River cruise ship on the Danube sailing past Budapest at sunset

Tailored River Cruises Across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America

Explore the world's most iconic rivers on a journey designed around you. Immersive, effortless and expertly planned from start to finish

Start Planning My River Cruise

See the World One River at a Time

River cruising brings you to the heart of each destination. Dock in the center of historic towns, enjoy curated excursions and relax on board with ever-changing scenery outside your window. It's travel that feels both seamless and enriching

Where We Specialize:

Europe: Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône, Douro
Asia: Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, Ganges River in India
Africa: Chobe River in Botswana and Zimbabwe
South America: Magdalena River in Colombia

Our Most Popular River Destinations

Discover River Cruise Destinations

Europe's Grand Rivers

Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône, Douro

Asia

Mekong River, Ganges River

Africa

Chobe River in Botswana & Zimbabwe

South America

Magdalena River in Colombia

Scenic view of historic Heidelberg along the Neckar River in Germany during river cruise

Personal River Cruise Planning. Exceptional Results

At Trips and Ships we don't just book a ship. We craft your entire river journey built around your interests and backed by our global cruise partnerships

What We Handle:

Pairing you with the right river, ship and itinerary

VIP perks through preferred partners

Concierge planning including air, insurance and pre and post cruise extensions

Support every step of the way from consultation to return

What Makes River Cruising Effortless

Ships carry fewer than 200 guests for a boutique onboard experience

Dock directly in city centers

Unpack once and explore daily

Guided excursions included in every port

Regional cuisine and wine on board

Whether you're sailing past Rhine castles or into the Cambodian jungle these floating hotels deliver comfort and cultural immersion without compromise

Majestic Hofburg Palace, former imperial residence in Vienna, Austria
Classic canal bridge and historic waterfront houses in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Luxury River Cruise Partners

Explore the world’s most iconic rivers through curated luxury experiences — from premium, design-forward journeys to ultra-luxury, all-inclusive sailings with exceptional service, immersive excursions, and elevated culinary programs.

Luxury river cruises are best for travelers who want an all-inclusive, immersive experience with smaller ships, curated excursions, and elevated service levels compared to traditional cruising.

– Angela Hughes

Entry-Level & Premium
River Cruising

Starting from $2,500 – $5,500 per person

Well-designed ships, strong itineraries, and excellent value — ideal for clients entering the river cruise market or seeking a balance of comfort, style, and price point. Pricing varies by itinerary, season, and availability. Our team secures the best available value, including exclusive amenities and preferred partner benefits.

Cruise Line Partners

Viking River CruisesDestination-focused cruising with broad appeal. Best for: First-time river cruisers, culturally focused travelers.

Avalon WaterwaysSuite ships with panoramic views. Best for: Clients who prioritize space and views.

Emerald CruisesContemporary design & strong value. Best for: Modern travelers seeking value without sacrificing style.

Amadeus River CruisesClassic European elegance with Austrian roots. Best for: Traditional cruisers who want understated refinement.

Trafalgar River CruisesGuided touring expertise meets river cruising. Best for: Travelers who value structured touring and guidance.

Premium Plus | Modern Luxury River Cruising

Starting from $4,500 – $7,500 per person

A step above traditional premium — elevated design, stronger culinary programs, and a more refined onboard experience, while still maintaining accessibility. Pricing varies by itinerary, season, and availability. Our team secures the best available value, including exclusive amenities and preferred partner benefits.

Cruise Line Partners

Celebrity Cruises (River Cruises)

Modern luxury reimagined for the rivers. Best for: Clients who love contemporary design and recognizable luxury brands.

High-End & Luxury River Cruising

Starting from $6,500 – $12,000+ per person

Fully immersive, all-inclusive experiences with higher service levels, curated excursions, and a more intimate, boutique feel. Pricing varies by itinerary, season, and availability. Our team secures the best available value, including exclusive amenities and preferred partner benefits.

Cruise Line Partners

AmaWaterways

Luxury river cruising with heart — the ideal entry into high-end experiences

Best for: Food & wine lovers, active travelers, repeat cruisers

Tauck River Cruises

Seamless, all-inclusive journeys with exceptional land integration

Best for: Clients who want everything handled end-to-end

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Boutique elegance with distinctive, design-forward ships

Best for: Design lovers and boutique hotel travelers

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Ultra-luxury, truly all-inclusive river cruising

Best for: Clients who want zero add-ons and top-tier inclusions

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Spacious suites with elevated culinary and service focus

Best for: Suite-focused travelers and former Crystal clients

Aqua Expeditions

Boutique luxury on the world’s most exotic rivers

Best for: Adventurous luxury travelers (Amazon, Mekong, Nile)

River Cruise Comparison Guide

Compare the Top River Cruise Lines

BrandCategoryStyleInclusionsBest For
VikingPremiumClassicModerateFirst-time river cruisers
AvalonPremiumContemporaryModerateSpace & views
EmeraldPremiumModernModerateValue-driven travelers
CelebrityPremium PlusModern luxuryModerate+Brand-conscious travelers
AmaWaterwaysLuxuryWarm, upscaleStrongFood & wine, active travel
TauckLuxuryLand + river seamlessVery highFully guided experience
UniworldLuxuryBoutique, ornateHighDesign-focused travelers
ScenicUltra-LuxuryAll-inclusiveVery highNo-compromise luxury
RiversideUltra-LuxurySpacious, refinedVery highSuite travelers
AquaLuxury ExpeditionExoticHighBucket list destinations

How to Choose the Right River Cruise

The best river cruise isn’t just about the ship — it’s about how you want to experience the destination.

Choose Premium if you:

  • Want strong value and classic itineraries

  • Are new to river cruising

Choose Premium Plus if you:

  • Want elevated design and brand familiarity

  • Prefer a modern luxury feel

Choose Luxury if you:

  • Want higher inclusions and service

  • Prefer boutique, immersive experiences

Choose Ultra-Luxury if you:

  • Want everything included with no decisions to make

  • Value space, exclusivity, and top-tier service

What Does a River Cruise Really Cost?

Understanding the full investment helps you plan the right experience.

Typical inclusions:

  • Cruise fare and accommodations

  • Dining and beverages (varies by brand)

  • Guided shore excursions

  • Wi-Fi and onboard amenities

Additional considerations:

  • International airfare

  • Pre- and post-cruise hotels

  • Transfers and private touring

  • Travel insurance

Our team builds complete, seamless itineraries — ensuring every detail is handled from departure to return.

Plan Your River Cruise

River cruising is one of the most in-demand luxury travel experiences — and the right guidance makes all the difference.

Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Seine river cruises

Mekong, Nile, and Amazon journeys

Pre- and post-cruise luxury experiences

Exclusive amenities and hosted departures

Let's Design Your River Cruise

Wherever your river takes you from the Danube to the Ganges to the Chobe we'll help you get there with confidence and clarity

Real River Journeys. Real Results

"Our Danube cruise felt like a dream. From the ship to the shore excursions everything was seamless and thoughtfully planned"

Taylor and Michael

Denver

"We booked the Mekong with Trips and Ships and it opened our eyes to a different kind of travel. Intimate, insightful and deeply personal"

Ava

Toronto

"The Magdalena River was vibrant and full of color. We would never have considered it without our advisor's recommendation and we're so glad we did"

Carlos and Elena

Miami