsYou save $1,231
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range Ages 12+ Ships AmaStellaAmaViolaAmaCertoAmaPrimaAmaSienaAmaLucia River Rhine Operator AmaWaterways From
30% Off- NZ$6,447+$392 upfront costs
Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
40 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food, both quality and presentation were outstanding. The staff was unfailingly polite and very helpful.”
Renate, traveled in October
AMADEUS Queen welcomes guests with French balcony cabins and gourmet dining on its Basel to Amsterdam route. The UNESCO Middle Rhine Valley showcases its castles, while Strasbourg's canals and medieval Cochem charm visitors. Optional excursions feature Heidelberg Castle and Amsterdam canal cruises.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, German Ships AMADEUS QueenAmadeus StarAmadeus Cara River Rhine Operator Lueftner Cruises From
30% Off- NZ$4,653
Rhine Christmas Markets 2025
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise was great, awesome food comfortable cabin and public areas.”
Sandra, traveled in December
The luxurious A-ROSA AQUA, complete with balcony cabins and spa access, takes you to Cologne's Cathedral, Frankfurt's banking district, and Rüdesheim's famous Drosselgasse. The route includes Christmas markets in 5 historic German towns, featuring evening entertainment by local performers and traditional Rüdesheim coffee tasting.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cologne, Rudesheim am Rhein, Mainz, Frankfurt-am-Main, Koblenz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA AQUA River Rhine Operator A-ROSA From
30% Off- NZ$1,063
What people love about Rhine Cruises
- Captivating Rhine (Christmas Cruise) 2025
I've been on three Amawaterways ship and the cruise experience has not failed me a bit. Am recommending it to more friends.
- Classic Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita
River cruise was well paced & very professionally run. Fantastic staff to passenger ratio. Facilities & rooms on board were immaculately clean. The decor was very luxurious. There was plenty of space outside of your room to take in the scenery. Food was sensational. I will book a Crucemondo cruise again! TourRadar made booking very smooth.
- Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam) (10 destinations)
We were 4 senior ladies and were given roooms on the lower deck because there were no vacancies in the upper deck. We were the only guests there. We were bothered by crew members always in the corridor and by the noises that came from the nearby utility room. However, the ship was not fully occupied, only 110 passengers and many rooms were vacant in the two upper decks. Besides that the cruise was enjoyable also despite that some of the crew members were novices and did not know how to provide the proper service. We are looking considering the Black Sea Cruises for 2019!
Travel Rhine your way
Rhine River voyages focus on the most interesting parts of the river, especially through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge where you'll float past medieval castles set above terraced vineyards. Our customers particularly like booking French balcony cabins - they're perfect for watching historic towns drift by without any obstacles in the way. Amsterdam is our main starting point with 36 different cruise options, while Cologne, Basel and also Strasbourg each offer 13-15 sailing choices. The crews consistently get high marks from travelers for their attentive service and deep regional knowledge, plus there's the practical advantage of unpacking just once while seeing multiple destinations. The best sailing weather comes between May and September, though early spring brings beautiful wildflowers along the banks and December transforms everything with traditional Christmas markets in port towns. Wine lovers often choose September sailings to catch local harvest festivals, which adds some nice cultural depth to the journey. Our travelers tell us they love discovering authentic local treats like Rudesheimer coffee, and they appreciate having free time to explore the riverside towns at their own pace. For the widest choice of cabins and early booking benefits, try to book about three months (94 days) ahead of when you want to sail.
