What Each River Cruise Company Is Best Known For

River cruising has come a long way from stiff dinners and identical daily excursions. These days, river cruise lines cater to specific tastes - some lean into luxury, others into value or adventure. The trick is knowing which one fits the kind of trip you actually want to take.

Here’s a breakdown of what each of the top river cruise companies is best known for, so you can book with confidence instead of guesswork.

Riviera Travel - Best for No-Fuss Value and Smart Itineraries

Riviera Travel has made a name for itself by offering high-quality river cruises at surprisingly reasonable prices. They have beautifully maintained ships, polished service, and a strong emphasis on expert-led excursions, delivering a refined experience without the inflated cost. 

Riviera also stands out for its flexibility. Unlike most cruise lines, they offer “cruise-only” options for independent travellers who want the freedom to organise their own flights and pre- or post-cruise stays.

Where Riviera really shines is in its itineraries. Their routes through the Rhine, Danube, and Douro are well-paced and packed with substance, offering more time in port and fewer upsells. And unlike many river cruise lines, Riviera lets you opt out of excursions if you’d rather explore on your own. 

You won’t find gimmicks here. Just smart itineraries, elegant design, and a genuine focus on what matters - the destination, the history, and the journey. 

Best for: First-time river cruisers, independent travellers, and those who want value without feeling like they’re cutting corners.

Travelmarvel by APT - Best for Affordable Adventure with Aussie Style

Travelmarvel, the more casual sibling of APT, has carved out its niche as a go-to for travellers who want the comfort of a high-end cruise with a lighter, more sociable atmosphere. It’s particularly popular with Australian travellers, and that shows in its friendly service and laid-back onboard culture.

Their ships are sleek and modern, staff are genuinely warm, and itineraries are thoughtfully curated to show off the best of each destination - without over-scheduling your day. The standout here is flexibility - you get the security of a guided experience, but with enough breathing room to explore at your own pace. It's the perfect choice for travellers who want substance and style, but who also like their holidays relaxed and social!

Best for: Social travellers, mid-budget explorers, and anyone looking for a stress-free cruise with a warm atmosphere.

Viking River Cruises - Best for Culture and Grown-Up Luxury

Viking is one of the most recognisable names in river cruising, and for good reason. The experience is smooth, refined, and focused on what’s off the ship more than on it. Every cruise comes with at least one included excursion per day, often led by local experts, and there’s a strong emphasis on history, food, and culture.

The ships themselves are beautifully designed in that quiet, Scandinavian way. Sleek lines, natural light, and minimalist comfort. Viking is also adults-only, which adds to the calm.

Best for: History & culture lovers.

Scenic - Best for All-Inclusive Luxury

Scenic doesn’t do half measures. When they say all-inclusive, they mean it. Gourmet dining, excursions, drinks, gratuities, transfers, even personal butlers. It’s a true luxury product, and everything from the spacious suites to the onboard events reflects that.

Scenic also invests in tech - its “Scenic Tailormade” GPS devices let you do self-guided walking tours in port, and the ships often feature glass-walled lounges and sunken terraces that make watching the river go by feel like a private show.

Best for: Luxury travellers, honeymooners, and anyone who never wants to pull out their wallet once onboard!

AmaWaterways - Best for Active Travellers and Wellness Seekers

AmaWaterways offers some of the most balanced river cruises out there, especially if you're someone who gets bored just sitting back. Their cruises are ideal for active travellers who still want a premium experience, with guided bike rides, hiking excursions, onboard yoga classes, and wellness hosts on many sailings.

They also score high marks for food, especially with their “Chef’s Table” dining experience and wine-focused itineraries through places like Bordeaux or the Rhine Valley.

Best for: Active couples, foodies, and anyone who wants a river cruise with a little more energy and movement.

Matching the cruise line to your style is the difference between a nice holiday and the kind you talk about for years.