Are ocean cruises becoming a little overwhelming? Do you want to vacation without thousands of other people? Maybe even venture out on unique excursions, which are unlike those similar excursions offered by every ocean cruise line? Well, a river cruise is going to be the solution you have been searching for! There are so many reasons to take a river cruise and dozens of river cruise lines to choose from. And each cruise line will offer unique options in exciting destinations around the world. Today, I am going to help you navigate the world’s best river cruise lines. This way you can choose the best river cruise for your next vacation.  

Choosing the Best River Cruise: A Guide to Navigating the World’s Best River Cruise Lines 

In my opinion, there are three river cruise lines that offer the best river cruises. Those river cruise lines include Viking, AmaWaterways, and Avalon Waterways. While there are other river cruise lines to choose from, I know you will have the best experiences when you choose to sail on one of the cruises offered by these cruise lines.  

Viking 

Viking has always been known as a destination focused river cruise line. This company offers river cruises in Europe, Asia, Egypt, and along the Mississippi River.  

They are small ship experts and yet you will feel like you have a more spacious room while you are on board. When you sail with Viking, you can choose a basic stateroom or one with a balcony. You also can’t go wrong with an even larger suite while sailing with Viking.  

Your dining experience will be extraordinary with Viking. The menu includes regional dishes made with fresh local ingredients for every meal. I recommend sitting on the terrace for some of your meals. This will ensure you can see the picturesque views as you sail down the river.  

Of course, you won’t want to miss out on many of the cultural activities offered on this river cruise while you are sailing. You can listen to guest lectures or watch presentations that share information about your next port of call. There are even destination performances that showcase some of the best regional performers.  

While in port, all guests of Viking cruise line will have privileged access to museums, palaces, and private homes. Plus, you can immerse yourself in the lives of the locals, as you meet new people and experience their daily routines.  

One excursion is included in your river cruise at each port. This ensures you won’t miss any of the fabulous experiences in the destinations you are visiting.  

AmaWaterways 

When AmaWaterways was founded more than twenty years ago, they had a goal to create a river cruise line that offered luxury ships, high quality locally sourced meals, and innovative excursions. They have succeeded in every way, which is why AmaWaterways is at the top of my list of best river cruise lines.  

AmaWaterways offers river cruises through Europe, Asia, Africa, and Colombia. They also offer specialty river cruises that include wine tastings, Christmas markets, and cultural experiences.  

There are fewer guests on board AmaWaterways river cruise ships than any other river cruise lines. Plus, half of their accommodations are luxury suites. So, you will always have the space you need when it is time to relax and unwind.  

There are a few different restaurants to choose from at mealtimes when you sail with AmaWaterways. Try them all, as you dine on delicious local cuisine and drink local beer and carefully selected wines. You may even be invited to the Chef’s Table to watch the chef prepare a multi-course meal in front of you.  

Several guided tours are offered in every port you stop in when you are sailing with AmaWaterways. This way you can choose the personalized experience you want in every destination you visit. Plus, it guarantees you get to see something new every time you vacation in a destination you have been to in the past. You can even choose from biking and hiking tours if you are a person who prefers to stay active when off the ship.  

Avalon Waterways 

You won’t find one size fits all excursions and activities when you choose to sail with Avalon Waterways. Instead, this river cruise line offers you the opportunity to design and personalize your days on the ship and in port. There are so many other ways this best river cruise line will elevate your experience as you sail on incredible rivers around the world.  

You can cruise through twenty-two countries along ten rivers via Avalon Waterways. This river cruise line offers cruises through Asia, Europe, Egypt, and South America. Imagine exploring the Galapagos Islands via a river cruise instead of simply flying to an island and staying there. Or exploring different areas of the Amazon Rainforest, as Avalon takes you from one port to the next.  

Choose to book a suite with an open-air balcony for the best experience on your river cruise with Avalon. These balconies increase the size of your room by thirty percent. The most amazing part is you can easily lay in bed and look out towards the views via the open doors if you are too relaxed to move to the balcony.  

Multiple dining venues will have you indulging in lots of culinary delights during your sailing adventure. The chefs prepare numerous signature delicacies for every meal. So, there will always be a new local dish to try when you are hungry.  

As I mentioned above, you will have so many opportunities to personalize your time on and off the ship. You can choose one of at least three different excursions when you are in port. Or you can venture off on your own using one of the complimentary bicycles. The AvalonGo app makes it simple to navigate through port and helps you plan the days you skip the excursions.  

One of the special features of Avalon Waterways is their eco-friendly footprint. This is one of the best river cruise lines when it comes to reducing their impact on the world. They are devoted to recycling and reducing waste in every way possible.  

Comparing These Three River Cruise Lines

As you can see, these best river cruise lines are similar in some ways and yet quite different. Each one offers unique features, as well as excursion opportunities, that will turn your river cruise vacation into the vacation of your dreams. If you are ready for a different way to cruise and see the world, a river cruise is going to always be your best option.  

So, are you ready to choose one of these best river cruise lines for your next vacation?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book a river cruise just yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to stay up to date with all the travel information I share.