10 Best German River Cruises on the Rhine

Name: Germany Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.9 (332 reviews)

Cruises in Germany (435 Results)

All Cruises in Germany

Captivating Rhine

14 Days from $5,519

Board the MS Amakristina in Amsterdam for a 14-day cruise of the Rhine River visiting destinations in France and Germany before spending 5 days exploring historic towns of Switzerland. From the vineyards of the Alsace region, to the renowned beer of German breweries, enjoy the local flavors as you hike, bike, or stroll along the Rhine River.

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Embark the MS Amakristina for an 8-day Rhine River cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, exploring the most beloved Christmas markets along the shores of the Rhine. These traditional markets are a treasure trove of culture and authentic souvenirs. You also have the option to hike, tour castles, and participate in wine-tasting excursions.

Rhine & Moselle Splendors - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,799

Starting in the tiny country of Luxembourg, this 8-day river cruise aboard the MS Amadante 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 & beers too!

Rhine & Moselle Delights

15 Days from $5,799

This 15-day Rhine & Moselle River cruise aboard MS Amaprima takes you from Zurich to Basel to Amsterdam, passing through Germany and France along the way. Hike and bike in the lush Rhine Valley, stroll the "Crossroads of Europe" in Strasbourg, and savor the best wines and beers that have made this region famous.

View from the harbour of Basel, Switzerland

From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River

9 Days from $3,007

Board the MS Douce France for a 9-day river cruise from Holland to Switzerland. Start your adventure in Amsterdam, the City of Diamonds, and navigate south towards the Rhine River basin. Cross the border into Germany and sail along while viewing numerous castles nestled among famous vineyards.

Cologne's famous cathedral at sunset from the Rhine.

Captivating Rhine

14 Days from $5,519

Explore the Rhine River aboard the MS AmaMora starting with 2 nights in Amsterdam, followed by a 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, and ending with 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.

Ehrenfels Castle on Rhine River near Rudesheim

Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only

12 Days from $4,299

Board the MS Amaprima for an 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich. Enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours and in many cases, choose between excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes, and wine & beer tastings. Visit historic medieval towns of Germany, France, and the Netherlands, highlighted by castles & other landmarks.

Enchanting Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Enjoy an enchanting 7-night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam along the Rhine to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. You are bound to live timeless traditions on the MS AmaMora as you cruise down the Rhine River.

Bicycles are a part of everyday life in Europe

Captivating Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,299

Enjoy an 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine River aboard the MS AmaMora. You will enjoy an extensive lineup of standard tours and bike tours. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder!

Lights brighten the evening at this bustling Christmas Market

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Cruise Only

8 Days from $3,099

Explore the Rhine River on this 8-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel aboard the MS AmaMora. Experience the deep-rooted Christmas holiday traditions of Europe as you browse these unique markets for souvenirs or tasty treats, stopping in Cologne, Rudesheim, Ludwigshafen, Strasbourg in France, and Breisach along the way.

10 Best German Cruises on the Danube River

Danube River

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
The Beautiful Blue Danube	$1850	6	May 18, 2021	Sail along the beautiful blue Danube and cross four different countries on this 6-day cruise aboard the MS France. Begin your journey in Germany and … 0
The Beautiful Blue Danube	$3421	11	May 18, 2021	Cruise along the beautiful Danube River through four countries of Central Europe. Visit captivating destinations beginning in Passau and followed by … 0
Delightful Danube	$3699	8	Oct 7, 2020	Enjoy the enchantment of the mighty Danube River and embark on an extraordinary journey for aficionados of European history, music and art. 0
European Holiday Markets	$3299	8	Dec 1, 2020	Experience Europe at its most magical and enjoy the chance to discover the delightful holiday traditions and treats of Germany and Austria during … 0
Romantic Danube	$2699	8	Apr 2, 2021	Visit three Europen countries during this 8-day cruise along the beautiful Danube River. Discover Budapest, Hungary, known for its fairytale … 0
Danube Waltz	$2399	8	Oct 1, 2020	View the beauty of five different European countries and explore lesser-known Central European cities like Bratislava and Passau during this 8-day … 0
The Legendary Danube - Cruise Only	$3099	8	Apr 3, 2021	Board the luxurious MS Amasonata on this exclusive 8-day cruise of the Danube River. From Nuremberg, you will sail through Germany and Austria before … 0
The Romantic Danube - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Oct 25, 2020	Enjoy a fascinating 8-day cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest aboard the MS Amacerto that captures the romance and timelessness of Europe's … 0
Melodies of the Danube - Cruise Only	$2799	8	Oct 18, 2020	Embark the luxury ship MS Amacerto for a fascinating 8-day cruise along the Danube River from Budapest to Vilshofen, enjoying wine tastings from the … 0
Blue Danube Discovery - Cruise Only	$2999	8	Mar 27, 2021	On this unforgettable 8-day cruise, embark in Budapest, Hungary, and make your way to the charming city of Nuremberg on the MS Amasonata. Visit some … 0

