The 7 Best Rivers for Luxury Cruising

River cruising is so in. With cruise line Uniworld recently reporting a 50% jump in passengers to Egypt, as well as a 36% increase in passengers to exotic destinations like India and Peru, river cruising has never been more popular. The industry is expected to grow by around 12% by 2028, outstripping that of ocean cruises. 

But with so many diverse options across the globe, from the rolling hills of Southern France to the flat and winding Mekong, choosing your river cruise can be a difficult decision to make. So, without further ado, let us share our picks for the 7 best rivers for luxury cruising. 

1. The Danube 

The Danube feels like the O.G. of luxury cruising. It snakes through ten countries, four capital cities and the basin is home to some 80 million people. 

This legendary river takes travellers to cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, each offering grand architecture, classical music, and a history like no other. Uniworld, Scenic, and AmaWaterways all offer five-star sailings onboard ships like S.S. Maria Theresa and AmaMagna. 

Expect private palace concerts, thermal spa visits, and guided tours of UNESCO-listed towns in the Wachau Valley. A Danube cruise is the ideal blend of culture and comfort.

2. The Rhône 

Get deep into the heart of the culinary capital of the world. The Rhône River snakes from Lyon all the way to the twinkling Mediterranean, through Provence’s lavender fields, Roman amphitheatres, and Michelin-starred restaurants. World-class cruise ships like Scenic Sapphire and S.S. Catherine are essentially floating boutique hotels, offering Michelin-standard dining, fine wines, and curated excursions. 

Onshore, enjoy wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, truffle hunting in the countryside, and walking tours through Van Gogh’s Arles. For lovers of food, art, and refined travel, the Rhône is a must. 

3. The Nile

A luxury river cruise along the Nile is as close to time-travelling as you can possibly get. With some of the best-preserved archaeological sites on the planet, you’ll feel like a Roman emperor, meeting with the Pharaoh on important business. 

Cruise itineraries typically run between Luxor and Aswan, visiting landmarks like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. Ships like S.S. Sphinx (Uniworld) incorporate the perfect blend of Egyptian elegance with modern amenities, like fine dining and spa treatments. 

Don’t forget to book a pre- or post-cruise stay in Cairo, where you can visit the Great Pyramids, as well as The Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s best and most highly-regarded collections of Egyptian artefacts. 

4. The Mekong 

It’s hard to overstate the importance of the Mekong River to millions of people. As the third largest river in Asia, it snakes through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and China, but most river cruises cover just the first two countries on that list. 

From the temples of Phnom Penh to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, the river shares a side of Southeast Asia that you’ll miss on a flying visit, which is why we recommend floating through instead. 

Ships like Aqua Mekong and Scenic Spirit offer an all-suite experience with locally inspired design, gourmet Southeast Asian cuisine, and expert-guided excursions. Highlights include silk-weaving workshops, Buddhist temples, and immersive village visits. 

5. The Douro 

Portugal’s Douro River accommodates what are becoming some of the most popular river cruise itineraries in Europe. Departing from Porto, expect terraced vineyards stacked against the high edges of the Douro Valley. This UNESCO-listed wine region is famed for its port wine, which was created accidentally by British merchants in the region. 

Onboard ships like S.S. São Gabriel (Uniworld) and Scenic Azure, guests enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine, wine pairings, and breathtaking views. Shore excursions include wine tastings, historic towns like Lamego, and live Fado music performances. 

6. The Amazon 

This is our first expedition destination on the list, and its spot is well deserved. The Amazon River needs no introduction, with its indigenous tribes, otherworldly wildlife, and some of the most exciting activities you’ll find on any luxury river cruise in the world.

Most luxury Amazon cruises operate in Peru, where boutique ships like Delfin III offer a front-row seat to the world’s most ecologically diverse rainforest. Daily skiff tours take guests into wildlife-rich tributaries, with chances to spot toucans, pink dolphins, and monkeys. Luxury suites offer floor-to-ceiling views of the Amazon, cuisine is inspired by the forest’s flora and fauna, and expert guides tell you everything you need to know about the environment. 

7. The Seine – A Romantic European River Cruise

We’re back in France, and it’s never looked so beautiful. Flowing from Source-Seine and flowing all the way to the English Channel, the river is most famous for flowing through the heart of Paris. 

This iconic river flows from Paris to the coast of Normandy, taking guests through historic towns, châteaux, and countryside made famous by Impressionist painters like Manet and Renoir. 

Highlights on the river include Monet’s gardens in Giverny, the Normandy landing beaches, and Paris itself. Ships like S.S. Joie de Vivre (Uniworld) and Scenic Gem bring Parisian charm onboard with elegant décor, fine French cuisine, and immersive excursions.