As any veteran river cruiser will tell you, which riverboat you choose makes all the difference. With the recent surge in the popularity of European river cruises, competition between the main cruise operators has really improved the quality of the itineraries and river ships across the board, so there aren’t any bad options - it just depends on what you’re looking for on your Europe river cruise.
For example, most riverboats only travel certain routes, so if you have your heart set on cruising the Rhine, Seine, or Danube, then you have already narrowed down your list. Or if you’re looking for a certain experience like wine tasting or active itineraries, traveling with younger kids, or hoping for the most luxurious suites and cabins, that can also help you figure out which European river cruise ship is best for you.
Featured Riverboats: AMA Waterways
With contemporary and elegant riverboats that set the standard for European river cruises, diverse itineraries throughout Europe, excellent service, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations, we are proud to feature the river ships of AMA Waterways on our docket of river cruises.
With 18 river ships that cruise Central and Eastern Europe, two that explore Portugal, and even a riverboat that navigates Africa’s Zambezi River, there are countless destinations that you can visit with one of their industry leading riverboats. Let us know where you want to go or what kind of experience you’re hoping for, and we can help find the right AMA ship for you.
Top Riverboat for Families: AmaViola
If you’re planning to take the kids along on your European river cruise adventure, you might be feeling a bit at a loss, since many of the river cruises of Europe are geared more towards adult interests like wine tasting and historical tours of old towns - that’s why a cruise aboard AmaViola might be just what you’re looking for.
Built in 2016 and designed with vibrant colors and a pool on the sundeck, this new river ship cruises both the Rhine and Danube Rivers with some of our most active tours to keep your kids going, including chances for biking and hiking, urban exploration, and even several November and December cruises that visit the most popular and captivating traditional Christmas Markets, where sights, sounds, and smells come together in a symphony of culture perfect for families of all ages. It’s clear that this ship was designed with families in mind - with many cabins that connect or accommodate three passengers.
Plus, Adventures by Disney charters the AmaViola for specialty cruises that are geared towards kids (known as Junior Adventurers), even offering a separate dining option in the evening for young kids and teens. The Disney branding is subtle compared to other Disney cruises, but there are plenty of active options to keep kids entertained and having fun.
The Ultimate Luxury River Cruise Experience: the bigger, better AmaMagna
An intimate occupancy for just under 200 passengers, a fitness center and twin massage room spa, the Zen Wellness Studio, and a sundeck pool and whirlpool are just a few of the features that stand out on the brand new AmaMagna, debuting on the Danube River in 2019. The outward-facing staterooms range from 205 sq. feet to a stunning 710 sq. foot suite.
Almost all of the spacious cabins have private balconies and the few that don’t feature large picture windows. Among the biggest and newest riverboats in Europe, the AmaMagna is a great choice for those seeking out the highest caliber European river cruising.
European River Cruises on a Budget
The riverboat, cruise line and the time of year that you choose to cruise all influence the price of your river cruise.
The months of March, April, October, and November tend to have lower volumes of travelers and correspondingly lower prices. August sometimes presents good deals as well.
CroisiEurope is perhaps Europe’s top economically priced river cruise line. They have two different levels of riverboats: premium and standard. Choosing standard will save you a few hundred dollars on the total price. Expect to pay at least $200 per day for most any European river cruise of reasonable quality. Some of the standard level boats are:
- MS Beethoven on the Danube
- MS Botticelli on the Seine
- MS Mistral on the Rhone
- MS Michelangelo on the Po
- MS Infante D. Henrique
Riverboats that Feature Wine Tasting Cruises
Almost every European river cruise offers its travelers opportunities to taste the savory wines that are produced throughout the renowned wine-growing regions of Europe that line the banks of the rivers. Whether you are a true connoisseur or simply a wine lover looking for a more focused food and drink themed cruise, consider the following river ships:
- AmaDolce
- AmaKristina
- AmaDouro
- AmaMagna
- AmaLea
- AmaViola
- AmaVida
- AmaMora
European Riverboats with Active Itineraries
River cruises tend to be relaxed active, with daily walking tours at the heart of most itineraries. If you’re looking for a more active experience with light hiking, more in-depth urban exploration, and biking options, consider one of these river cruise ships:
- AmaCerto
- AmaKristina
- AmaMagna
Why book your river cruise with Adventure Life?
Once you board your all-inclusive river ship, it’s smooth sailing for the rest of your vacation… but don’t you want it to be smooth sailing from the start of planning? That’s why you should always book your river cruises through a travel agent, and our European river cruise experts are the best place to start. Quick responses to any questions or concerns you have about any part of your travel - from booking your airfare to the activities to the rooms and even the towns you’ll be visiting - are what we do best. A vacation should be a way to get away from the stress of day-to-day life, so don’t let planning it become a hassle. All you have to do is let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll take care of the rest, keeping you looped in at every step of the planning.
Get in touch with our Travel Experts today!
