river cruise companies in france

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France River Cruises

See France from a unique perspective with one of our first-rate river cruise tours brought to you by internationally acclaimed cruise companies. Experience the romance, the adventure, the exquisite natural sights, as well as architecture that has formed the fabric of fairy tales and legends!

250+ river cruises through France with 406 reviews

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

• River Cruise

Rhône Route Classique 2024 - A-ROSA STELLA

We spent a very pleasant week on your Arosa Stella. The buffet was very extensive and tasty. However, we would have preferred the French cuisine in France. But still, we will now have to do something with the regulation of our weight! We also very much appreciated that they also have a good relationship with the weather god.

• Walking Adventure

Paris & Normandy (2024) (Paris to Paris, 2024)

The Must-see Sights of the Seine Valley (port-to-port cruise)

I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff

A trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the Rhône valley (port-to-port cruise)

the cabine room was a good size, the food was outstanding, land based tours were interesting and the service was fine

Taste of Bordeaux 2024

Paris to Normandy 2024

Really enjoyed it. excellent boat and very interesting locations.

Paris & Normandy 2024

Sensations of Lyon & Provence (Start Nice, End Lyon)

All staff very good at their jobs knowledgeable and bereaved to.please.

Sensations of Lyon & Provence (Start Lyon, End Nice)

Paris to Normandy 80th Anniversary of D-Day WWII Remembrance & History Cruise

La Belle France: Paris, Normandy and the River Seine (Paris - Paris)

Cruise was great. The crew were very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. The tours were well planned, and even though there were a few technical problems, the staff worked very hard to make things go as smoothly as possible.

Seine Experience the Normandy 2024

Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône (Lyon - Lyon)

First time cruising with Amadeus. Really enjoyed everything about it. Wonderful staff, food and excursions.

Seine River Cruise from Paris

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

River Cruises in France Reviews

Great cruise, ship, crew and good. Exceeded expectations.

I was kept informed & on promptly basis. A very professional approach by your staff

• Rhone (275)
• Saone (196)
• Seine (192)
• Garonne (64)
• Dordogne (58)
• Gironde (45)

Regions in France

• Southern France (211)
• Northern France (146)
• Normandy (67)
• Provence (62)
• Bordeaux & Dordogne (45)
• Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees (44)
• Alsace & Lorraine (35)
• Burgundy (13)
• Loire Valley (12)
• Pays de la Loire (12)
• Ile de France (8)

Popular Cruise Ships

• Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Tapestry II from Avalon Waterways
• Scenic Sapphire from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Tapestry II from Avalon Waterways
• S.S Joie de Vivre from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Scenic Diamond from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• S.S. Catherine from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• AmaCello from AmaWaterways
• MS Van Gogh from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• Scenic Gem from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Poetry II from Avalon Waterways
• MS Seine Princess from CroisiEurope River Cruises

Travel Styles

• 10 Best River Cruise Companies (with Reviews)
• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

Travel Alert Advisory

2025 France River Cruises

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Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

France River Cruises

France river cruises

Sail the awe-inspiring Rhône and Saône rivers through France and experience a world of elegant culture.

• destinations
• Previous page

Sail the rivers of Southern France

Discover the sensations of Southern France during a Rhône and Saône river cruise. Historic cities, sleepy villages, and sun-soaked vineyards await you as you sail along these waterways on board our innovative Star-Ship, Emerald Liberté.

Uncover France along the Rhône and Saône rivers.

A world of experiences

Enlightening experiences await on your France river cruise. Sample fine wines while exploring the delights of Burgundy, indulge in the culinary sensations of Lyon, and follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as you amble the charms of Arles.

Discover France

Featured  itineraries.

Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Discover the magic of France by river

Sensations of Lyon & Provence with Nice

Sensations of Lyon and Provence & Paris

Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal

Discover the Rhine & Rhone Rivers

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

Discover the waterways of Southern France

Why cruise with emerald cruises.

