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River Cruise Lines

Cruise on...

River cruising is a hotel and transportation all in one. Since many of Europe's historic cities are located directly on navigable rivers, cruising makes an excellent way to move between them without packing and unpacking. Most lines include at least one tour per day, and as choices expand, some lines are even staying overnight. The difference between lines can be seen in crew to passenger ratio, included amenities, fit and finish of the vessels, and ambiance onboard.  

On occasion water level (either too much or too little) can be an issue for river cruise ships. Each line has a different method of dealing with the problem, some bussing clients between ships, others move guests to hotels at their expense, and still others cancel the trip entirely. This does not happen in any particular season, and is weather dependent. This link gives an overview of current conditions: http://rivercruiseinfo.com/content/river-levels  However, just because conditions are low or high, does not necessarily mean that ships are being effected, so you would want to check with your particular cruise line of choice.  Of the lines some of AMA Waterways ships are designed to sail in the lowest water.

River cruising can be broken down into two markets.
​The deluxe market:
These lines include some features, and amenities like Viking, AMA Waterways Avalon, Amadeus, Emerald and Riviera 
The premium market:
These lines include Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal

No matter your style of cruising there is a river cruise experience for you!

River Cruise Line Comparison
.
Ama
Amadeus
Avalon
Crystal
Emerald
Riviera
Scenic
Tauck
Uniworld
Viking
Bikes on Board
yes
most*
yes
yes
yes
.
yes
yes
yes
.
Excursions Included
yes
purchase
yes
yes
yes
purchase
yes
yes
yes
yes
Fitness Center
yes
most*
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
.
Beer/Wine Lunch & Dinner
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Anytime Drinks
Daily Happy Hour
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
yes
yes
purchase
Butler Service
.
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
yes
some
.
Airport Transfers
with air
.
with air
yes
yes
.
yes
yes
yes
.
Prepaid Gratuities
.
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
yes
yes
.
Room Service
.
.
.
yes
selected suites.
.
yes
.
yes
selected suites
Two Room Suite
some connecting cabins
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
Outside Balcony
yes
some
.
yes
yes
some
yes
.
some
yes
Amadeus: MS Amadeus and MS Rhapsody do not have fitness centers. Bikes are available on Princess, Elegant, Diamond, Brilliant, Silver, Silver II, Provence
AMA Waterways
 AMA Waterways is a high quality upper end cruise line. Their ships are designed to sail in the lowest water of any river cruise line. This family owned business has won many awards. A member of Chaine De Restauranteurs, they offer fine cuisine, and gracious service.  Free wi-fi. They offer wellness cruises, holiday cruises, wine cruises, culinary cruises, and cruises with a Spanish speaking guide. Additionally selected sailings offer a no single supplement cabin.
​
Sailing: Europe, Cambodia/Vietnam,  and Africa.
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Outside Balconies
Dining Options
Pool
AmaBella
2010
161
Yes
3
Yes
AmaCello
2008
144
Yes
3
Yes
AmaCerto
2012
162
Yes
3
Yes
AmaDante
2008
144
Yes
3
Yes
AmaDolce
2009
144
Yes
3
Yes
AmaKristina
2017
156
Yes
3
Yes
AmaLea
2018
156
Yes
3
Yes
AmaLyra
2009
144
Yes
3
Yes
AmaMagna
2019
tba
Yes
3
Yes
AmaMora
2019
tba
Yes
3
Yes
AmaPrima
2013
162
Yes
4
Yes
AmaReina
2014
162
Yes
4
Yes
AmaSerena
2015
162
Yes
4
Yes
AmaSonata
2014
162
Yes
4
Yes
AmaStella
2016
156
Yes
4
Yes
AmaVenita
2015
162
Yes
4
Yes
AmaVerde
2011
161
Yes
4
Yes
AmaViola
2016
156
Yes
4
Yes
AmaDouro
2019
102
Yes
tba
Yes
AmaVida
2013
102
Yes
2
Yes
AmaDara
2015
124
Yes
3
Yes
Zembezi Queen
2009/2015
28
Yes
1
Yes
Avalon River Cruises
Avalon is known for their french veranda cabins. On their suite ship cabins the bed is turned to face the window, which in turn provides a larger space for the showers. Known for offering shore excursion choices, and free wi-fi.  With the purchase of  Avalons airfare, transfers on cruise dates are included. The knowledgeable cruise director brings the ports to life. Local entertainers come onboard to entertain, and activities include cheese and chocolate tastings.
​
Sailings: Europe, Cambodia/Vietnam, Myanmar, China and India
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Suite Ship
Dining Options
Avalon Envision
2018
Yes
4
Avalon Affinity
2009
138
No
4
Avalon Artistry II
2013
128
Yes
4
Avalon Expression
2013
166
Yes
4
Avalon Felicity
2010
138
No
4
Avalon Imagery II
2016
128
Yes
4
Avalon Illumination
2014
166
Yes
4
Avalon Impression
2014
166
Yes
4
Avalon Luminary
2010
138
No
4
Avalon Myanmar
2015
36
Yes
2
Avalon Panorama
2011
166
Yes
4
Avalon Passion
2016
166
Yes
4
Avalon Poetry II
2014
128
Yes
4
Avalon Saigon
2018
36
Yes
1
Avalon Siem Reap
2015
36
Yes
1
Avalon Tapestry II
2015
128
Yes
4
Avalon Tranquility II
2015
128
Yes
4
Avalon Visionary
2012
128
Yes
4
Avalon Vista
2012
166
Yes
4
Delfin III
2015
44
.
2
Ganges Voyager
2015
56
.
2
Treasure of the Galapagos
2009
16
.
2
Century Legend
2013
312
.
Amadeus River Cruises
Providing a high end cruise experience, but on an a la carte basis for the shore excursions. They have a fitness room, as well as offering massage and  a hairdresser.

