Which Rhine river cruise line fits you best?
These leading lines all sail the classic Amsterdam-to-Basel Rhine route, but the onboard experience, cabins, inclusions, and price point can be very different.
Mid-tier Rhine cruise matrix
Use this as a starting point. The best choice depends on dates, cabin, preferred pace, and what you value most. Fares below are entry-level, cruise-only examples for comparable Rhine itineraries and can change at any time.
| Cruise line | Example Rhine itinerary | Length | Sample entry fare* | Best for | Notable included experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | Rhine Getaway Amsterdam ↔ Basel | 8 days | From $2,399 | First-time river cruisers and cultural sightseeing | One guided tour in each port; beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner |
| AmaWaterways | Enchanting Rhine Amsterdam ↔ Basel | 8 days / 7 nights | From €3,777 | Food lovers, active travelers, and guests who want more excursion choice | Multiple daily excursion choices, including active options; beer and wine with meals |
| Avalon Waterways | Romantic Rhine Amsterdam ↔ Basel | 8 days | Ask for current fare | Travelers who value open-air views and a relaxed, flexible pace | Panorama Suites on many ships with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows |
| Riviera Travel | Rhine & Moselle / Classic Rhine options | 8 days typical | Ask for current fare | Value-minded travelers who enjoy a friendly, classic European experience | Guided shore excursions on most itineraries and strong itinerary value |
| Emerald Cruises | Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps | 8 days typical | Ask for current fare | Contemporary travelers looking for an active, modern ship | Included excursions and an indoor pool that converts for evening use on select ships |
*Price examples are per person, cruise-only, based on double occupancy and entry-level cabins. Viking’s listed example is a 2027 Rhine Getaway fare; AmaWaterways’ listed example is a 7-night Enchanting Rhine wine cruise fare in euros. Other lines require a date-specific quote. Air, transfers, gratuities, and promotions can vary.
What is included?
Cruise lines are across the top so you can compare the everyday differences at a glance. “Varies” means it may depend on the ship, itinerary, fare, or promotion.
| Comparison item | Viking | AmaWaterways | Avalon Waterways | Riviera Travel | Emerald Cruises |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided sightseeing | Included One tour in each port | Included Choice of daily tours | Included Choice of excursions | Included On most standard itineraries | Included Selected daily excursions |
| Active or special-interest options | Varies Often an added option | Included Active and gentle choices | Included Active, classic, and discovery choices | Varies By itinerary | Varies By itinerary |
| Beer, wine, and soft drinks with meals | Included Lunch and dinner | Included Lunch and dinner | Included Lunch and dinner | Varies Check the selected sailing | Varies Check the selected sailing |
| Daily cocktail hour | Varies Check the selected sailing | Included Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour | Varies Check the selected sailing | Varies Check the selected sailing | Varies Check the selected sailing |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Bicycles or e-bikes | Varies By ship and route | Included Bicycles on many ships | Varies Availability by sailing | Varies By ship and route | Included Typically available |
| Airport transfers | Varies Typically with Viking Air | Varies Often with qualifying air arrangements | Varies Often with qualifying air arrangements | Varies Check the package | Varies Check the package |
| Crew gratuities | Usually extra | Usually extra | Usually extra | Usually extra | Usually extra |
| Signature cabin advantage | Veranda cabins on select categories | Twin-balcony staterooms on many ships | Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows | Classic European river-ship cabins | Contemporary cabins and select balcony suites |
Inclusions are typical for comparable standard European river cruises, not a promise for every departure. We will confirm the exact inclusions, transfers, gratuities, cabin, and promotion before you book.
Price is only one part of the decision.
Tell us your dates, budget, cabin preferences, and what you want from the trip. EndLess Travel can compare the current real-world options and help you find the best overall value.
Compare My Rhine Options