Europe River Cruise Articles
A rendering of Viking Odin in Budapest, Hungary. Image courtesy of Viking River Cruises
On this page you will find links to articles on River Cruise Advisor about rivers in Europe.
Europe has more navigable rivers than any other region in the world — and arguably more diverse cultures along its river banks than any place else.
Cruising the entire length of the Rhine and Danube rivers alone — made possible thanks to the Main-Danube Canal — exposes travelers to ten countries in Eastern and Western Europe. Along the way are charming villages, storied capital cities, fairy tale castles, vineyards and more — all accessible from your floating hotel.
Europe’s major rivers include Eastern Europe’s Danube, and the Germanic rivers: Rhine, Main, Moselle, Neckar and Elbe. France’s Seine, Saone and Rhone rivers also are popular for river cruises and barging.
Though some cruises operate on Italy’s longest river, the Po is largely unnavigable because of low water levels and sediment.
Most Popular Rivers, Recommended For First-Time River Cruisers
- Danube River Articles – Region: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia
- Rhine River Articles – Region: The Netherlands, France, Germany and Switzerland
- Seine River Articles – Region: France
For Experienced Cruisers Looking To Dig Deeper Into Europe
- Bordeaux River Cruises – Region: France
- Dordogne River Articles – Region: France
- Douro River Articles – Region: Portugal and Spain
- Elbe River Articles – Region: Germany and Czech Republic
- Main River Articles – Region: Germany
- Moselle River Articles – Region: France, Germany, and Luxembourg
- Po River Articles – Region: Italy
- Rhone River Articles – Region: France
- Saône River Articles – Region: France
Canal & Barge Cruises
- French Canal Barge Cruises – Region: France
Can anyone tell me whether River cruise boats can go from Budapest to Amsterdam at this time with low water levels? We are to leave September 27 through October 12. I do not want to be put on a bus for my supposed river cruise.
Looking to do 1st river cruise. Fly from Australia business class. 2 80 year olds. What cruise do you recommend for daytime scenery and best value including flights. Will be our last overseas trip due to age factor.
Looking for a nice river cruise in Eastern Europe. Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary – that general region. Any advice?
AmaWaterways has a wonderful cruise down the Danube from Budapest to the Black Sea, Gems of SouthEast Europe. I loved it and will do it again.
Can you recommend any small ship, or barges, that operate on any canals in Scotland?
Take a look at European Waterways/Go Barging. Also, the Hebridean Princess.
Thanks for your input, Ralph. I also found “Spirit of Scotland” through Barge Lady Cruises. Looks interesting.
Are any Viking boats able to cruise on Rhine, Main, or Danube? Notice posted by Viking indicated many cruises may be interrupted due to low water levels. This includes August 19, 2018 Budapest to Amsterdam trip.