Top 10 Rhine River Cruises

AmaWaterways

7-night Enchanting Rhine Voyage

Cruise expert Placeres highlighted AmaWaterways as one of her top river cruise lines. This family-owned company provides all-inclusive river cruises with a variety of shore excursions tailored for both active and leisurely travelers. Numerous Rhine River cruises are available, including some that feature the Moselle and Main Rivers. They also offer Christmas market cruises and wine-themed itineraries.

The Enchanting Rhine voyage starts in Basel, Switzerland, where guests board their ship (specific vessels may vary based on dates, but all accommodate fewer than 170 passengers). In Breisach, Germany, travelers can opt for a wine country bike tour, a walking tour, or a hike in the Black Forest. The journey continues to Strasbourg, Heidelberg, and Rüdesheim, with daily options for either active or leisurely excursions. The picturesque Rhine River Gorge is a highlight, along with visits to Cologne and Düsseldorf before concluding in Amsterdam.

Viking River Cruises

11-day Rhine and Main Explorer Voyage

Placeres also endorses Viking Cruises, founded by Torstein Hagen in 1997, which offers river, ocean, and expedition cruises across all seven continents. Viking's Rhine River journeys range from eight to 15 days, with itineraries that extend beyond the Rhine to encompass the Main, Moselle, and even a voyage across the North Sea to the fjords of Norway.

The Rhine and Main Explorer starts in Nuremberg and proceeds to Bamberg, where guests can enjoy a walking tour of the medieval city's winding streets. Highlights of the cruise include palace tours in Würzburg, experiencing local Bavarian culture and cuisine in Marktheidenfeld, scenic sailing along the Main River, exploring the charming French city of Strasbourg, and taking in the beauty of Germany's renowned Black Forest. The journey concludes with two nights in Basel, where guests can tour the city and indulge in cheese fondue.

Adventures by Disney

8-day Rhine River Voyage

Adventures by Disney river cruises are tailored for families but also provide adults-only (18+) experiences on Europe's rivers. Instead of embarking on a mega ship from Disney Cruise Line, these itineraries utilize AmaWaterways river vessels, offering a more intimate setting with a maximum capacity of 156 guests. Travel writer Terry Ward took her six and seven-year-olds along with her 18-year-old niece on the Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise in July. "I can confirm it's a trip that appeals to multiple generations," Ward states. "There were always various options for shore excursions — catering to everyone's interests."

"During a port stop in Germany's Black Forest region, for instance, we could opt for a toboggan run through the woods, spend time crafting wooden toys and learning to make butter, visit Europa Park, or explore the medieval old town of Riquewihr." Ward shared with T+L, "On several evenings, Disney's Adventure Guides took the kids to the lounge for their own entertainment — perhaps a Disney movie and dinner or games — allowing the adults to experience the chef's tasting table or enjoy a more tranquil dinner. Teens had the option of dining at their own tables if they preferred." Ward continued, "The Adventure Guides were from the countries we sailed through, making it feel like traveling with an in-the-know friend in Europe."

Avalon Waterways

8-day Tulip Time for Beer Lovers Cruise

With nearly a century of experience in European tourism, the Globus family of brands introduced Avalon Waterways in 2004, and it was recognized as one of the top river cruise lines globally by T+L readers in 2024. Avalon’s Rhine River cruises vary in length from five to eleven days; several itineraries also include the Moselle, and they offer festive Christmas market cruises.

The Tulip Time for Beer Lovers cruise is a round-trip journey from Amsterdam available in the spring, featuring a beer expert on board to lead lectures, tastings, and food and beer pairings. The ship travels to Rotterdam for a walking tour, bike ride, or a guided visit to Keukenhof, renowned as the “Garden of Europe” with over seven million blooming tulips. In Antwerp and Ghent, guests can select from bike or walking tours, while guided excursions in Willemstad showcase historic architecture. In Amsterdam, guests enjoy a guided canal cruise followed by a Dutch beer experience.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

8-day Rhine River Valley Cruise

Established in 1976, Uniworld is a premium, all-inclusive cruise line that provides itineraries on Europe’s renowned rivers. Uniworld's Rhine River cruises begin at eight days, but those with extra time can opt for a 25-day cruise covering the Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers across eight countries.

