The best river cruises around the world for 2025 including sailing the Danube
The Best River Cruises Around the World: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
Discover the Best River Cruises Worldwide
River cruises are a special way to travel and see some of the most beautiful places in the world. Unlike big ocean ships, river cruises sail through small towns and cities that large ships cannot reach. This makes them perfect for exploring history, culture, and local traditions up close. From the peaceful waters of the Danube to the lush Amazon rainforest and the ancient Nile, river cruises offer adventures for everyone. Let’s dive into the best river cruises across the globe.
The Danube River: Europe’s Jewel
The Danube is one of Europe’s most famous rivers, flowing through countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. A cruise along this river is like stepping into a storybook, with stunning views, historic landmarks, and lively cities.
Emerald Cruises offers a fantastic 7-night journey that begins in Munich, Germany. Travelers can explore German traditions before heading to Passau. The cruise also includes a stop at Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic. From there, passengers travel to Vienna, Austria’s capital, known for its grand palaces and love of music. Afterward, the ship stops in Bratislava for a night, where guests can enjoy guided tours or hikes around the famous castle. The journey ends with three magical nights in Budapest, Hungary, where visitors can relax in thermal baths or experience the city’s exciting nightlife.
This unforgettable trip costs from £1,925 per person and includes flights and airport transfers. It is available from April to October 2025.
Explore the Amazon River
The Amazon River is the lifeline of the world’s largest rainforest, stretching over 4,000 miles across South America. A river cruise here is an unforgettable adventure into nature’s wild heart.
Uniworld’s Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery is an 11-day cruise starting in Lima, Peru. After a short flight to Iquitos, travelers board their ship to explore untouched areas of the rainforest. Activities include guided jungle walks and kayaking, giving guests a chance to see rare wildlife like colorful birds, giant water lilies, and unique animals that live only in the Amazon.
This adventure costs from £12,699 per person, with flights and transfers included. Departures are available from February to November 2025.
The Ancient Wonders of the Nile
The Nile River is the world’s longest river and flows through Egypt, offering travelers a chance to uncover its ancient history and beauty.
Viking Cruises’ Pharaohs and Pyramids is a 12-day journey that begins in Cairo. Visitors can marvel at the famous Pyramids of Giza and explore Cairo’s rich history. From there, a flight takes them to Luxor to board the cruise. The ship stops at historic sites like Kom Ombo and Edfu, letting travelers experience the magic of ancient Egypt.
The stunning views along the Nile include palm trees, green fields, and golden deserts. Prices for this cruise start at £7,495 per person, including flights and transfers. Departures are available throughout 2025.