Select from our extensive range of 496 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Rhine with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Rhine. We have 39 adventures that vary from 6 days to 32 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Best tour companies
Based on feedback from our Rhine cruise travelers, AmaWaterways stands out for going above and beyond with their service - they've really mastered the art of luxury river cruising. Our guests particularly appreciate how the staff anticipates needs before they even arise.Crucemundo delivers solid value with comfortable cabins and satisfying meals, and cruise directors Marina and Jessica get mentioned often in guest reviews for solving problems quickly. Though the drink package could use some adjustments and meal timing isn't always ideal, these are minor points in an otherwise smooth experience.If you're interested in seeing the Rhine from a different angle, Luftner Company excels at thoughtful itinerary planning. Their crew consistently receives praise for creating a welcoming atmosphere while keeping everything running like clockwork.Emerald Cruises rounds out the options with their modern Star-Ships and well-organized shore excursions. The tours hit all the right spots, though our non-German speaking passengers sometimes mention feeling a bit disconnected from the full cultural experience. Still, their contemporary approach to river cruising appeals to travelers who prefer updated amenities and fresh perspectives on classic routes.
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Popular Rhine Cruise Ships
Best places to start your adventure
Amsterdam tops our departure city list - we've got 36 different cruise options starting there. You can also begin your journey from Cologne, Basel and also Strasbourg, each offering 13-15 departure choices. Based on what works best for our travelers, booking about 3 months ahead (94 days to be exact) gives you the widest choice of cabins and early booking benefits. Many of our guests swear by the French balcony cabins for watching medieval towns and castles drift by. While summer brings perfect weather conditions, we see lots of happy travelers in spring when flowers line the riverbanks, or during December when Christmas markets light up historic squares with their seasonal charm.
Discover Rhine tours for every budget
Several Rhine River cruise options work well if you're watching your budget without missing any of the good stuff. The Classical Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam puts you right in the action even from lower deck cabins. You'll dock at medieval towns and wine regions along the way - though you might need to pick and choose your excursions since not all are included in basic packages. Many of our customers love the Christmas market cruise through Alsace and the Black Forest, where you can wander through Freiburg's winter wonderland and shop for local crafts from your river base. The ships cover meals in their pricing, but you'll usually need to pay extra for drinks. While the onboard entertainment stays simple, you won't miss any Rhine highlights - from Cologne's massive cathedral to the sloping vineyards of Rudesheim.Luxury Rhine cruises take things up several notches, especially on ships like AmaWaterways. These vessels come with roomy cabins, modern touches and restaurants with big windows where regional wines flow freely at mealtimes. The shore activities really set these cruises apart - you could be cycling through old Düsseldorf before stopping at traditional beer halls, or floating above Rüdesheim's vineyards in a gondola. Our guests particularly value having choices in each port - maybe a vineyard hike one day and an in-depth town tour the next. With fewer passengers onboard, you'll get more personal attention and flexibility with dining times and tour options.
Rhine luxury tours
Rhine tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
535 tours in RhineExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Rhine. We have 535 adventures that vary from 3 days to 32 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Top Rhine travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day Rhine voyages flow nicely from Amsterdam to Basel or the other way around, giving you a proper taste of the Rhine Valley. Our Dutch guests particularly like starting in Amsterdam - you can visit Keukenhof Gardens in spring or head to the Open Air Museum in Arnhem to see how Dutch life evolved through different periods. Moving down the river, you'll reach Cologne where local guides take you through the Gothic cathedral and Old Town before settling in at a tavern to try the city's unique Kölsch beer. What makes these tours work so well is the daily choice: you can hop on a bike to explore vineyard paths or take it easy with wine tastings in Rüdesheim, where the Mechanical Musical Instruments Museum adds an unexpected twist to your day.
See all tours
The 10-day Rhine trips give you more time to really get to know the region, with longer stops and some special extras thrown in. These tours might take you to the new Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam or up Mount Pilatus in Switzerland for some incredible views. Our travelers tell us they love having options each day - maybe starting with a morning cycle along Cologne's riverside before heading to the Black Forest where locals show you traditional butter-making. The route includes some great detours like medieval Bruges and Ghent in Belgium, plus time to check out Rotterdam's modern architecture. Time and again, our guests mention how much they enjoy the regional food onboard and appreciate the crew members who share their deep knowledge of local history.
