Rhine River Cruises
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Table of contents
- 10 best Rhine cruises
- What people love about Rhine Cruises
- Travel Rhine your way
- Top operators
- Best places to start your adventure
- Discover Rhine tours for every budget
- Rhine tours for every group
- Top Rhine travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Rhine travel experts
10 best Rhine cruises
Compiled by
MelissaRhine travel expert at TourRadar
Classic Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Riverboat cruising is the perfect way to see Europe.”
Allison, traveled in October
The 5-star MS Crucevita offers French balconies and panoramic views along the Rhine. Highlights include Cologne's Cathedral, Rüdesheim's Brömser Castle, and Strasbourg's UNESCO-listed old town, complemented by regional cuisine and nightly entertainment.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France Age Range up to 80 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Crucevita River Rhine Operator Crucemundo From
- US$1,656+$108 upfront costs
Treasures of the Rhine cruise (Basel-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We found this very relaxing way to travel.”
lyn, traveled in June
The elegant MS Crucevita welcomes passengers to French balcony cabins on the Promenade deck. Local specialties await at 3 daily meals, while Heidelberg Castle ruins and Rudesheim's vineyards beckon. Includes welcome cocktails, 24-hour coffee station, and nightly entertainment for approx. $210 per day with optional WiFi and excursion packages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands Age Range up to 105 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish Ship MS Crucevita River Rhine Operator Crucemundo From
- US$1,490+$108 upfront costs
Avalon's Suite Ships carry passengers from Basel to Amsterdam in wall-to-wall window suites. The route features Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral, Black Forest villages, UNESCO Rhine Gorge castles, and Amsterdam's Golden Age canals. Chef-prepared meals, complimentary wines, and daily excursions enhance the voyage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Switzerland, Germany, France, Netherlands Age Range 8 to 99 year olds Ships Avalon PanoramaAvalon VistaAvalon EnvisionAvalon View River Rhine Operator Avalon Waterways From
- US$3,799+$210 upfront costs
Captivating Rhine (Christmas Cruise) 2025
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise experience has not failed me a bit. Am recommending it to more friends.”
Charurat, traveled in October
The 4.9-rated AmaWaterways ship sails from Amsterdam to Basel with twin-balcony staterooms. The UNESCO Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg Castle, and Strasbourg's La Petite France highlight the journey. Wine tastings, bike tours, and The Chef's Table dining included for approx. $540 per day.
Duration 8 days Destinations Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland Age Range up to 90 year olds Ships AmaViolaAmaCertoAmaPrimaAmaSienaAmaLuciaAmaStella Old River Rhine Operator AmaWaterways From
- US$3,398
Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2025
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Helpful responsive staff.”
Andrew, traveled in April
A-ROSA SENA offers harbor tours in Rotterdam and Antwerp, plus extended Amsterdam stays. Luxurious 21m² balcony cabins, SPA-ROSA facilities, and comprehensive dining with live-cooking stations create an ideal setting between historic sites and modern cities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Netherlands, Belgium Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Ship A-ROSA SENA River Rhine Operator A-ROSA From
- US$1,451
What people love about Rhine Cruises
- Classic Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita
River cruise was well paced & very professionally run. Fantastic staff to passenger ratio. Facilities & rooms on board were immaculately clean. The decor was very luxurious. There was plenty of space outside of your room to take in the scenery. Food was sensational. I will book a Crucemondo cruise again! TourRadar made booking very smooth.
- Treasures of the Rhine cruise (Basel-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita
The management and staff went over and above to accommodate passengers. Accommodations, food, excursions above our expectations. Will cruise with them again.
- Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2025
Need more English speaking on tour excursions and meed more than 1 elevator on the cruise ship.
