European Cruises
Danube, Rhine, and the Seine
No adventures found.
Cruise Europe's Rivers and Coastlines by Small Ship
A European river cruise is the slow way to see the continent. Instead of repacking each night and chasing trains between cities, you unpack once and let the ship carry you between historic ports, with castles, vineyards, and medieval squares passing the window along the way. From the wine regions of the Danube and the Rhine to the Seine through Paris and Normandy, the Douro across Portugal, and the canals of Holland in tulip season, the choice of waterways is enormous.
Themed sailings drive much of the calendar. Wine, beer, and champagne cruises follow the great wine rivers and tend to fill up fast. Christmas Markets cruises sail the Danube and the Rhine through late November and December, threading between candlelit medieval squares. Holland runs a tulip-time cruise in spring, and Seine sailings through Paris and Normandy visit Giverny, home of Monet, for art-minded travelers. Head further north for Norway’s fjords, Iceland, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
Many of the best fares are for travelers booking close to a year ahead, and themed sailings sell out earliest.
European Cruises FAQs
Which European rivers and waterways can I cruise?
The most popular European river cruises sail the Danube through Germany, Austria, and Hungary; the Rhine through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands; the Seine through Paris and Normandy; the Douro across Portugal; and the canals of Holland. Longer voyages also reach the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
What themed European river cruises are available?
Popular themes include wine, beer, and champagne cruises on the great wine rivers, Christmas Markets cruises on the Danube and the Rhine in late November and December, tulip time cruises through Holland in spring, art cruises that visit Monet’s gardens at Giverny, and specialty themes such as Jewish heritage and Viking-history sailings.
When is the best time for a European river cruise?
The main season runs from spring through fall. Tulip time sails in April, the warmest cruising weeks fall between June and August, and wine cruises peak around harvest in September and October. Christmas Markets cruises sail in late November and December.
How far in advance should I book a European river cruise?
Plan early. Some of the best fares are reserved for travelers booking close to a year in advance, and the most popular themed sailings (Christmas Markets, wine cruises, and tulip time) fill up the earliest.
How do I book a European river cruise?
Call 800-578-1479. Our agents will walk you through the rivers, ships, and themes available, and can also coordinate airfare and pre- or post-cruise extensions in cities like Paris, Prague, Oslo, or Lisbon.