Top 10 Must-Book River Cruises for 2025

In 2025, adventurers will have the chance to navigate a brand new river for the first time in over twenty years: Colombia’s legendary Magdalena River. AmaWaterways will launch its inaugural cruises on the Magdalena in the upcoming months, with other cruise lines expected to follow.

As river cruise companies continue to grow their fleets of luxurious floating hotels across Europe and beyond, travelers can anticipate an increasing variety of itineraries catering to all preferences each year.

Looking to journey along the Nile and step back into ancient Egypt? Want to escape Europe’s crowds with a shoulder-season trip from Amsterdam to Basel? Or perhaps you're eager to spot the vibrant birds of the Peruvian Amazon? No matter your interests, there’s a river cruise that fits your style.

The best part—aside from the stunning destinations, luxurious accommodations, and the convenience of unpacking just once—is that most (if not all) meals, excursions, and Wi-Fi are included in your cruise package, making river cruising a stress-free vacation option.

Here are our top recommendations for river cruises in 2025.

Experience Colombia’s Magdalena River with AmaWaterways

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For the first time, a river cruise company is launching overnight journeys along the river that facilitated trade between the Andes and the Caribbean. AmaWaterways was originally set to begin its Magdalena River cruises at the end of 2024, but those trips have been rescheduled to early 2025. While an exact launch date hasn’t been established, bookings are now open for voyages between Cartagena and Barranquilla on the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena and the 64-passenger AmaMelodia. These itineraries will showcase the rich and diverse cultures, cuisine, and music of communities along what novelist Gabriel García Márquez referred to as the “River of Life.” Additionally, there are options for hiking and bird-watching, along with a visit to San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for formerly enslaved Africans in the Americas. AmaWaterways also provides pre- and post-cruise excursions in cities like Medellín, Cartagena, and Panama City. Metropolitan Touring, a company specializing in South American adventures, plans to navigate the Magdalena in 2025 but has yet to reveal further details.

Explore Egypt’s Nile River with Sanctuary Retreats

Embark on a journey along Egypt’s Nile River aboard one of the few vessels offering private cruises on this legendary waterway. Accommodating up to 12 passengers across just six cabins, including two suites, this intimate yacht is ideal for families or groups of friends looking to explore the Valley of Kings, Luxor Temple, Nubian Village, and more. You can customize your itinerary to include hidden gems that larger boats cannot access. The vessel itself, the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau, is the first authentic “dahabiya” (traditional Egyptian sailing boat) constructed to meet international luxury standards. Each cabin features a unique decor, drawing inspiration from Egypt’s rich history, culture, and geography. The sun deck even boasts a pool for ultimate relaxation.

Explore Europe’s Danube River with Viking

For first-time river cruisers, the Upper Danube presents an ideal introduction, showcasing an array of stunning cities and landmarks. The cruises navigate between Germany and Hungary, stopping in vibrant destinations like Budapest, Vienna, and the renowned Wachau Valley wine region in Austria. Every leading river cruise line offers a classic week-long itinerary along this picturesque route. A dependable choice known for its value and reliability is sailing on one of Viking River Cruises’ sleek 190-passenger “longships.” The line’s eight-day “Romantic Danube” itinerary allows guests to savor the charm of Budapest, Vienna, and the Bavarian city of Regensburg, Germany, with options for guided tours or independent exploration. Excursion highlights include an e-bike tour through vineyards and a visit to Salzburg, Austria, a filming location for the beloved movie musical The Sound of Music. These cruises operate from March to December.

Exploring Europe’s Rhine River during the off-season with AmaWaterways

Traditionally, European river cruises have operated from late March through the holiday season, with peak traffic occurring between May and October. However, several cruise lines, including Viva, Viking, and AmaWaterways, are now extending their operations to year-round sailings on the Rhine and Danube, the two most beloved rivers in Europe. These off-season voyages offer enticing deals and a chance to explore without the usual tourist crowds. They also cater to travelers looking to escape and take in breathtaking views from the comfort of a luxurious river vessel. When it comes to scenic riverside views, the Rhine, particularly its 40-mile stretch known as the castle-dotted Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is unparalleled. AmaWaterways is offering its early season eight-day Enchanting Rhine cruises aboard the 156-passenger AmaLucia.

Exploring France’s Bordeaux Region with Scenic Cruises

For wine enthusiasts, an extensive journey through Bordeaux along the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, as well as the Gironde estuary, is a must. The Australian luxury cruise line Scenic Cruises offers a seven-night “Bordeaux Affair” itinerary on its 167-passenger Scenic Diamond, which lives up to its name. Running from late April to October, the cruises don’t cover vast distances, as the focus is on savoring the essence of France’s wine country. The journey includes stops at stunning châteaux and vineyards, allowing guests to indulge in local wines from iconic regions like Margaux, Saint-Émilion, Médoc, Pomerol, and Sauternes. Scenic’s excursions feature several Grand Cru Classé estates, including Château Franc Mayne and Château de Myrat. If you embark on a cruise in September or October, you’ll also have the chance to witness the annual grape harvest.

