Take to the water and try something new this year with a river cruise adventure.
Curious about cruising? Well, you’re not alone. River cruises give vacationers the chance to escape the mundane of everyday life and explore new cities, experience different cultures, and have a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
River cruising has risen in popularity in recent years, but if you’re new to river life, it can be hard to know where to start.
You’re in the right place.
We’re sailing away on a river cruise discovery to give first-timers like you an overview of what to expect, what companies are best for newbies, and which rivers might float your boat.
Why a River Cruise?
With plenty of sea cruises available to far-flung corners of the globe, you might be wondering why even bother with river cruises.
The thing is, river cruising is actually a really accessible way for first-time cruisers to find their sea legs.
Offering boutique experiences on smaller ships with fewer passengers, river cruises are a more relaxed way to explore life on the open water. These options are also often all-inclusive, making a river cruise much more cost-effective. They offer the chance to sightsee big cities and even bigger ports in a much more in-depth way not offered on big liner sea cruises.
Expect the unexpected
It’s easy to think that smaller ships and fewer passengers mean less adventure.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Depending on your chosen ship and destination, river cruises offer a huge range of experiences to fit every kind of passenger. From wine tasting in the Douro Valley to an atmospheric wander around St. Mark’s Basilica, cruising on rivers offers unexpected opportunities.
Winding down rivers brings you closer to nature than ever before. You can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private balcony if the hustle and bustle of city life isn’t for you. And with an abundance of eatery choices, there’s something for even picky eaters.
Which cruise operators are best for first-timers?
Nothing sets the cruise stage quite like the operator you chose to embark on your river journey with.
Really, the big question of who to sail with depends entirely on what you’re after. More expensive options tend to offer more boutique experiences, whereas affordable liners often have more destinations to choose from.
To give you a helping hand, here are the top operators in each price range.

Uniworld sits at the top end of the scale.
Also known as Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s core values are exceptional customer service and a tailored approach to cruising. Each of their ships is completely different and feels more like a small luxury hotel than a water vessel.
They don’t come cheap, but for the price, you get experienced staff at your beck and call, attention to detail like no other, and exclusive off-ship excursions.
Affordable premium: AmaWaterways

Still fairly new to the river cruise world is AmaWaterways.
This fresh-faced cruise operator has quickly become a passenger favourite for warm, welcoming environments and a river experience that exceeds expectations. With fewer guests on board and slightly bigger cabins than their competition, AmaWaterways stands out from the pack.
With plenty of reasonably priced options, you can expect to be wined and dined to your heart’s content with outstanding onboard cuisine.
Accessibly priced: CroisiEurope River Cruises

With ships that aren’t as flashy as their competitors, CroisiEurope offers a river cruise option for the masses.
With over 500 cruises on over 30 rivers and canals with 100+ exciting itineraries to choose from, CroisiEurope is the workhorse of the river cruise world. Unsurprisingly, their main focus is on extending their competitive and affordably priced adventures to their world.
Don’t be put off by this focus on affordability. CroisiEurope has an excellent reputation for service and quality that’s been hard won over many years thanks to a steady stream of satisfied customers.
The best rivers for first-timers
Now you know which operators you should look at, where should you spend your first river cruise?
Here are our top 4 rivers for first-timers.
1. Danube

Flowing through ten countries, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, the Danube offers first-time cruisers the chance to explore as many different cultures as possible. And with diverse excursions to get your teeth stuck into, the Danube is the perfect example of what makes river cruising great.
2. Rhine

For travellers who love a bit of history, look no further than the Rhine. Making its way through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the Principality of Liechtenstein, you’ll get to experience a little bit of magic. With medieval castles and romantic beauty everywhere, this cruising adventure is perfect for couples.
3. Nile

There’s no river out there quite as exciting as the Nile. Cruise past the historic landmarks you were taught about in school: the Pyramids of Giza, the Temples of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings. Combining culture with relaxation, this river cruise is one you’ll be telling friends and family about for years.
4. Douro Valley

Do you consider yourself a bit of a wine buff? If you do, the Douro Valley is the perfect river for your first cruise adventure. Experience Portugal’s amazing vineyards and unique villages at a more relaxed pace. With plenty of wine-tasting opportunities surrounded by incredible views, this river is for those who like the finer things in life.
Ready to try something new?
The world of river cruising has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a history buff on the lookout for knowledge or a relaxation lover wanting a break from the hustle and bustle of the every day, a river cruise has got it. Just remember to do your research and choose a cruise operator that fits your holiday style (and budget).
Like the sound of a river cruise?
Use our handy cruise search tool to explore cruises offered by our favourite operators, or let us do the hard work for you by calling 01892 578979.