Which River Cruise Line is right for me?
With over 50 river cruise lines picking the right one for you can often be a tough and daunting choice. However we believe we can make it easier for you by reading a brief synopsis of the cruise lines and what they actually include in the price. Often you might see one price and think that's expensive, however when you find out it may potentially include a range of services from a butler, all of your excursions, your gratuities to even All Inclusive drinks then the more expensive cruise may often offer a better experience and possibly better value for money.
The cruise lines we also use are tried and tested personally so we believe they offer great service and a wide range of inclusions. There is something in our range to suit everyone but we do include packages on arguably the best river cruises can buy in the form of Tauck and Crystal so you can splash out on something really special for that trip of a lifetime.
Our Lead in River Cruise Companies
Select Voyages - 4* - 8 ships in fleet
Select Voyages are an excellent choice for your first river cruise. They have a fleet of 8 ships but we use the Bellejour and the Explorer both of which are fine ships. We would rate these as a 4* star river cruise line. Included in the price is the following
Flights
Transfers
Full Board
Beer and wine is included at dinner. All Inclusive can be added on as a supplement.
Riviera Cruises - 4* - 12 ships in fleet
Defining Feature: Premium river cruise experiences for a fraction of the cost
Destinations: Europe
Riviera are one of the UK's leading river cruise companies and offer a no frills approach to river cruises and would be more of an entry point into the River cruise industry and offer fantastic value for money. With a fleet of 12 ships they offer a nice choice to many of the worlds rivers. Whats included on a Riviera river cruise
Fullboard food
Excursions
Return flights
It is possible to add on a beer, wine and soft drinks package for dinner and lunch. Approx cost is £129
Croisi Europe - 4* - 55 Ships in the fleet
Defining Feature: Family owned, shallow-draft cruises exploring nearly every corner of Europe.
Destinations: Europe, Asia
Croisi Europe are the worlds leading river cruise line operating 44 river ships around the world. CroisiEurope developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices, and appealing to every traveler. We rate Croisi as a 4 * river cruise lines and included in the price is the following
Flights
Transfers
All Inclusive on the ship
A-Rosa River Cruises - 4*+ - 12 ships in the fleet
A-Rosa are a true international river cruise line with a fleet of 10 ships, 3 of which are dedicated to the English speaking market. They offer cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Moselle and Main rivers. Included in the price for A-Rosa is
Flights
Transfers
Full Board
Beer and wine is included at dinner. All Inclusive can be added on as a supplement r may be offered in the price. Ask for details.
Emerald Waterways - 4*+ - 8 ships in the fleet
Defining Feature: Sister to Scenic, Emerald is a “four-star product operating on five-star ships.”
Destinations: Europe
Emerald Waterways are the sister company to one of the market leaders of Scenic. This is a 4* product being operated on 5* ships and is an apt description. Please see below to see what is included
Beer, Wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Fullboard through out the cruise
Tips
Wifi
Onboard bikes
Complimentary shore excursions in every port.
All staterooms restocked daily with bottled water.
Owner’s Suites comes with complimentary stocked mini-bars. Room service included for suites. Laundry concierge available for a fee; complimentary for suites.
Ama Waterways - 5* - 23 ships in the fleet
Defining Feature: Modern, contemporary ships combining elegant style and service, and a focus on health and wellness.
Destinations: Europe, Portugal, Africa, Cambodia & Vietnam, Myanmar
Ama are a multi award winning cruise company and offer an all ecompasiing product which many people have grown to love. Whats included in the price
Beer, wine and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine with breakfast; and complimentary cocktails during Happy Hour
Complimentary shore excursions included in every port, along with complimentary Special Interest Tours.
AmaWaterways features twin balconies, both a French and an outside balcony, in many staterooms. In addition to the main dining room, AmaWaterways features The Chef's Table restaurant, with its excellent multi-course, wine-paired dinners, at no additional charge.
Viking River Cruises - 5* - 62 Ships in fleet
Defining Feature: Scandinavian design, Nordic sensibility and the most river cruise ships on the waterways of Europe – by far.
Destinations: Europe, Russia, Portugal, Egypt, China, Cambodia & Vietnam, Myanmar, Ukraine
Viking river cruises are the largest and most popular river cruise line with the British Market. With a record breaking 19 new ships launched in one year shows how buoyant the UK river cruise market is.See below to see what is included in the price.
All on board meals
Quality wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Specialty tea and coffee any time on board
An included shore excursion in almost every port
Scenic- 5* - 17 ships in fleet
Defining Feature: With its new ships, Scenic strives to be the most inclusive of all river cruise lines.
Destinations: Europe, Asia
Scenic River cruises are one of the world's leading river cruise lines and is one of the reasons we are proud to be one of their main suppliers. They offer an all encompassing product with near everything included in the price. For this reason we rate them as one of the best 5* star products in the river cruise arena. The following is included on in the price.
Full board
All your drinks
Gratuties
All excursions including some exclusive for Scenic guests only
Private Butler
Onboard Bicylces
Internet
Tour systems for when you are cruising down the rivers
Stocked in room mini bar
Uniworld Boutique River Collection - 5* + - 21 ships
Defining Feature: All-inclusive, boutique river cruises accented with classic “old world” European design.
Destinations: Europe (including Italy), Russia, Portugal, Egypt, China, India, Cambodia & Vietnam
Uniworld offer a boutique style river cruise and push the envelope in the 5* plus river cruise range. With some of the best food afloat you will understand why they are worth the premium and one of our favourite river cruise lines.See below to see what is included in the price
Gourmet Food
All drinks including fine wines
Shore excursions for every traveler type
Onboard bikes
Gratuties included
Tauck - 5*+ - 9 ships in fleet
All-inclusive river cruise tours that include overland journeys chocked full of exclusive experiences.
Destinations: Europe
Tauck in many peoples eyes are the pinnacle of River Cruising and fight it out with Crystal as the leading exponents of river cruising. With stunning ships, some of the best food afloat you can see why many people choose to cruise with Tauck. The following is included in the price.
Flights
Transfers
Full board
All your drinks
Gratuities
All excursions including some exclusive for Scenic guests only
Onboard Bicylces
Internet
Tour systems for when you are cruising down the rivers
Stocked in room mini bar
Crystal River Cruises - 5*+ - 5 Ships in the fleet
Defining Feature:
Spacious staterooms; Crystal’s renowned service by Crystal hired, trained and manage crew; Michelin-star-inspired dining.
Destinations: Europe
Crystal Cruises are arguably the finest Ocean Cruise company afloat and have won more luxury awards in Ocean than any other cruise line. Recently they have come into the River Market with one ship and now have another 4 on order. They are looking to replicate the experience which you get with Ocean onto River. The following is included in the price.
Flights
Transfers
Full board
All your drinks
Gratuties
All excursions including some exclusive for Crystal guests only
Private Butler
Onboard Bicylces
Internet
Tour systems for when you are cruising down the rivers
Stocked in room mini bar