River cruising is often described as relaxing, immersive and easy – and it can be. But what the river cruise experience actually feels like day to day is something most first-time travelers don’t fully understand until they’re on board. If you’ve ever wondered what a river cruise is actually like, the answer depends a lot on how you choose to spend your time.
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Looking for the best river cruises in Europe in 2026? These are the ones I’m recommending right now, from a $2,182 CroisiEurope itinerary in Venice and Lake Como to a $6,729 Active & Discovery sailing with Avalon in Holland and Belgium, along with standout Danube and Rhône options from AmaWaterways, Uniworld and Riverside.
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AmaWaterways is making some noticeable upgrades across its fleet this season. The line has been investing heavily in the onboard experience, with enhancements that touch everything from stateroom comforts to dining and wine.
CEO Catherine Powell says the focus is simple: continue raising the bar while staying true to what makes Ama distinct. In other words, improve the experience without losing the personality.
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Last month, I sailed the Mississippi River with my friend Maddy aboard American Cruise Lines’ American Symphony. I’ve sailed with American before, so I knew what to expect – friendly service, comfortable accommodations and a well-organized trip where we always know what’s happening and where to be. It’s a fool proof vacation.
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Most of you know the classic Danube cruise. It’s one of our favorite itineraries because it highlights some of the best ports of call on Europe’s rivers. From Nuremberg, Passau or Vilshoften, river ships sail through the Wachau Valley to the big bright capital cities that anchor the Upper Danube: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.…
I’ve been waiting for this one.
For years, I’ve wondered when American Cruise Lines would bring its easy, small-ship style to the Great Lakes. And now it’s happening. Starting May 2026, American will debut three brand-new Great Lakes cruises aboard its newest ship, American Patriot.…
If you’re looking at cruising the Mississippi, you really have two choices: American Cruise Lines or Viking. A few smaller companies do offer shorter trips of three or four days, but those are more regional outfits and not the focus here. For most travelers planning a weeklong or longer itinerary, American and Viking are the names you’ll be choosing between. Before we get into the options, let’s get to know the mighty river that …
If you’ve been toying with the idea of taking a river cruise this year but haven’t pulled the trigger yet – good news: you’re not too late. In fact, you might be right on time. AmaWaterways still has space on some top itineraries for 2025, and a few of them come with seriously solid promos.
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It’s been five years since I last sailed on AmaMagna. Back then, I was blown away by her size, as she sits at twice the width of traditional river cruise ships. But after half a decade of river cruising for the site and stepping aboard more river cruise ships than ever, I can confidently say that her size stood out even more this time around. And her size isn’t just a novelty. It makes life …
A Mississippi River cruise has been on my radar for a while, but 2025 might actually be the year I stop talking about it and actually do it. Europe always entices me, with its beautiful landscapes and rich history, but why do I tend to forget about the river cruise experience that’s just a short, single-connection flight away?…
Think of it this way…Endless charming towns, historic landmarks and the beauty of Europe’s waterways rolling by as you sip wine on a sunny deck. That’s what I knew I was signing up for when I was invited on a 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Avalon Waterways. But many people who haven’t river cruised before often wonder about the perfect itinerary length. Is two weeks too long?
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When we think of river cruises, we often think of couples drinking wine and gazing off their balconies, wandering through the cobblestone streets of Europe, sitting in the lounge for performances and eating meals in a communal dining room. Those are the things that keep me river cruising, but sometimes I want a little bit more. That’s why I love Avalon’s Active & Discovery itineraries. Avalon incorporates everything people like about a traditional river cruise, …