Travel Rhine your way
Rhine River voyages focus on the most interesting parts of the river, especially through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge where you'll float past medieval castles set above terraced vineyards. Our customers particularly like booking French balcony cabins - they're perfect for watching historic towns drift by without any obstacles in the way. Amsterdam is our main starting point with 36 different cruise options, while Cologne, Basel and also Strasbourg each offer 13-15 sailing choices. The crews consistently get high marks from travelers for their attentive service and deep regional knowledge, plus there's the practical advantage of unpacking just once while seeing multiple destinations. The best sailing weather comes between May and September, though early spring brings beautiful wildflowers along the banks and December transforms everything with traditional Christmas markets in port towns. Wine lovers often choose September sailings to catch local harvest festivals, which adds some nice cultural depth to the journey. Our travelers tell us they love discovering authentic local treats like Rudesheimer coffee, and they appreciate having free time to explore the riverside towns at their own pace. For the widest choice of cabins and early booking benefits, try to book about three months (94 days) ahead of when you want to sail.
Select from our extensive range of 434 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Rhine with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Rhine. We have 31 adventures that vary from 8 days to 21 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Top operators
Based on feedback from our Rhine cruise travelers, AmaWaterways stands out for going above and beyond with their service - they've really mastered the art of luxury river cruising. Our guests particularly appreciate how the staff anticipates needs before they even arise. Crucemundo delivers solid value with comfortable cabins and satisfying meals, and cruise directors Marina and Jessica get mentioned often in guest reviews for solving problems quickly. Though the drink package could use some adjustments and meal timing isn't always ideal, these are minor points in an otherwise smooth experience. If you're interested in seeing the Rhine from a different angle, Luftner Company excels at thoughtful itinerary planning. Their crew consistently receives praise for creating a welcoming atmosphere while keeping everything running like clockwork. Emerald Cruises rounds out the options with their modern Star-Ships and well-organized shore excursions. The tours hit all the right spots, though our non-German speaking passengers sometimes mention feeling a bit disconnected from the full cultural experience. Still, their contemporary approach to river cruising appeals to travelers who prefer updated amenities and fresh perspectives on classic routes.
- 4.5 (425 reviews)
"I had an amazing time. The ship was clean and well run; the itinerary was well done with great excursions; and the food was amazing. This was a great value and I really appreciate all on the staff that made my stay amazing. Jessica and Mohamed lead their departments expertly.
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 105 years old
- Adventure type
- River Cruise
- Response time
- 14h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $218
- 4.5 (399 reviews)
"The New Year in Holland and the Romantic Rhine (port to port) was a lovely cruise. My husband and I were very happy with the staff, the cruise itself and the places we visited. It was relaxing and informative. The food was wonderful and varied and well presented. We did not have to do anything, the staff greeted us on arrival and took our bags to the cabin, and took our bags to the taxi on departure. We had a great time.
- Tours
- 83 tours
- Age range
- 1 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- River Cruise
- Response time
- 30h
- Response rate
- 76%
- Average price
- $324
- 4.5 (231 reviews)
"ship was excellent, food and drinks were great, adventures perfectly organized,all crew members were extremely friendly and helpful. One person was outstanding and needs to be mentioned: our cruise director GAYLE. She was just outstanding and the best we ever experienced.
- Tours
- 54 tours
- Age range
- 8 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- River Cruise
- Response time
- 21h
- Response rate
- 88%
- Average price
- $783
Best places to start your adventure
Amsterdam tops our departure city list - we've got 36 different cruise options starting there. You can also begin your journey from Cologne, Basel and also Strasbourg, each offering 13-15 departure choices. Based on what works best for our travelers, booking about 3 months ahead (94 days to be exact) gives you the widest choice of cabins and early booking benefits. Many of our guests swear by the French balcony cabins for watching medieval towns and castles drift by. While summer brings perfect weather conditions, we see lots of happy travelers in spring when flowers line the riverbanks, or during December when Christmas markets light up historic squares with their seasonal charm.
