Whether cruising on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Rhône or Seine: Why river cruises are so popular (even outside Europe)
A river cruise combines many advantages that make it a popular travel option:
Scenic beauty: River cruises offer constantly changing views right outside your cabin. The quiet journey along rivers such as the Rhine, Danube or Mississippi offers spectacular views of different landscapes, cities and historical sights.
Access to multiple cities: River cruises make it easy to explore multiple cities and regions without having to constantly pack and move. The ships often dock right in the heart of cities, making it easy to disembark and explore.
Relaxed travel atmosphere: Compared to ocean cruisers, river cruise ships are smaller and offer a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. With fewer passengers on board, it often feels more personal and the service is also excellent.aving to constantly pack and move. The ships often dock right in the heart of the cities, making it easy to go ashore and explore.
Cultural insights: Many river cruises offer themed tours and cultural events that provide deeper insights into the history and culture of the regions visited. This can include lectures, musical performances and guided tours.
Comfort & convenience: Since your "floating hotel" accompanies you everywhere, you don't have to worry about transportation between different locations. Onboard amenities, such as comfortable cabins and fine dining, add to your comfort.
Less movement: Since rivers are much calmer than oceans, there is less ship movement on river cruises, which is ideal for people who get seasick easily.
Inclusive deals: Many river cruises offer packages that include meals, excursions and sometimes even flights, simplifying trip planning and ensuring a carefree rest.
This combination of convenience, cultural offerings and the ability to easily explore multiple destinations makes river cruises attractive to many travelers - regardless of age.
River cruises for every taste: Book the right offer online with your cruise advisor
Do you still need a tip on which popular river to choose? There are virtually no limits to your wishes for your destinations!
Do you like it classic? How about a river cruise through Europe on the Rhine, the Main, the Rhône or the Seine?
Are you more drawn to the east? River cruises on the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary have always been a hit.
You can immortalize Dresden or the golden city of Prague on your bucket list thanks to a river cruise on the Elbe and Vltava.
You can book river cruises for both European and exotic destinations. Navigable rivers in beautiful landscapes can be found almost everywhere in the world, which is why river cruises are also offered worldwide.
River cruises from Germany: Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main or Elbe?
Are you afraid of a long arrival? Then river cruises in Germany are a good option:
How about a Rhine river cruise from Cologne or Düsseldorf, for example? In addition to the impressive, changing landscape along the river, you can get to know castles and palaces, the regional cuisine and wine, as well as traditional cities on this trip.
Do you know the Danube in its full bloom? It is one of the most fascinating rivers in Europe. The Danube rises in the Black Forest. As it flows through several countries, it becomes more and more powerful and impressive until it finally flows into the Black Sea in the Danube Delta. On the Danube river cruise, you will experience the unique landscape of this river, get to know the countries through which it flows, and explore the famous cities along the route.
A Moselle river cruise is also very interesting. The Moselle valley is known worldwide for its scenic beauty, its castles, and of course its wine.
Or experience historic cities along the route of a Main river cruise. Cruises on the Main often start in Frankfurt and take you through impressive Franconian landscapes and past cultural highlights such as the Gothic churches of Würzburg and the half-timbered houses of Bamberg, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
How about an Elbe river cruise as a short weekend trip? Cruises on the Elbe offer a fascinating journey through historic German and Czech cities, including Dresden, Magdeburg and Prague, known for their baroque architecture and vibrant cultural history. Along the river, guests can experience the picturesque landscape of Saxon Switzerland with its sandstone cliffs and the region's vast vineyards.
A river cruise from Berlin often runs along the Spree and can continue along the Havel to the Elbe. It leads along picturesque waterways through Germany's rich cultural landscapes and historic cities such as Potsdam and Magdeburg, to the Elbe landscape. This route offers a wonderful connection between the capital Berlin and other striking destinations in northern and eastern Germany.
For centuries, people have settled along the various river courses. Discover their architectural legacies, famous cities and unique nature. Wide meadows alternate with steep gorges and baroque garden landscapes, forests and mountains. On extensive shore excursions, you can wander through historically interesting and well-known cities, experience their sights and gain numerous new, highly interesting insights. In between, you can relax on the river cruise ship while it leisurely heads for the next destination.
River cruises in France: Seine, Rhône & Loire
River cruises in France offer an enchanting way to experience the country's picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures. A river cruise on the Seine reveals a unique perspective on France's stunning landscapes and rich history, from picturesque Normandy to the heart of Paris. During the cruise, guests can experience world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Cruises on the Rhône pass through the heart of Provence, where guests can enjoy France's famous wine regions and culinary diversity. Shore excursions allow guests to explore French cuisine, wine and historical sites along the river.