The eight-day Rhine River Valley cruise departs from Nuremberg and travels to Bamberg, where guests can select from a walking tour, a hike in a nature park, or a brewery visit. In Würzburg, guests have the choice of touring an 18th-century palace or enjoying a wine tasting. Other stops include Miltenberg, Mainz, Baden-Baden, Strasbourg, and Breisach, concluding in Basel.

Tauck

8-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure Cruise

This century-old, family-operated company provides travel experiences in over 100 destinations, including small-group tours and river cruises. Tauck’s Rhine River cruise options range from eight days to the 15-day Grand European Cruise, covering nine countries along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.

The eight-day Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure is designed by Tauck Bridges for families of all ages. Starting from Basel, guests will travel by train to Lake Lucerne the next day to experience the world’s steepest cogwheel train. In Strasbourg, participants can enjoy a French sing-along and a chocolate tasting. The family fun continues with stops in Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne, before reaching the final destination. In Amsterdam, guests can choose from a canal cruise, a windmill visit, or tasting local cheeses.

Scenic

8-day Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

Founded in Australia in 1986, this company offers river cruises, ocean journeys, and expeditions to polar regions. Known as an ultra-luxury, five-star cruise line, Scenic provides unique Rhine River itineraries that highlight Christmas markets or focus on culinary experiences like wine and food.

The Rhine Christmas Markets cruise kicks off in Amsterdam, with options for walking, biking, or canal tours before heading to Cologne. There, guests can admire the stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral, visit a brewery, and explore the festive Christmas markets. In Baden-Baden, a renowned German spa town, travelers can shop the markets or enjoy thermal baths. The itinerary also includes stops in Koblenz, Mannheim, and Strasbourg, making it a delightful holiday experience.

Emerald Cruises

8-day Jewels of the Rhine Cruise

Founded in 2013, Emerald specializes in luxurious river and yacht cruises. Their Rhine River offerings include an eight-day journey and an eleven-day cruise that extends to the Moselle.

The Jewels of the Rhine cruise begins with two nights in Amsterdam, where guests can enjoy a bicycle tour or a canal cruise followed by a captain's dinner. The adventure continues to Cologne and the picturesque towns of Koblenz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Freiburg, showcasing stunning castles, historic churches, and charming half-timbered houses. The cruise concludes the next day in Basel.

CroisiEurope

5-day Rhine in Flames Cruise

Established in 1976 in France, CroisiEurope is the largest river cruise line based in Europe. The company also provides ocean voyages and canal barge experiences. Their affordable river cruises include select shore excursions, with Rhine River itineraries ranging from three days to over two weeks.

The five-day Rhine in Flames cruise departs from Strasbourg for an enchanting evening on the water. The following day, guests can choose from a train journey to a wine cellar paired with a visit to the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments, or opt for a gondola lift to the Niederwalddenkmal followed by a vineyard hike. The highlight of the trip occurs as the ship sails towards Trechtingshausen for the spectacular Rhine in Flames fireworks display. Afterward, the ship reaches Mannheim for a chance to explore Heidelberg, culminating in a gala night before returning to Strasbourg.

A-Rosa Cruises

6-day Rhine Legends Cruise

This German cruise line has been navigating the Rhine River and its tributaries since 2009. Catering to families, it features a kids' club and spacious family suites for comfort. Their river cruises vary in length from four to seven days, with most excursions requiring an additional fee.

The five-day Rhine Legends cruise operates round-trip from Cologne, exploring the scenic Middle Rhine. In Rüdesheim, guests have the option to discover the countryside via bike or train tours. Additional stops in Speyer, Strasbourg, Mainz, and Koblenz offer further opportunities to immerse in the stunning region before returning to Cologne for disembarkation.