Exploring India’s Brahmaputra River with Pandaw

For those seeking adventures beyond Europe's rivers, consider a seven-night journey with Pandaw on the majestic Brahmaputra River, which begins high in the Himalayas and meanders through the picturesque Assam Valley. Enjoy a relaxed pace as you glide through Nameri National Park, renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, and embark on a full-day land exploration in Kaziranga National Park, where you may spot rare Bengal tigers and the Indian one-horned rhino. Experience the vibrant culture of Assam both on board and during excursions aboard the intimate 36-passenger RV Kindat Pandaw.

Lower Danube with Riverside Luxury Cruises

When Americans envision river cruises, they often picture the striking Hungarian Parliament building dominating the skyline in Budapest. This city is indeed one of Europe's busiest river cruise hubs and typically serves as a key starting or stopping point for many itineraries throughout northwestern Europe. However, in the last ten years, cruise lines have increasingly explored routes southeast toward the Black Sea, passing through less-traveled and less-crowded cities in Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Riverside Luxury Cruises, one of the newest and most opulent cruise lines in the industry, is offering four itineraries on the Lower Danube in 2025, including an 8-day journey titled “Belgrade to Budapest with the Iron Gates”. Following Budapest, the 158-passenger Riverside Mozart will continue into Eastern Europe, navigating the famed Iron Gates of the Danube before concluding in the vibrant city of Belgrade, Serbia. Being a new brand, there are still exceptional deals available on this all-suite luxury cruise line, featuring butler service in every cabin and some of the finest dining experiences on Europe’s rivers.

Paris to Istanbul, a combined cruise and rail adventure with Uniworld

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has been developing its rail and sail offerings since just before the pandemic struck. However, this may be the company's finest itinerary to date. Start your two-week adventure in the enchanting City of Light with a seven-night roundtrip cruise on the Seine aboard the vibrant, Parisian-inspired 128-passenger S.S. Joie de Vivre. Cycle through the landscapes that inspired Impressionist legend Claude Monet, enjoy a private concert in the Rouen Cathedral in Normandy, tee off on a clifftop course in Étretat, and explore the hidden apartments of Versailles before returning to Paris to settle into your luxurious cabin for five days aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. Toast with champagne in Champagne before navigating the stunning Austrian Alps toward the majestic city of Venice. Following Venice, you’ll visit Belgrade, the lively capital of Serbia, then stop in one of Europe’s oldest cities, Sofia, Bulgaria. Finally, experience the grandeur of Istanbul. For those who prefer to save the best for last, you can reverse the journey with an additional night in the City of Lights.

Peruvian Amazon with Sanctuary Retreats

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Paddle through the meandering tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon, searching for pink dolphins, fishing for piranhas, and discovering the lush rainforest on Pure Amazon, the latest Amazon river ship from Sanctuary Retreats—part of the A&K Travel Group, which also owns the global tour operator Abercrombie & Kent. While the itineraries will mirror those offered by other regional riverboat and tour operators, this vessel aims to be among the most intimate and sophisticated on the Amazon, featuring just 10 suites and two single cabins, all adorned with handcrafted furnishings made from locally sourced materials in collaboration with local artisans. Alongside daily excursions, guests can enjoy morning yoga on the observation deck, spa treatments inspired by traditional Amazonian wellness practices, and a gym with breathtaking views of the river. Trip durations will range from three to five days, and since A&K is a premier global tour operator, they can assist travelers with various add-ons, including rail-and-trail packages to Machu Picchu and city tours in Lima.

Southern France with Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways has taken the lead in enhancing excursion options, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to offer more active and thrilling experiences. This eight-day Active & Discovery Rhône river cruise aboard Avalon Waterways’ 128-passenger Poetry II combines the finest of French cuisine and wine with numerous chances to raise your adrenaline levels. Activities include bird-watching by bike in the Camargue Regional Nature Park, which is home to over 400 bird species, including vibrant pink flamingos; discovering how essential oils are made at a farmhouse in Provence; kayaking in the Gorges de l’Ardèche; learning Vincent van Gogh's painting techniques in a workshop in Arles; and participating in a cooking class in Lyon. Plus, the cruise can either start or conclude in Paris—pas mal.

Fran Golden and Nicole Edenedo contributed to this article. Originally published in 2022, this story was last updated on October 4, 2024, to reflect the most current information.