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Sail with the small cruise ship experts and benefit from our attentive service as we bring you closer to some of Central Europe’s most exciting destinations.

Small ship river cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specializes in providing a small cruise ship experience . You’ll notice how a limited number of guests, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of Emerald Liberté offers you a comfortable and luxurious France river cruise experience.

Emerald Liberté

Our Star-Ship, Emerald Liberté  is your home away from home, a boutique floating hotel that provides guests with luxurious surroundings, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as our indoor pool that transforms into a cinema space on selected evenings.

Contemporary suites & staterooms

Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms , there’s an option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out, you’re longing for a cozier accommodation, or if you’re looking for a single cabin to sail solo.

EmeraldDISCOVERY

Emerald DISCOVERY is designed to take you far beyond the standard tourist experience, with an array of exciting excursions . You’ll enjoy an included excursion nearly every day and have the option to join our Emerald PLUS , Emerald ACTIVE , and extra-special Discover MORE excursions^ to explore each destination in even greater depth. ^Optional and available at an additional cost.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your France cruise should also provide complete peace of mind, which is why we cover all port charges, provide all meals on board and with accompanying beverages, offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities onboard and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew, and enjoy tours led by knowledgeable, local guides.

A closer look at Emerald Liberté

Emerald Liberté is designed to gracefully sail the waterways of France, guiding you through the twists and turns of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Revel in your sanctuary, where every touch and elegant flourish has been chosen to reflect French beauty and style.

Where we travel

Explore the stunning rivers of france.

Your guide to France river cruising

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• Expeditions
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France River Cruises

Be it the Rhône, Seine, Dordogne or Gironde, France’s rivers reveal some of the world’s most celebrated locales: majestic Bordeaux, gastronomic Lyon, historic Normandy, picturesque Provence and elegant Paris. Let Viking immerse you in rich culture and tradition.

Rhine Getaway

• PRICE & BUILD

Lyon & Provence

NEW! Rhine & Main Explorer

Paris & the Heart of Normandy

Cities of Light

Paris to the Swiss Alps

Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary

London, Paris & D-Day

France’s Finest

• Request a Quote

NEW! Lyon, Provence & the Rhineland

NEW! Treasures of the Rhine

Christmas on the Seine

Christmas on the Rhine & Moselle

Christmas on the Main & Moselle

Christmas on the Rhine

Rhine & Viking Shores & Fjords

Highlights of france river cruises.

France was born along its rivers. And Viking delivers you to the doorsteps of a nation’s history and culture, from romantic riverside ruins and lush vineyards to glittering cities of elegance and grandeur. Here is a selection of some treasures you will experience with Viking:

• The elegant architecture of Paris
• Historic Avignon, City of Popes
• Gastronomic masterpieces of Lyon
• Normandy’s American Military Cemetery
• Scenic landscapes that inspired Impressionist artists
• Rouen’s spectacular cathedral
• Farms and forests of Aquitaine
• Fine wines of Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Burgundy
• Charming villages and dreamy vistas of Provence
• The medieval wine-growing town of Saint-Émilion

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Choosing The Best French River Cruise For You

La vie est belle — life is beautiful on our best river cruises through France. Dine in enchanting châteaux, visit sun-drenched vineyards, stroll through timeless medieval villages and view painterly landscapes as you follow the Seine to Normandy or the Rhône through the South of France.

Best For First Timers - Impressions From the Seine: Paris to Normandy

Explore the heart of France on our best French river cruise for families. This unforgettable journey along the Seine begins in Paris, where you can sightsee by foot or bicycle, climb the Eiffel Tower and search for clues on an art-inspired scavenger hunt inside Musée du Louvre. As you wind through France's scenic landscape, you'll step into Impressionistic masterpieces on an early-access visit to Monet's Gardens at Giverny. You'll tour the D-Day beaches of Normandy to pay tribute to fallen heroes at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. Touching WWII artifacts at the unique D-Day Academy helps put the Allied invasion into context. On your return to Paris, travel back to medieval times in Rouen before the grand finale—a visit to the Château de Versailles. Choices here include a tour of the magical palace and gardens or a guided bike ride that also stops at Marie Antoinette's farm. 