Discover Rhine tours for every budget
Several Rhine River cruise options work well if you're watching your budget without missing any of the good stuff. The Classical Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam puts you right in the action even from lower deck cabins. You'll dock at medieval towns and wine regions along the way - though you might need to pick and choose your excursions since not all are included in basic packages. Many of our customers love the Christmas market cruise through Alsace and the Black Forest, where you can wander through Freiburg's winter wonderland and shop for local crafts from your river base. The ships cover meals in their pricing, but you'll usually need to pay extra for drinks. While the onboard entertainment stays simple, you won't miss any Rhine highlights - from Cologne's massive cathedral to the sloping vineyards of Rudesheim.
Luxury Rhine cruises take things up several notches, especially on ships like AmaWaterways. These vessels come with roomy cabins, modern touches and restaurants with big windows where regional wines flow freely at mealtimes. The shore activities really set these cruises apart - you could be cycling through old Düsseldorf before stopping at traditional beer halls, or floating above Rüdesheim's vineyards in a gondola. Our guests particularly value having choices in each port - maybe a vineyard hike one day and an in-depth town tour the next. With fewer passengers onboard, you'll get more personal attention and flexibility with dining times and tour options.
Rhine luxury tours
Rhine tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
465 tours in RhineExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Rhine. We have 465 adventures that vary from 3 days to 29 days. With the greatest number of departures in December, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Top Rhine travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day Rhine voyages flow nicely from Amsterdam to Basel or the other way around, giving you a proper taste of the Rhine Valley. Our Dutch guests particularly like starting in Amsterdam - you can visit Keukenhof Gardens in spring or head to the Open Air Museum in Arnhem to see how Dutch life evolved through different periods. Moving down the river, you'll reach Cologne where local guides take you through the Gothic cathedral and Old Town before settling in at a tavern to try the city's unique Kölsch beer. What makes these tours work so well is the daily choice: you can hop on a bike to explore vineyard paths or take it easy with wine tastings in Rüdesheim, where the Mechanical Musical Instruments Museum adds an unexpected twist to your day.
See all tours
The 10-day Rhine trips give you more time to really get to know the region, with longer stops and some special extras thrown in. These tours might take you to the new Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam or up Mount Pilatus in Switzerland for some incredible views. Our travelers tell us they love having options each day - maybe starting with a morning cycle along Cologne's riverside before heading to the Black Forest where locals show you traditional butter-making. The route includes some great detours like medieval Bruges and Ghent in Belgium, plus time to check out Rotterdam's modern architecture. Time and again, our guests mention how much they enjoy the regional food onboard and appreciate the crew members who share their deep knowledge of local history.
See all toursDemographics
The Rhine River cruises really shine for couples exploring together, especially on the Basel to Amsterdam route aboard the MS Crucevita. The smaller ship creates just the right intimate feel, and you'll notice how the crew makes everyone feel at home while you're discovering places like Strasbourg's charming La Petite France. The cabins work really well - they transform from sleeping spaces to daytime lounges, perfect for watching the scenery drift by. We've found the northbound route through the Rhine Gorge is particularly popular with wine enthusiasts who enjoy the local vineyard visits and evening wine tastings. Our couples often tell us they love having both guided tours and free time to explore medieval towns together.
The four-country cruise stopping at eight cities lets you experience Dutch canal houses, French Gothic cathedrals and also German castles. There are lovely moments throughout - sharing authentic Rüdesheimer coffee in its hometown, taking the Koblenz cable car ride and finding peaceful spots in Heidelberg's castle grounds. While the onboard experience offers good food, attentive service and evening entertainment, some travelers mention they'd like to see more local dishes on the menu. Many guests suggest getting the drink package to fully enjoy the social side of river cruising.
Rhine cruises draw younger travelers with a mix of cultural immersion and active discovery, offering flexible northbound and southbound routes that hit the sweet spot. You can pedal through local neighborhoods in Cologne, trek philosopher paths in Heidelberg, and glide above Rüdesheim's vineyards in gondolas. The daily schedule adapts to your interests - perhaps starting with a morning bike ride along Amsterdam's waterways, then wandering medieval streets independently before joining wine tastings in the Rhine Gorge as evening falls. Our guests in their 20s and 30s appreciate choosing their own path each day, whether that means guided walks through La Petite France in Strasbourg, or cycling across three national borders near Basel. The social dynamics work beautifully, with shared experiences like traditional Kölsch tastings in historic taverns, casual deck barbecues, and small group hikes through Black Forest trails. Active options weave throughout the journey - from cycling past Dutch windmills to exploring Freiburg's university district and walking hillside vineyard paths with river views below.