See all toursDemographics
The Rhine River cruises really shine for couples exploring together, especially on the Basel to Amsterdam route aboard the MS Crucevita. The smaller ship creates just the right intimate feel, and you'll notice how the crew makes everyone feel at home while you're discovering places like Strasbourg's charming La Petite France. The cabins work really well - they transform from sleeping spaces to daytime lounges, perfect for watching the scenery drift by. We've found the northbound route through the Rhine Gorge is particularly popular with wine enthusiasts who enjoy the local vineyard visits and evening wine tastings. Our couples often tell us they love having both guided tours and free time to explore medieval towns together.The four-country cruise stopping at eight cities lets you experience Dutch canal houses, French Gothic cathedrals and also German castles. There are lovely moments throughout - sharing authentic Rüdesheimer coffee in its hometown, taking the Koblenz cable car ride and finding peaceful spots in Heidelberg's castle grounds. While the onboard experience offers good food, attentive service and evening entertainment, some travelers mention they'd like to see more local dishes on the menu. Many guests suggest getting the drink package to fully enjoy the social side of river cruising.Rhine cruises draw younger travelers with a mix of cultural immersion and active discovery, offering flexible northbound and southbound routes that hit the sweet spot. You can pedal through local neighborhoods in Cologne, trek philosopher paths in Heidelberg, and glide above Rüdesheim's vineyards in gondolas. The daily schedule adapts to your interests - perhaps starting with a morning bike ride along Amsterdam's waterways, then wandering medieval streets independently before joining wine tastings in the Rhine Gorge as evening falls. Our guests in their 20s and 30s appreciate choosing their own path each day, whether that means guided walks through La Petite France in Strasbourg, or cycling across three national borders near Basel. The social dynamics work beautifully, with shared experiences like traditional Kölsch tastings in historic taverns, casual deck barbecues, and small group hikes through Black Forest trails. Active options weave throughout the journey - from cycling past Dutch windmills to exploring Freiburg's university district and walking hillside vineyard paths with river views below.Our Rhine cruises work really well for seniors, balancing comfort with rich cultural experiences. The Amsterdam to Basel route is particularly popular with older travelers, combining well-organized city tours and scenic sailing through the Rhine Gorge. Seniors regularly praise the MS Crucevita for its manageable size, clean spaces and helpful crew. The cabins lean traditional rather than luxury, but you'll find plenty of comfortable spots in the public areas for relaxing and meeting fellow travelers.The pace suits active seniors nicely - you can join guided walks through Cologne and Strasbourg's historic centers or take it easier enjoying castle views from deck. Our older guests particularly value having all meals included and only unpacking once for the whole trip. The cruise directors do a great job looking after everyone's needs and making sure language differences don't get in the way. While some tours involve steps and cobblestones, there are usually gentler options available for those who prefer easier going.
- Solo Travelers353 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples368 tours
- Seniors (50+)358 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit
- Summer 2025
Summer along the Rhine means long daylight hours that make scenic cruising through the gorge especially good. The Basel to Amsterdam routes get lots of praise for their outdoor dining spots and open-air viewing areas - just right for watching castles go by on warm evenings. Active options really shine in summer, with cycling tours, vineyard walks and also gondola rides above the river. MS Crucevita's summer sailings earn great feedback, especially for stops in Koblenz, Rudesheim and also Strasbourg. The crews set up fantastic outdoor activities, from deck barbecues to evening shows under the stars while docked in small wine towns.
- August 2025 popular 46 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall turns the Rhine Valley golden and red, making it prime time for cruises between Amsterdam and Basel in either direction. The vineyard hillsides change color beautifully, setting up perfect wine-focused trips through the Rhine Gorge. Our guests particularly like autumn cruises with wine tastings in Rudesheim - you can try local Rieslings while watching the grape harvest in nearby vineyards. Cool temperatures make it just right for getting active - you might hike Heidelberg's Philosopher's Path or cycle through Strasbourg's old town without summer crowds. When evening comes, entertainment moves inside, often with local musicians joining while ships dock in riverside towns.
