River cruising, without the guesswork.
Small ships, one unpacking, walkable ports, and included excursions. Here's how I match travelers to the right river, the right ship, and the right cabin.
First-timers. Returning cruisers. Multi-generational adults. Couples on a celebration trip.
River cruising is not the same product as ocean cruising and it doesn't fit everyone — but when it fits, it fits beautifully. I'll tell you honestly whether it's right for your group before you book.
Six rivers I book most.
Each has a different personality. Pick the wrong one for your group and it's a fine week. Pick the right one and it's the trip they talk about for years.
Central Europe
The Danube
The classic first river cruise. Passau to Budapest with stops in Vienna, Bratislava, and the Wachau Valley. Well-known ports, easy pacing, strong Christmas Market season in December.
GERMANY + FRANCE + NETHERLANDS
The Rhine
Amsterdam to Basel through castle country, the Middle Rhine gorge, and Strasbourg. Longer itineraries can add Moselle detours to Cochem and Trier.
Portugal
The Douro
A round-trip out of Porto through terraced wine country to the Spanish border. Smaller ships, fewer sailings, a slower week — often paired with a Lisbon land stay.
France
The Rhône
Lyon and Provence — Avignon, Arles, Viviers, Tournon. Roman history, Southern French food and wine, warm shoulder-season sailing.
France
The Seine
Round-trip from Paris through Normandy — Rouen, Les Andelys, and the D-Day beaches. Short flights in and out, Paris nights bookending the week.
Southeast Asia
The Mekong
Between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap through Vietnam and Cambodia. Best paired with land days at Angkor Wat and Hanoi; peak season is roughly November through March.
One price. One suitcase.
On the lines we book most, a river cruise fare typically bundles the cabin, all meals onboard, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, at least one included shore excursion in every port, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. What's included varies by line, and we'll spell it out clearly before you book.
Smaller ships, closer ports, slower pacing.
River ships carry roughly 150 to 190 guests instead of several thousand, dock in the town center instead of an industrial port, and rarely have a sea day. The trade-off is fewer onboard amenities and a quieter evening — which is exactly the appeal for the travelers it suits.
Read this before you book anything.
I put together a free guide for first-time river cruisers covering what to expect, how to choose an itinerary, and what separates the lines.
Read the GuideThree cruise lines I return to.
There are more, but these are the ones I trust to deliver for the traveler I'm sending.
Cruise line
AMAwaterways
The widest European river footprint, with a strong wine and active-excursion program. Complimentary bikes, hiking-paced tours, and a solid multigenerational fit on the ships with connecting suites.
Cruise line
Uniworld
Boutique-styled ships with all-inclusive pricing — drinks, gratuities, and excursions bundled in. Smaller passenger counts and a design-led interior on every ship.
Cruise line
Avalon Waterways
Suite Ships with beds facing the window and a choice-based excursion program at each port — classic, active, or discovery. A good option for travelers who want more flexibility inside the day.
Free resource
The First-Time River Cruises Guide
Everything you need before you book. What to expect, which itineraries stand out, and how to choose the right cruise line for your travel style.
Download the guideReady to talk river cruising?
Book a call. I'll ask about your group and send back a shortlist of itineraries and ships that fit.