All aboard for hands-on fun. View details for Tauck' France Family Vacation on a riverboat.

Best For Experienced Travelers - French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera

Sample everything the fertile Rhône Valley has to offer on this taste-making and best-rated French river cruise, named the 2018 Winner for Best Culinary Adventure from AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards. Your aperitif is a 2-night stay in Paris at the InterContinental Le Grand, where you'll take a Le Cordon Bleu pastry class before hopping a train to Lyon, considered the "culinary capital of France."   As you travel along the Rhône to Provence, you'll partake in epicurean experiences that range from tasting earthy treasures at a truffle farm to sipping Beaujolais in the actual Beaujolais wine region. Other highlights for food and wine lovers are a wine tasting in Châteaneuf-du-Pape and a private culinary lesson at Scook, Anne-Sophie Pic's cooking school in Valence. And at a Tauck Exclusive gala evening, you'll be a dinner guest of the Duke of Uzès at his 12th-century family castle in Avignon. Bon voyage and bon appétit! View our 10-day Southern France River Cruise .

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France River Cruises

Experience a truly all-inclusive journey of a lifetime through the historic and iconic culinary regions of France.

• Destinations
• Previous page

Discover   the North and South of France and Bordeaux regions

From witnessing the beauty of Bordeaux and the dazzling delights of Paris, to winding through the French gastronomic city of Lyon - revel in the magnificence of this amazing country, in truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury.

Soak in the historic monuments and charming villages

Become fascinated by the diverse regions of France, each possessing its own unique charm. Enjoy delicious food and wine, exquisite architecture, and the history of France, as you embark on your all-inclusive luxury river cruise.

Discover France

• Experiences

Spectacular landscapes, enriching history, and gastronomic delights 

Why travel on a scenic france river cruise.

Our intimate ultra-luxury river cruises cater up to just 149 guests. Each journey is designed to take you into the heart of extraordinary regions while you relax and unwind as you explore multiple magical towns and cities with ease.

Innovative Scenic Space-Ships

Enjoy an abundance of premium experiences and luxurious outdoor, dining, wellness areas, and spacious suites. Our Space-Ships can also dock in the heart of towns and cruise upstream through Northern France so that you can travel to famous and picturesque towns such as Honfleur.

Find out more

Luxurious Suites

Our generously sized suites are elegantly outfitted with premium amenities including a queen-size Scenic Slumber bed, a pillow menu, and luxurious bath products. The Balcony, Junior, and Royal Suites feature your very own window to the world with our signature Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways.

Up to Five Dining Options

Whether you prefer a fine dining experience with a six-course meal, a relaxed café setting offering a delicious à la carte menu, or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delicious options to suit your tastes on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Premium international beverages + – wine, beer, cocktails, spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavors of each region prepared by our innovative chefs.

Scenic Freechoice  

Personalize your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on unique excursions in France. Our extensive Scenic Freechoice excursions provide Active, Moderate, or Relaxed ways to explore so you can choose activities best suited to you. Whether it’s a full day excursion to the D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, or shopping with a chef at a local market in Bordeaux before cooking up a storm in our Scenic Culinaire cooking class, the choice is yours.

Scenic Enrich

Our exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music, and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveler. From an immersive digital art installation show at Les Bassins des Lumières in Bordeaux, to a private concert at the prestigious Palais des Papes in Avignon, these carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey.

Salt Therapy Lounge

We are the first and only river cruise company to feature a therapeutic Salt Therapy Lounge* on board our Scenic Space-Ships cruising the Bordeaux waterways and the Rhône and Saône Rivers. Mimicking the environment of a salt cave, our Salt Therapy Lounge can assist with healing, improving respiration and boosting the immune system. 