Sailing: Europe
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Outdoor Balcony
Indoor Pool
Bikes
Dining Options
MS Amadeus Queen
2018
162
Yes
Yes
No
3
MS Amadeus Provence
2017
140
Yes
No
No
3
MS Amadeus Silver
2013
180
Yes
No
No
3
MS Amadeus Silver II
2015
168
Yes
No
No
3
MS Amadeus Silver III
2016
168
Yes
No
No
3
MS Amadeus Brilliant
2011
150
Yes
Yes
No
2
MS Amadeus Elegant
2010
150
No
No
No
2
MS Amadeus Diamond
2009
146
No
No
No
2
MS Amadeus Royal
2005
142
No
No
No
2
MS Amadeus Symphony
2013
144
No
No
No
2
Crystal River Cruises
Experience the premier river cruise line. All 5 star, and state of the art. Complimentary/paid fitness program, including yoga, and fitness classes. Two bedroom suites, and Butler service. Self service guest laundry is available. Multiple restaurants, and choices, along with a Crystal casual dress code. Multiple shore excursions are included in each port, and local entertainment as well. Free wi-fi.

Cruising: Europe
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Dining Options
Crystal Bach
2017
106
4
Crystal Mahler
2017
110
4
Crystal Mozart
2016
154
4
Emerald Waterways
An inclusive choice, getting good marks for customer satisfaction. Shore inclusions included and onboard bicycles, and even room service with some suites. Free wi-fi!

​Sails: Europe
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Pool
Dining Options
Mekong Navigator
2014
68
No
2
Emerald Star
2014
182
Yes
3
Emerald Sky
2014
182
Yes
3
Emerald Sun
2015
182
Yes
3
Emerald Dawn
2015
182
Yes
3
Emerald Radiance
2017
112
Yes
3
Emerald Liberte
2017
138
Yes
3
Emerald Destiny
2017
182
Yes
3
Riviera River Cruises
Although new to booking in the USA, Riviera has been in business for over 30 years. There is one shore excursion included in every port. Additionally they offer a no solo supplement cabin on every ship.  Alcohol is not included, but is reasonably priced, and can be purchased as a package with beer and wine for lunch and dinner. Interestingly all ships have a putting green.

​Sailing: Europe
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Outside Balcony
Dining Options
MS Emily Bronte
2017
169
Yes
2
MS Thomas Hardy
2017
169
Yes
2
MS Oscar Wilde
2017
169
Yes
2
MS Robert Burns
2018
169
Yes
2
MS Lord Byron
2013
140
No
3
MS Swiss Corona
2004
139
No
2
MS Jane Austin
2015
140
No
2
MS William Shakespeare
2014
140
Yes
3
MS Charles Dickens
2015
140
Yes
3
MS Douro Elegance
2017
126
No
2
MS Douro Splendour
2018
126
No
2
Scenic River Cruises
Targeting the premium river cruise market, this line includes most premium amenities. They have fitness center, massage available, e-bikes, wi-fi, and spacious suites, and many ships include a pool.

Sailing: Europe, Russia, Vietnam/Cambodia, Myanmar, and hosting National Geographic River Cruises (Europe and Southeast Asia)
Ship
Year Built/Renovated
# of Passengers
Outside Balconies
Dining Options
Scenic Sapphire
2008/2017
155
Value
Scenic Diamond
2008
151
Yes
6
Scenic Ruby
2009
167
Yes
5
Scenic Pearl
2011
167
Yes
5
Scenic Tsar
2012
112
Yes
2
Scenic Crystal
2012
169
Yes
4
Scenic Jewel
2013
169
Yes
4
Scenic Jade
2014
169
Yes
4
Scenic Gem
2014
128
Yes
4
Scenic Opal
2015
169
Yes
4
Scenic Jasper
2016
169
Yes
4
Scenic Spirit
2016
68
No
2
Scenic Azure
2016
96
Yes
5
Scenic Aura
2016
44
No
3
Scenic Amber
2016
169
Yes
4
Tauck River Cruises
A premium river cruise line known for their club like atmosphere and intimate service. Free wi-fi, and local entertainment.

