The River Cruise Lines Passengers Actually Love
River cruising is one of the best ways to see Europe and beyond. You get stunning scenery, historic cities, and great food — all from one floating hotel.
How River Cruises Were Ranked
Consumer watchdog Which? surveyed more than 1,400 cruise passengers in October and November 2025. These passengers shared their experiences from river cruise vacations taken in the past two years.
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Each cruise line was scored on several key factors. These included customer service, food quality, cabin quality, itinerary, and value for money. Lines were also scored on how likely passengers were to recommend them.
With around 27 river cruise lines currently operating, there’s a lot to choose from. The options will grow even more when Celebrity Cruises enters the river cruise market.
The Best River Cruise Lines, Ranked by Passengers
Best Overall: Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways took the top spot with an impressive score of 86%. Passengers loved it for its customer service, clean cabins, and outstanding food and drinks.
The Swiss-based cruise line sails routes through popular destinations like Bordeaux, Provence, and even Peru. The report praised Avalon’s “high-end cabins and super attentive service.”
Expect Egyptian cotton sheets, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open into balconies. Keep in mind that this luxury comes at a higher price — around £651 per person, per night.
Best Budget Option: CroisiEurope
If you’re watching your wallet, CroisiEurope is worth a serious look. It’s the most affordable option on the list, coming in at around £531 per person, per night.
Despite the lower price, passengers still rated it highly with a score of 77%. This family-owned line sails Europe’s major rivers — including the Rhine, Seine, and Danube — and has recently expanded to destinations like the Ganges and Mekong.
The report highlighted great French food, free cocktails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere onboard. As Which? put it: “You won’t feel like you’ve scrimped with this budget-friendly river cruise — particularly when it comes to a tipple.”
Which? Recommended Providers
Which? also awards a special “Recommended Provider” rating to the very best cruise lines. To earn this badge, a line must score highly and be upfront about extra costs like tips, excursions, and drinks right from the start of booking.
Two river cruise lines earned this top honor: Uniworld and Scenic.
Uniworld: Boutique Luxury on the Water
Uniworld earned a strong score of 84% and was praised for bringing a “boutique hotel concept” to river cruising. The line is known for its lavish, one-of-a-kind ship interiors.
According to the report: “The result is Baroque-style staterooms dripping with Murano glass and gilded splendour. ‘Farm to ship’ food, sourced from the surrounding countryside, is equally well presented. There’s a butler service for each suite, and you won’t have to put your hand in your pocket the whole trip — not even to tip staff.”
Which? called Uniworld “an excellent all-inclusive choice for your next river cruise if luxury and style are important to you.” Everything is included, so you won’t face surprise charges at the end of your trip.
Scenic: The Premium Splurge
Scenic is the priciest option on the list, at around £710 per person, per night. It scored 82% and earned top marks for customer service and cleanliness.
Passengers enjoy perks like sun terraces, Dyson hair dryers, and exclusive access to cultural sites not open to the general public. Which? suggested these luxury touches make Scenic “worth the splurge” for a special occasion trip.
What This Means for U.S. River Cruise Travelers
Whether you’re after luxury or looking to save money, there’s a river cruise line that fits your needs. The survey results show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great experience on the water.
Budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy quality food and friendly service with lines like CroisiEurope. And if you want to go all out, Avalon, Uniworld, and Scenic all deliver an experience that passengers rave about.
River cruising continues to grow in popularity — and with more lines entering the market soon, prices and options are only going to get better for travelers.