Our Rhine cruises work really well for seniors, balancing comfort with rich cultural experiences. The Amsterdam to Basel route is particularly popular with older travelers, combining well-organized city tours and scenic sailing through the Rhine Gorge. Seniors regularly praise the MS Crucevita for its manageable size, clean spaces and helpful crew. The cabins lean traditional rather than luxury, but you'll find plenty of comfortable spots in the public areas for relaxing and meeting fellow travelers.
The pace suits active seniors nicely - you can join guided walks through Cologne and Strasbourg's historic centers or take it easier enjoying castle views from deck. Our older guests particularly value having all meals included and only unpacking once for the whole trip. The cruise directors do a great job looking after everyone's needs and making sure language differences don't get in the way. While some tours involve steps and cobblestones, there are usually gentler options available for those who prefer easier going.
- Solo Travelers334 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples349 tours
- Seniors (50+)329 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit
- Spring 2025
Spring sets up perfect conditions for Rhine cruising, especially when Dutch tulip fields burst into color. The Amsterdam-based Tulip Serenade aboard AMADEUS Riva lets you mix city visits with time at Keukenhof Gardens while millions of bulbs bloom. Our travelers particularly enjoy combining cultural stops in medieval Ghent and Bruges with countryside bike rides past windmills and also canals. The Basel to Amsterdam route shows off riverbanks dotted with wildflowers, plus you'll get to explore Strasbourg's cathedral and walk through the Black Forest as it wakes up for spring. The mild temperatures work perfectly for active outings - think guided cycling through Cologne or hiking above Rudesheim's vineyards.
- March 2025 18 tours
- April 2025 50 tours
- May 2025 popular 65 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer along the Rhine means long daylight hours that make scenic cruising through the gorge especially good. The Basel to Amsterdam routes get lots of praise for their outdoor dining spots and open-air viewing areas - just right for watching castles go by on warm evenings. Active options really shine in summer, with cycling tours, vineyard walks and also gondola rides above the river. MS Crucevita's summer sailings earn great feedback, especially for stops in Koblenz, Rudesheim and also Strasbourg. The crews set up fantastic outdoor activities, from deck barbecues to evening shows under the stars while docked in small wine towns.
- June 2025 popular 60 tours
- July 2025 49 tours
- August 2025 54 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall turns the Rhine Valley golden and red, making it prime time for cruises between Amsterdam and Basel in either direction. The vineyard hillsides change color beautifully, setting up perfect wine-focused trips through the Rhine Gorge. Our guests particularly like autumn cruises with wine tastings in Rudesheim - you can try local Rieslings while watching the grape harvest in nearby vineyards. Cool temperatures make it just right for getting active - you might hike Heidelberg's Philosopher's Path or cycle through Strasbourg's old town without summer crowds. When evening comes, entertainment moves inside, often with local musicians joining while ships dock in riverside towns.
- September 2025 59 tours
- October 2025 popular 72 tours
- 48 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings something special to the Rhine, particularly in December when Christmas markets fill the historic squares. The Dusseldorf round-trip route on MS Crucevita takes you to festive markets in Koblenz, Rudesheim and also Mainz. Our guests tell us how much they love wandering from the ship right into these easy-to-find markets, with the boat's seasonal decorations adding just the right touch to the experience. There's also a popular route through Vienna, Budapest and also Bratislava, where traditional markets pop up against beautiful baroque buildings. The crews make winter trips extra welcoming - they're known for adding thoughtful festive details that turn cold-weather sailing into something really memorable.
- December 2025 popular 88 tours
Contact our Rhine travel experts
Hannah
Expert in Rhine at TourRadar
Hannah is one of our seasoned Rhine Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Rhine tours answered!
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