Best River Cruise Deals
River cruising takes you into the heart of Europe, Egypt and Asia — one unpacking, a new town each morning. Compare the best river cruise deals and let a specialist find your perfect sailing.
River cruises glide right into the center of iconic cities and villages, with included excursions, regional cuisine and all-veranda ships. From the Danube and Rhine to the Douro, Nile and Mekong, we compare lines and sailings to find you the best value — and a specialist handles the details.
Why River Cruise?
Right in the heart of it
Dock in the center of town — walk off and explore, then sail overnight.
Included & all-in
Shore excursions, regional dining, wine with meals and Wi-Fi are typically included.
Small & sociable
Intimate ships (under ~200 guests) with attentive service.
Best-value matching
We compare every line and promo to find your best river cruise deal.
Top River Cruise Lines
Viking
Scandinavian design and included excursions across Europe and beyond.
AmaWaterways
Highly rated ships, active excursions and fine dining.
Avalon Waterways
Panorama suites with beds facing the view.
Uniworld & Scenic
All-inclusive luxury on the world’s great rivers.
Popular Rivers & Regions
- Danube — Germany, Austria, Hungary
- Rhine, Main & Moselle
- Douro — Portugal’s wine country
- Seine & Rhône — France
- Nile — Egypt’s ancient wonders
- Mekong — Vietnam & Cambodia
Ready to find your best river cruise deal?
Tell us your river, dates and preferred line and we’ll compare the best sailings and promotions. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a river cruise specialist.
Get up to 5 river cruise quotes!Why Smart Traveler?
Smart Traveler is a service of the travel division of Best of the USA, Inc. Entrust your trip to seasoned professionals specializing in cruises, tours, vacation packages, all-inclusive resorts and international airfares. With over 50,000 travel advisors in our growing database, we’re sure to have the experts right for your travel needs!
50+ years of expertise
Five decades fine-tuning the art of travel — every journey a masterpiece.
Online pioneers since 1995
Tradition blended with technology — book your dream trip with a click.
Exclusive proprietary rates
Insider access to rates and partnerships unavailable to the average traveler.
River Cruises — Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included on a river cruise?
Most river cruises include shore excursions, regional dining, wine/beer with meals, Wi-Fi and gratuities vary by line — a specialist will confirm exactly what’s included.
When is the best time for a European river cruise?
April–October is prime; spring tulips, summer sun, fall foliage and festive Christmas-market sailings in late November–December.
How big are river cruise ships?
Most carry under ~200 guests, making them intimate and social compared with ocean ships.
How do I get a river cruise quote?
Request up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes from a river cruise specialist and compare lines, rivers and dates.