River cruises on the Loire pass through France's "Valley of the Kings", famous for its magnificent castles and sprawling vineyards. Travelers discover the rich history and culture of this region as they glide along France's longest river.
River cruises outside Europe
Are you more interested in exotic destinations on other continents far from Europe? Things get exotic on a boat trip in Asia, for example on the third longest river in the world, the Yangtze. Others prefer the fascinating cruises on the Nile.
And still others swear by boat tours that lead through tropical forests. Then a cruise on the Amazon would be something for you. The Amazon is the river with the most water in the world. It flows through Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. On this river trip you will get to know the unique nature of South America: 55,000 species of flowering plants and 1,600 species of birds as well as more than 100 species of trees make this trip an unforgettable experience for all nature lovers.
Last minute bargains or luxury with all inclusive: There will be a river cruise for everyone in 2025/2026
No matter whether it's a last minute bargain or luxury with all inclusive: There will be a river cruise for everyone in 2025, whether along the Main-Danube Canal from Vienna to Passau, through the historic cities along the Douro in Portugal or across the diverse waterways of the Netherlands. Each of these options promises unique experiences and unforgettable impressions.
Luxury river cruises: relaxation at the highest level
As river cruise ships are smaller than the ships used for ocean crossings, the atmosphere on board is more familiar and relaxed. But that doesn't mean that you have to forego luxury. The cabins on river cruise ships are spacious, there are hardly any inside cabins, and many of them also have a balcony. This means you can get to know the most beautiful rivers in the world in a relaxed manner. From the spacious deck areas or the ship's outdoor promenades, you can admire nature as well as the flora and fauna along the route.
There are always remaining seats on the river cruiser of your choice. This is one way to find cheaper travel offers. By taking advantage of these cheap last minute offers, you have a win-win situation for you and the cruise operator. You travel more cheaply and the operator is happy about the additional booking. As a single traveler, you can also book here without a single cabin surcharge. Simply look for the right trip in our offers or in the remaining seats exchange for river cruises - e.g.
You can also take luxury river cruises on the Volga or in the USA. How about a river trip on a paddle steamer? On a luxury river cruise on the Yangtze in China, for example, you will stay in a large outside cabin with a balcony, bathroom with shower and toilet, air conditioning, TV and minibar. But the Egypt tours on the Nile followed by a beach holiday on the Red Sea are no less luxurious.. with A-ROSA or Phoenix.
Last minute river cruise with remaining seats
There are always remaining seats on the river cruiser of your choice. This is one way to find cheaper travel deals. By taking advantage of these cheap last minute offers, you have a win-win situation for you and the cruise operator. You travel more cheaply and the operator is happy about the additional booking. As a single traveler, you can also book here without a single cabin surcharge. Simply look at our offers or the remaining seats exchange for river cruises for the right trip - e.g. with A-ROSA or Phoenix.
All Inclusive river cruises
For 2025/2026, all-inclusive river cruises are a convenient travel option that covers virtually all aspects of the trip. These packages typically include meals, drinks, guided shore excursions, and often Wi-Fi. With such an all-inclusive offer, travelers can plan a worry-free trip as unexpected costs are largely eliminated, which is particularly attractive for those who value budget control and comprehensive service. River cruise bargains are also available as all-inclusive offers
River cruise bargains are also available as all-inclusive offers
All-inclusive river cruise bargains offer an inexpensive way to travel in luxury without having to worry about additional expenses. These deals often include all meals, drinks, excursions, and sometimes even tips, making it easier for travelers to plan and control their vacation costs. For those on a budget, this is an excellent option for exploring the landscape and culture along scenic river banks such as the Danube without compromising on comfort.
River cruises: an experience for young and old
River cruises in particular used to have the image of being something for older people. That is no longer the case today. Nowadays, both young people and an older audience can be found on river cruises. After all, young people also appreciate comfort and stress-free travel. The travel providers have also included special offers in the program that combine river cruises with other activities and thus appeal to many representatives of the younger generations.
One example of this is the "river cruises and cycling" offer. Here, the respective river cruise is combined with cycling tours along the route. Other examples are river cruises combined with football or hiking. Offers that are aimed more at all age groups include "river cruises and music" or "river cruises and wine". Some river cruises also have a special motto: for example, they are aimed at solo travelers, families or honeymooners. This means that everyone can find their perfect river cruise regardless of age, marital status or interest.
FAQs - Questions about river cruises
