European river cruises
Castle country, imperial capitals, wine regions, and Christmas markets—connected by a ship that keeps your room moving with you.
Find your river
Choose the story you want Europe to tell. Tap a river to see the character, a sample route, and who it tends to suit.
The classic first river cruise: Amsterdam canals, the castle-lined Rhine Gorge, Alsatian towns, and a finish near the Swiss Alps.
Featured way to sail
Explore published sailings through 25 South Travel's dedicated AmaWaterways page, then request your quote without being sent to a general supplier site.
Search and request a quote with us
Compare the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps, Magnificent Europe, Romantic Danube, and Melodies of the Danube. Published inclusions include guided excursions, The Chef's Table specialty dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Sip & Sail, Wi-Fi, and wellness programming.
The sailing search opens on 25 South Travel's dedicated AmaWaterways page.
Also worth comparing
We can compare either line with AmaWaterways, explain the tradeoffs, and keep your next step with our team.
All-suite luxury
Mozart sails the Danube, Ravel the Rhône and Saône, and Debussy the Rhine and Moselle. Every accommodation is a suite, and published service includes a personal butler for every guest.
Clear value
Published programs include the Blue Danube, Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, Douro, Seine, and Dutch Bulbfields, with full board, drinks, daily guided excursions, Wi-Fi, and port charges listed as standard inclusions.
A different kind of December
Festive sailings generally run in November and December across the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Moselle. Routes can connect Cologne, Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest, Regensburg, and Passau.
Example published route: Nuremberg → Regensburg → Passau → Linz → Dürnstein → Vienna → Bratislava → Budapest.
Late-autumn river season. Market schedules vary by city.
Christmas-market sailings begin on published river programs.
The heart of the festive season, including Christmas and New Year's departures.
Holiday-market programs have generally concluded.
2027 and beyond
These products are announced for the future. We keep the distinction clear between what's sailing now and what's still taking shape.
Celebrity Compass is announced to debut August 5, 2027, followed by Celebrity Seeker on October 21, 2027. Both are planned as 172-guest ships with seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries.
Announced · not sailing yetA letter of intent has been signed with Den Breejen Shipyard for a first river product. Ship design, delivery timing, and itineraries have not been published; sales are planned for 2027.
Intent announced · details pendingHow we plan
Castles, capitals, wine country, or Portugal's terraced Douro.
Spring blooms, summer days, harvest time, or festive markets.
We compare service style, included excursions, dining, and pace.
French balcony, full balcony, or suite—based on how you'll use it.
Add the right pre- or post-cruise stay and keep transfers practical.
Good questions
The Rhine is the classic castle-and-village route, often linking Amsterdam and Basel through the Rhine Gorge. The Danube leans into imperial capitals such as Vienna and Budapest, plus the Wachau Valley. “Better” comes down to the places and pace you want.
It varies by line. AmaWaterways publishes guided excursions, specialty dining, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, a cocktail hour, and Wi-Fi. Riviera Travel lists full board, all-inclusive drinks, daily excursions, Wi-Fi, port charges, and taxes. We check the exact sailing rather than relying on the label.
Generally in November and December on the Rhine, Danube, Main, and Moselle. The city mix and market dates depend on the itinerary, so we compare the route with the experience you care about most.
River ships are smaller, the scenery stays close, and itineraries are built around historic towns and cities rather than sea days. Access and excursion logistics vary by port, so we review mobility needs before recommending a route.
Celebrity River Cruises has announced two 172-guest ships for Rhine and Danube service beginning in 2027. Explora Journeys has announced its intent to enter river cruising, but its ships, timeline, and itineraries are not yet published.
What's your latitude?
Tell us what draws you to Europe, how you like to travel, and the dates you have in mind. We'll make the tradeoffs clear.