Where we Travel in

  france .

Featured Itineraries

Normandy & Gems of the Seine

Take a journey down the river of dreams

Beautiful Bordeaux

Savour the beauty and romance

Iconic France

Discover the magic of France by river

South of France & Gems of the Seine

France, from North to South

Idyllic Rhône

From the gastronomic heart of France to the Mediterranean

Spectacular South of France

Awaken your senses in the South of France

• Europe River Cruises
• Your Guide to River Cruising

Your guide to Europe river cruising

What to expect  on your river cruise

Learn about the benefits of river cruising with our comprehensive guide to your first time on a river cruise and what you can expect when you travel with Scenic.

Discover more...

Central Europe

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River Cruises in France

Seducing travelers by its first-class culture, food, art and undeniable joie de vivre, it’s hardly surprising that France attracts more than 80 million visitors a year, making it the world’s top tourist destination. From the quiet rural beauty of Normandy to the vibrant bustle of Paris, from the cool serenity of its mighty rivers like the Rhone to the dry heat of historic Provence and from the picturesque vine-clad slopes of Burgundy to the soaring majesty of the French Alps, it hardly seems possible that such rich diversity could be contained in one relatively small country.

The French love of food and wine is beyond comparison and it boasts a cuisine that’s widely acknowledged as one of the very finest in the world, with more Michelin starred restaurants than any other country. Every town and village seems to have its own unique gastronomic specialty whilst evocative names like Champagne, Calvados, Bordeaux, and Beaujolais carry their reputation before them. French cheeses are equally famous too - just think of Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort for starters.

Culturally too, there can be no disputing France’s staggering achievements: from Roman temples to Renaissance chateaux, its outstanding museums and world-class galleries, from its invention of cinema and “haute couture” the list goes on. So with all this on offer and more, there can be fewer destinations more appealing. Allez!

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COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US…

Luxury barge cruising, the quintessential french experience.

Imagine spending a week cruising the idyllic waterways of France on board a luxury barge. You’ll trade a week of the hustle of everyday life for the leisurely and gentle pace that barging provides. Cruising on these historic waterways allows for a deep exploration of the picturesque landscapes, historical gems, vineyards and more. You’ll be immersing yourself in French culture and history while savoring gourmet meals paired with exquisite wines and mouthwatering cheeses from each region.

We want you to be swept away by the tranquility of nature, become enthralled in the living history of the regions and indulge in the delicacies of the cuisine and wines of France. Our mission is to provide you with a week that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Our historic barges have been lovingly restored to once again grace the waterways of France in style and comfort.

Where We Cruise

We’ve selected some of the most unique and beautiful waterways in France to share exclusively with our guests.

Come with us to discover the beauty of France and cruising the French waterways  from our unique view of the world.

Every meal is thoughtfully paired with exquisite regional wines chosen exclusively by your captain.

Our chefs are masters at incorporating seasonal ingredients into regional dishes that will delight the most discerning gourmets.

From packing suggestions to knowing what to expect on board, we want to help you to feel informed and prepared.

Thank you for the wonderful week! We will long remember the food, the wine, the cruising, the tours, the walks, the lounging on the deck, the conversation and just plain fun!

A week of fabulous food, wonderful wines, terrific trips, comfy cabins, cheery company and most of all the super duper staff.

You made this a truly memorable week – great food, fabulous wine and such attention to detail.

The beautiful French countryside, amazing French cuisine & fabulous Burgundy wines surpassed all we had imagined!

I have traveled all over the world and this is by far one of the finest experiences of my life.

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France Gorgeous and Gourmet.

France is the quintessential destination for good reason. Whether you visit romantic Northern France, stunning Bordeaux, or charming Burgundy & Provence, you'll find yourself enchanted by the best wines and cuisines the world has to offer. Come for the famous Chateau wineries of Bordeaux and cultural landmarks of Paris, then leave reminiscing about your stroll through Monet's Giverny gardens and your kayak ride under the Pont-du-Guard.

