Compare River Cruise Lines in Europe

Same river, same week — very different trips.

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If you want to compare river cruise lines in Europe, the Danube and Rhine are the fairest testing ground: almost every line sails them, often in the same weeks, sometimes moored side by side at the same quay.

What Differs When the River Is the Same

Feature	Viking	AmaWaterways	Avalon	Scenic	Uniworld
Ship design	Longships, Scandinavian style	Twin balconies on many ships	Suite Ships with Panorama Suites	Space-Ships, Sun Lounge balconies	Individually decorated boutique ships
Touring	One included tour per port	Several choices per port	Classic / Discovery / Active	Freechoice / Enrich	Included excursions
Drinks	With lunch and dinner	With lunch and dinner	With lunch and dinner	All day	Unlimited
Gratuities in Europe	Extra	Extra	Check by market	Included	Included

Facts from each line’s own published material, checked October 2026. Inclusions can differ by river, region and fare type; our advisors confirm them for your sailing.

Tauck, Emerald, Riviera and CroisiEurope also sail the Rhine and Danube; their details are in our main chart.

Beyond the Rhine and Danube

On the Seine, Rhône and Douro the field narrows and ships change. The Douro’s locks keep its ships compact; the Seine adds Normandy’s beaches as an excursion; the Rhône and Saône pair Lyon with Provence. CroisiEurope goes further than most, onto smaller French rivers and canals. If your heart is set on one of these, start by asking which lines sail it in your month — then compare those.

For a personal view of which European river suits a first trip, Mister River Cruise gives Mister Cruise’s advice; for the luxury end, Luxury Riverboat Cruises.

Comparing Lines in Europe: FAQ

Do all lines sail every European river?

No. Every major line sails the Rhine and Danube, but fewer offer the Douro, the Elbe or France’s smaller rivers. CroisiEurope has one of the widest European programs, including canals.

Is the ship different on the Douro?

Douro ships are limited by the river’s locks and bends, so they are generally smaller and fewer than on the Rhine or Danube.

Which lines are best for comparing in Europe?

The Danube and Rhine, because nearly every line sails them in the same months — the fairest place to set lines side by side.

Same Quay, Different Trip

In busy ports such as Passau, Vienna and Budapest, river ships often moor side by side, and guests walk through one ship’s lobby to reach their own. It is a vivid reminder that the river and the view are shared; what differs is everything inside the ship and the way each line spends the day ashore.

Compare European River Cruises

Name your European river and month. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare every line that sails it and send free quotes.

Compare in Europe