​Cruising: Europe
Ship
Year Built/Refurbished
# of Passengers
Dining Options
ms Emerald
2006/2017
98
3
ms Esprit
2010/2015
98
3
ms Grace
2016
130
3
ms Inspire
2014
130
3
ms Joy
2016
130
3
ms Sapphire
2008/2017
98
3
ms Savor
2014
130
3
ms Treasures
2011
98
3
Uniworld River Cruises
All inclusive premium cruise line, with a distinctive boutique ambience. Free wi-fi, beverages anytime, gourmet cruising, and an attention to detail. Slightly more formal than some cruise lines with a Captains gala dinner. Customer satisfaction is high and shore excursions are included.

Cruising: Europe, China, Russia, and Egypt
Ship
Year Built/Refurbished
# of Passengers
Outside Balconies
Dining Options
Queen Isabel
2013
116
Yes
1
River Countess
2003/2012
130
No
2
River Duchess
2003/2012
130
No
2
River Empress
2001/2010
130
No
2
River Princess
2001/2011
130
No
2
River Queen
1999/2010
128
No
2
River Royale
2006/2012
130
No
2
S.S. Antoinette
2011
154
Yes
1
S.S. Beatrice
2009/2018
154
No
1
S.S. Catherine
2014
159
Yes
2
S.S. Joie de Vivre
2017
128
No
3
S.S. Maria Theresa
2015
150
Yes
2
River Tosca
2010
82
No
1
Mekong Navigator
2017
68
Yes
2
Ganges Voyager II
2016
56
No
1
River Victoria
1982/2011
202
Yes
1
Century Legend
2013
398
Yes
3
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
2008/2017
124
Yes
1
Viking River Cruises
Known for their ever expanding fleet, Viking offers more ships than any other cruise line, all with a minimalist Scandinavian feel. There are many things included, and extras can be purchased to make the package right for you.

Cruising: Europe, Egypt, Russia, and China
Ship
Year Built/Refurbished
# of Passengers
Viking Akun
1990/2013
204
Viking Astrild
2014
98
Viking Beyla
2014
98
Viking Emarald
2011
256
Viking Helgi
1984/2013
204
Viking Hemming
2014
106
Viking Ingvar
1990/2013
204
Viking Legend
2009
187
Viking Mekong
2011
56
Viking Orion
2018
930
Viking Osfrid
2016
106
Viking Prestige
2011
188
Viking Ra
2017
52
Viking Rurik
1975/2012
196
Viking Sea
2016
930
Viking Sineus
1979/2013
196
Viking Sky
2015
930
Viking Star
2015
930
Viking Sun
2017
930
Viking Torgil
2014
106
Viking Truvor
1987/2013
204
All  Remaining Ships
2008-2018
190

River Cruise Line Comparison

.
Ama
Amadeus
Avalon
Crystal
Emerald
Riviera
Scenic
Tauck
Uniworld
Bikes on Board
yes
most*
yes
yes
yes
.
yes
yes
yes
Excursions Included
yes
purchase
yes
yes
yes
purchase
yes
yes
yes
Fitness Center
yes
most*
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Beer/Wine Lunch & Dinner
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Anytime Drinks
Daily Happy Hour
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
yes
yes
Butler Service
.
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
yes
some
Airport Transfers
with air
.
with air
yes
yes
.
yes
yes
yes
Prepaid Gratuities
.
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
yes
yes
Room Service
.
.
.
yes
selected suites.
.
yes
.
yes
Two Room Suite
some connecting cabins
.
.
yes
.
.
yes
.
.
Outside Balcony
yes
some
.
yes
yes
some
yes
.
some
Amadeus: MS Amadeus and MS Rhapsody do not have fitness centers. Bikes are available on Princess, Elegant, Diamond, Brilliant, Silver, Silver II, Provence

Florida Office:
154 Mill Creek Rd
Crawfordville, FL 32327
850-290-4058

Fl #TI56394
Picture

Texas Office:
21175 Tomball Parkway
Suite 149
Houston, TX 77070
832-390-1599

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  • Home
  • Cruises
    • River Cruises >
      • Comparing River Cruise Lines
      • USA River Cruise Comparison
    • Adventure Cruises >
      • Cruise line comparison >
        • Ocean Cruises >
          • Premium Ship Comparison
  • Blog
  • Travel FAQ
    • Honeymoons >
      • Destinations
  • Contact Us

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