River cruising has exploded in popularity for good reason. It’s relaxed, scenic, culturally rich, and incredibly convenient — unpack once, float through picturesque towns and cities, enjoy guided shore excursions daily, and dine on locally inspired cuisine with ever-changing views outside your window.
But with so many river cruise lines out there — all offering slightly different inclusions, service levels, and ship styles — it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where I come in.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the major river cruise players — including their inclusions, star rating, guest reviews, ship style, and price range — to help you find your perfect match.
| Cruise Line | Inclusions | Ship Style / Star Rating | Reviews Snapshot | Price Range (AUD, per person, 7-night Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | Shore excursions, wine/beer with lunch & dinner, Wi-Fi | Sleek, Scandinavian 4–4.5★ | Consistently rated 4.5★ | From $3,500–$6,500 |
| Scenic | Truly all-inclusive: excursions, drinks, fine dining, tips, transfers, e-bikes | Ultra-modern 5★ “Space Ships” | 4.8★ average | From $6,000–$9,500 |
| APT Luxury | Similar to Scenic: all-inclusive with a strong Aussie following, local guides | 5★ ships (AmaWaterways-built) | 4.7★ | From $6,000–$10,000 |
| Avalon Waterways | Excursions, drinks at meals, Wi-Fi, tips | 4–4.5★ Panorama Suites (beds face the view) | 4.5★ | From $4,000–$7,500 |
| Tauck | Fully inclusive: top-shelf excursions, fine dining, gratuities, WOW-factor service | 5★ boutique-style | 4.9★ (premium clientele) | From $8,500–$12,000 |
| Uniworld | All-inclusive with a luxury boutique vibe, unique décor per ship | 5★ floating art hotels | 4.7★ | From $7,500–$11,000 |
| Emerald Cruises (Scenic’s sister line) | Great value: excursions, wine/beer, Wi-Fi, gratuities | 4★ contemporary ships | 4.4★ | From $3,800–$6,500 |
| AmaWaterways | Excursions, wine/beer with meals, Wi-Fi, tips (select packages) | 4.5★ with a wellness focus | 4.6★ | From $4,500–$7,500 |
The world’s largest river cruise company — known for its sleek, minimalist Scandinavian ships and consistent quality.
Ideal for: Mature travellers who want reliability, great guides, and a clean aesthetic (no gimmicks).
Ships: 4.5★, longships with all-outward-facing cabins.
Not included: Drinks outside of meals, gratuities.
An Australian favourite, offering a genuinely all-inclusive luxury experience. Everything — and I mean everything — is covered, including butler service, premium drinks, multiple dining venues, and e-bikes.
Ideal for: Travellers who want to book once and not think about a thing.
Ships: 5★ Space-Ships, modern and spacious.
Extras: Tailored Scenic Freechoice excursions & exclusive “Enrich” events.
Often using the same ships as AmaWaterways in Europe, APT runs both Luxury and Essential ranges. The Luxury range competes directly with Scenic, with everything bundled.
Ideal for: Australians wanting great guides, an all-in experience, and local support.
Ships: 5★ in Luxury series, with exceptional food and service.
Famous for their “Panorama Suites” — beds face a full floor-to-ceiling window so you can enjoy river views from bed. Good balance of inclusions without going all-out luxury.
Ideal for: Active, independent travellers who still want some structure.
Ships: 4.5★ modern design, wellness options (yoga, hikes, bikes).
Value Tip: Great earlybird deals and flight credits.
Ultra-premium and often under the radar — Tauck is known for impeccable service, low guest numbers, and top-shelf experiences (like after-hours visits to the Vatican or private palace dinners).
Ideal for: Luxury travellers who want once-in-a-lifetime inclusions.
Ships: 5★ understated elegance, max ~130 guests.
Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
These ships are works of art — opulent, themed, each with their own personality (like a floating Versailles). Cuisine is gourmet, service is white-glove, and décor is maximalist.
Ideal for: Sophisticated travellers who love character, charm, and detail.
Ships: 5★ boutique-style with luxury inclusions.
Bonus: Strong solo traveller support.
A budget-friendlier sister brand to Scenic, offering great value with a modern, active style. Fares include excursions, wine with meals, Wi-Fi, and tips — with options to upgrade.
Ideal for: First-time river cruisers, younger retirees, or anyone wanting Scenic-level quality without the price tag.
Ships: 4★ contemporary design.
Cool Feature: Indoor heated pool that converts into a cinema at night.
Excellent all-rounder with a focus on wellness (bike tours, yoga, hikes). Known for strong cuisine, slightly fewer inclusions than Scenic or Tauck, but high quality and flexible experiences.
Ideal for: Couples and active travellers who want to explore each destination more deeply.
Ships: 4.5★ with spacious layouts and twin balconies.
Panorama of the cruise ship moving on the river of Volga towards Samara city in Russia
Book early – Most river cruise lines offer significant earlybird savings (including free flights or upgrades).
Compare inclusions – One fare may look cheaper but end up more expensive once you add drinks, tips, and excursions.
Think beyond Europe – River cruising is growing in Asia (Mekong, Ganges), Africa (Chobe), and South America (Amazon).
Pick based on personality – Are you a champagne-at-sunset kind of traveller? Or a sneakers-and-city-tour cruiser? The right line makes all the difference.
Cruise ship arrives to Porto by the river Douro. Portugal
River cruising is elegant, enriching, and surprisingly addictive. But choosing the right line, cabin, itinerary and value bundle can get tricky. That’s why I’m here — to help you sort through the fine print, compare options clearly, and secure the best deal for your travel style.
Whether it’s tulips in Amsterdam, castles on the Rhine, or sunset on the Mekong, let’s find the river cruise that flows with you.