- September 2025 51 tours
- October 2025 popular 71 tours
- 48 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings something special to the Rhine, particularly in December when Christmas markets fill the historic squares. The Dusseldorf round-trip route on MS Crucevita takes you to festive markets in Koblenz, Rudesheim and also Mainz. Our guests tell us how much they love wandering from the ship right into these easy-to-find markets, with the boat's seasonal decorations adding just the right touch to the experience. There's also a popular route through Vienna, Budapest and also Bratislava, where traditional markets pop up against beautiful baroque buildings. The crews make winter trips extra welcoming - they're known for adding thoughtful festive details that turn cold-weather sailing into something really memorable.
- December 2025 popular 83 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring sets up perfect conditions for Rhine cruising, especially when Dutch tulip fields burst into color. The Amsterdam-based Tulip Serenade aboard AMADEUS Riva lets you mix city visits with time at Keukenhof Gardens while millions of bulbs bloom. Our travelers particularly enjoy combining cultural stops in medieval Ghent and Bruges with countryside bike rides past windmills and also canals. The Basel to Amsterdam route shows off riverbanks dotted with wildflowers, plus you'll get to explore Strasbourg's cathedral and walk through the Black Forest as it wakes up for spring. The mild temperatures work perfectly for active outings - think guided cycling through Cologne or hiking above Rudesheim's vineyards.
- March 2026 41 tours
- April 2026 60 tours
- May 2026 popular 83 tours
Contact our Rhine travel experts
Evan
Expert in Rhine at TourRadar
Evan is one of our seasoned Rhine Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Rhine tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Rhine River Cruises
What's Different About Rhine River Cruises vs Ocean Ones?
You'll find Rhine cruises are way more intimate with smaller ships that typically take around 150-200 passengers nothing like those massive ocean liners. These journeys really get you into the heart of Europe docking right in those charming historic towns that big ships just can't reach. Take the Classical Rhine Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam for example you'll wind through France Germany Switzerland and the Netherlands getting a real feel for each place.
When Should You Plan Your Rhine River Cruise?
Spring's really lovely especially April and May when everything's blooming and the weather's just right perfect timing to catch the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens. The Tulip Serenade cruise on AMADEUS Riva is actually designed around this whole experience. Summer gives you those warm days that are great for hiking through vineyards or cycling along the river while fall shows off amazing colors and harvest festivals. Winter's pretty special too when all those riverside towns light up with Christmas markets there's this really nice budget-friendly cruise called A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace that's worth checking out.
Which Places Along the Rhine Are UNESCO Heritage Sites?
The Rhine Gorge's probably the most famous one running from Bingen to Koblenz it's got these dramatic cliffs terraced vineyards and would you believe over 40 castles. You'll see it all on AmaWaterways' Captivating Rhine Christmas Cruise they're known for amazing food too. Then there's Speyer Cathedral this incredible Romanesque church in Germany and Strasbourg's La Petite France district with all its pretty canals both UNESCO sites you'll catch on lots of cruises like the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps tour.
What Can You Actually Do on These Cruises Besides Sightseeing?
There's actually quite a lot going on you can hike through Rudesheim's vineyards cycle along the Neckar River or explore Amsterdam by bike. Food lovers get plenty of chances to taste local wines in Rudesheim or join food tours in Cologne. Some trips even let you try making traditional butter in the Black Forest which is pretty cool especially on tours like the Romantic Rhine with Lucerne stay.
What Other Companies Besides Viking Run Rhine Cruises?
AmaWaterways is really popular with TourRadar travelers they're known for luxury ships and fantastic food just look at their Captivating Rhine Christmas Cruise. Uniworld does these really stylish trips with really personal service while Emerald Cruises gives you good value with both included stuff and optional activities their Majestic Rhine tour is great for families. Crucemundo's interesting because they do multilingual cruises that work for different nationalities their Treasures of the Rhine cruise on MS Crucevita gets lots of couples and seniors.