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Moselle River Cruises

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The Moselle River originates in northeast France and flows along the Luxembourg and German border before entering Germany, where it flows into the Rhine River at Koblenz. Nearly all cruises on the Moselle visit the Rhine as well. The Moselle’s German leg features spectacular castles and hillsides covered with vineyards growing some of the world's best Riesling grapes. The Moselle River is known as the Mosel in Germany and the Musel in Luxembourg. Highlights include picturesque stops at Trier, Bernkastel, Cochem, and Koblenz, where the Moselle joins the mighty Rhine River. Some cruises also include the Rhine River or the Main River in Germany. Contact one of our European river cruise Trip Planners to start planning your cruise on the Moselle today.
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Trip Name From Days Summary
Romantic Rhine & Moselle $15,790 15 Experience a 15-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam on the Scenic Ruby, exploring the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Discover charming medieval villages and stunning landscapes shaped by centuries of folklore and rich traditions.
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Rhine & Moselle Splendors - Cruise Only $4,349 8 Starting in the tiny country of Luxembourg, this 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amaprima takes you through Germany, France, and Switzerland along the scenic Rhine River. The towns of Strasbourg, Cochem, Riquewihr, and Basel delight with their baroque style and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Make sure to enjoy the locally produced wines and beers too!
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Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only $5,259 11 Begin this exclusive 11-day cruise in Basel and conclude in charming Amsterdam. This voyage includes a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore the wondrous delights of the Rhine and Moselle River regions.
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Moselle River Travel Guide

How to Choose a Moselle River Cruise

 

Where to Go?
The Moselle River connects to the Rhine River in central Germany. Cruises along the Moselle typically visit Luxembourg City, Trier, and Cochem, before meeting with the Rhine in Koblenz, Germany, and continuing to destinations such as Bamberg, Nuremburg, and other German towns and cities.


How Long?
Cruises exclusive to the Moselle River tend to be 4-7 days, however many of the longer Moselle River cruises spend time exploring connected or nearby waterways like the Rhine and Main Rivers of central Europe. The most popular cruises are the 7-day explorations, as this gives travelers plenty of time to explore this region of Europe. Longer cruises of the Moselle tend to reach more destinations in France, Luxembourg, and Germany, while the shorter 4-day Moselle River cruises are an excellent extension to any France or Germany river cruises, but aren't very good as standalone vacations.


On which riverboat?
The vessels we have hand-selected for the Moselle River cruises were specifically designed to explore the borderlands of France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Their length, comfort, and style reflect classic riverboat design. All of the vessels feature a panoramic sun deck, a lounge and bar, elegant dining rooms, and comfortable air-conditioned rooms. Contact us if you need guidance in selecting the best boat for you.


What is there to do and see?
The Moselle River cruises feature all of the staple European activities you'd hope for: wine tasting tours, urban exploration, biking and hiking opportunities, and even visits to archaeological sites. Each excursion showcases the best of each town.

Moselle River Cruise Highlights

Don't miss these picturesque ports on the Moselle:

Trier - Founded by the Romans, Trier is the oldest town in Germany, and is blessed with well-preserved Roman ruins & structures like the Porta Nigra gate, Roman baths, and the stone bridge over the Moselle River. Many consider the Moselle from Trier to Koblenz is the most scenic with castles, steep vineyards, sleepy half-timbered wine villages.

Koblenz - The Rhine & Moselle Rivers converge at the Deutsches Eck monument in the medieval city of Koblenz, Germany. The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Rhine Gorge (aka Upper Middle Rhine Valley) runs between Koblenz and Bingen,

Cochem - its beauty is only surpassed by its charm, Cochem is an ancient town of Medieval city gates, castles and half-timbered houses surrounded by steep mountains and terraced vineyards. 
 
Popular Moselle River Cruise Destinations

Often paired with destinations along the Rhine River, some of the most popular destinations frequently visited on a Moselle River cruise include:
The Mosel Wine Region

Mosel is Germany's third largest wine region in terms of volume of production, but is considered by many to be the country's top wine region in terms of quality and international prestige. Formerly called the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, it was officially changed to the more brand-friendly Mosel Region in 2007.

Riesling and Beyond
Undoubtedly, Riesling is the region's premier variety, and it produces  some of the world's finest Riesling making up more than 60% of local production, but Mosel is more than just Riesling. Try Elbling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Kerner and Auxerrois varieties. Pinot Noir & Chardonnay are often used in Sekt–German sparkling wine.

Best Mosel Vintages
If you can find them, pick up some bottles from 2015, 2014, 2011, and 2009, 2008 and 2007, with 2015 and 2007 considered the absolute best years. 

Moselle River FAQs

Why should I choose a Moselle River cruise?
A Moselle River cruise is an easy way to visit multiple destinations in France, Luxembourg, and Germany without constant packing and unpacking. Your accommodations, dining, and transportation are included, and the ship brings you directly to each port, allowing you to enjoy a new location each day with minimal travel logistics.

What should I look for on a riverboat?
River vessels on the Moselle are designed for comfort, featuring well-appointed cabins, dining rooms, lounges, and sun decks for viewing the river valley. Unlike large ocean cruise ships, river cruises focus more on daily guided excursions and destination-based experiences rather than onboard entertainment. Itineraries highlight small towns, historic cities, and scenic wine regions along the Moselle.

Should I get a room with a balcony?
Balconies are optional and depend on personal preference. Many riverboats offer large picture windows or “French balconies” (sliding glass doors that open for fresh air), which provide excellent views without the added balcony cost. Since there are spacious open-deck viewing areas, travelers often find a standard cabin perfectly suitable, unless private outdoor space is a priority.

What is dining like on a Moselle River cruise?
Dining typically reflects French, German, and regional specialties prepared by onboard chefs. Many cruises include multiple-course dinners and local wine selections. During shore excursions, travelers can also visit cultural cafés, taverns, or wineries for regional meals and tastings.

Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Yes. Some itineraries begin or end in nearby cities or are combined with Rhine River routes. These extended routes allow travelers to experience additional parts of Central Europe while still focusing on the Moselle region.

Will my vessel have WiFi?
Most newer Moselle riverboats provide WiFi, but availability, speed, and whether service is free vary by vessel. Some ships offer full access in rooms and public areas, while others only provide WiFi in common spaces. Confirm details with your cruise operator before booking.

What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
European riverboats typically use 220–240 V electricity and standard two-round-pin European plugs. Most modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers, cameras) are dual-voltage and only require a plug adapter. If your device is not dual-voltage, you may need a voltage converter. A universal adapter is recommended.

How can I save money on a river cruise?
If you're hoping to save money on a European River cruise, then check out our Deals & Promotions page to find the best offers each season. We can also help you track the river cruises of your choice and let you know when there are specials and deals that you might be interested in. We advise travelers to avoid saving money by booking cheaper cabins - cabins that save you a lot of money tend to sacrifice space and often the breathtaking views that make river cruises in Europe such a wonderful experience.

Are Moselle River cruises a good family vacation?
Yes, depending on the cruise program. Some itineraries are well-suited for families and active travelers, offering biking paths, guided walks, and outdoor activities. Others may be centered around cultural touring or wine experiences and cater more to adults. Review excursion options to ensure they fit the ages and interests of your group.

Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to the Moselle River?
U.S. and Canadian passport-holders traveling to France, Germany, and Luxembourg (Schengen Area) for up to 90 days do not currently need a visa for tourism in 2025. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area. Beginning October 12, 2025, visitors will be processed under the Entry/Exit System (EES), which includes biometric checks at border crossing points. Make sure to check current travel requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.

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