Learn more about why a river cruise with Uniworld is the best way cruise.

Burgundy & Provence

Arles to Lyon | 8 days

Cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers, enjoying the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine and discovering its many treasures. Stroll the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh....

Ship: S.S. Catherine

Country: France

Rivers: Rhône, Saône

4.6 /5 (950 reviews)

From $2,099 per person

Learn more Get a Quote

Grand France

Arles to Paris | 15 days

For Francophiles in love with the culture, history, cuisine, and romance of France, this grand voyage is a dream come true. Soak up the joie de vivre that makes France one of the most adored...

Ships: S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre

Rivers: Rhône, Saône, Seine

4.7 /5 (132 reviews)

From $6,389 per person

Wine Roads of France & Portugal

Bordeaux to Lisbon | 18 days

The Southern European climates and historic towns of both Bordeaux and Portugal are as complimentary as their palettes—expect bold reds and excellent dessert wines, from Sauternes to Port....

Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. São Gabriel

Countries: France, Portugal, Spain

Rivers: Dordogne, Douro, Garonne

From $8,099 per person

Brilliant Bordeaux

Bordeaux to Bordeaux | 8 days

Set sail along three stunning rivers, the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde, on one fascinatingly historical and invigorating journey. Explore the country’s breathtaking backdrops, wines and...

Ship: S.S. Bon Voyage

Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne

4.4 /5 (419 reviews)

A Portrait of Majestic France

Bordeaux to Paris | 15 days

This picture-perfect journey blends your passion for the good life—art, culture, and gastronomy—with a broad sweep of lovely French landscapes. Travel from beautiful Bordeaux and delight...

Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Joie de Vivre

Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne, Seine

4.5 /5 (93 reviews)

From $6,749 per person

Paris & Normandy

Paris to Paris | 8 days

Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Château de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed ...

Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre

River: Seine

4.7 /5 (820 reviews)

From $3,509 per person

Ultimate France

Bordeaux to Arles | 22 days

This triumvirate of France brings you the very best of each region—Paris and the Normandy coast in the north, vineyard-rich Bordeaux in the southwest, and the sun-drenched Mediterranean...

Ships: S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Catherine, S.S. Joie de Vivre

Rivers: Dordogne, Garonne, Rhône, Seine

4.4 /5 (51 reviews)

From $10,799 per person

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France Boating Holidays and River Cruises

Use the Boat Availability Search to find the best boat for your French boating holiday. You can do separate searches for each style of boat - cruiser boats or penichette boats.

To help you choose, follow the links below for guides to boating holidays in France , luxury hotel barges on French canals and rivers, and river cruise ship holidays on River Seine and Rhone.

Cruiser Boat Holidays in France

We offer over 800 hire boats for French boating holidays. Choose your size of boat from 2-12 people, its level of luxury, and the steering position. Boat bases throughout France - cruise the famous Canal du Midi, the wine regions of Burgundy, the unique Camargue, rural Brittany and more. See the cruiser boat holiday map of France

Penichette Boat Holidays in France

Choose from over 400 French built Penichette self-drive boats in different styles and specifications. Penichette holiday bases on the major canals and rivers of France - the unique Canal du Midi, treasures of Burgundy, historic Anjou and Aquitaine, forested Alsace, the Camargue and more. See the Penichette boat holiday map of France

Hotel Boat Holidays in France

These typical working barges on the canals and rivers of France have been converted to luxury small floating hotels. With only 6 to 12 passengers, the hotel barges offer full service and gourmet catering on a choice of cruises including Burgundy wine routes and the Midi. More about French hotel boat holidays

River Cruise Holidays in France

The river cruise ship takes around 150 passengers, and offers dining and relaxation with full crew and service. These ships travel France's major rivers - cruise the River Rhone through Provence or cruise the River Seine to Paris and Normandy. We also offer a range of short city cruise breaks in Paris.

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See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

• Main content

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.