10 Best Moselle River Cruises for 2020

Moselle River

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Classic Cruise – Germany & Luxembourg	$8630	7	Aug 29, 2021	Explore Germany & Luxembourg on this 7-day cruise aboard La Nouvelle Etoile where you will travel to the picturesque destinations along two … 0
Two-River Cruise The Romance of the Moselle and Rhine	$1469	5	Oct 9, 2020	Join the MS Monet on a spectacular 5-day cruise of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. En route from Trier to Strasbourg, visit Cochem, Koblenz and Mainz, … 0
The Rhine in Flames: An incredible spectacle on the water	$1725	5	Aug 13, 2021	Admire the "Rhine in Flames" on a glittering summer night that will light up the hillsides and surrounding castles into a magical light. Embark on an … 0
The Rhine and Moselle Rivers	$1546	5	Jun 23, 2021	Discover two great rivers, the Rhine and Moselle, on this exclusive 5-day cruise aboard the MS La Boheme. As you journey round-trip from Strasbourg, … 0
The Rhine and Moselle Rivers	$1523	5	May 13, 2021	Sail across Strasbourg, Mainz, Rudesheim, Boppard, Koblenz, Alken and Cochem on this spectacular 5-day journey aboard the MS Monet. Discover all the … 0
Two-River Cruise: The Romance of the Rhine and Moselle	$1461	5	May 8, 2021	Discover the Rhine Valley on this 5-day adventure aboard the MS La Boheme. City tours of historic Cochem, Mainz, Koblenz, and Trier show off the … 0
Two-River Cruise: The Romance of the Rhine and Moselle	$1469	5	Oct 5, 2020	Board the MS Monet for a 5-day river cruise exploring the scenic Rhine Valley and Moselle River, where you'll visit historic Mainz and see its … 0
The Valley of the Romantic Rhine, the Moselle and the Main River	$2247	7	May 8, 2021	Explore three extraordinary rivers: the enchanting Rhine, the graceful Moselle and the charming Main, on this incredible 7-day cruise aboard the MS … 0
New Year on Two Rivers:The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Picturesque Moselle	$1898	7	Dec 27, 2020	Celebrate New Year on a 7-day romantic cruise aboard MS France sailing through Rhine and Moselle rivers. Discover Bernkastel, a beautiful town in the … 0
4 Rivers: The Moselle, Sarre, Romantic Rhine, and Neckar Valleys	$2362	7	Jul 12, 2021	Take this 7-day cruise aboard MS Lafayette exploring stunning cities that lies on the rivers of Moselle, Sarre, Rhine and Neckar Valleys. See the … 0

10 Best Luxury Germany River Cruises

German Luxury Cruises

Trip Name	From	Days	Next Departure	Summary
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales - Cruise Only	$4299	12	Jul 13, 2021	Board the MS Amaprima for an 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich. Enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours and in many cases, choose between … 0
Rhine & Moselle Delights - Cruise Only	$4199	11	Jul 24, 2021	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 … 0
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales	$6649	18	Jul 11, 2021	Join the MS Amaprima on this unique adventure starting with an 11-night cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich, followed by three magical nights in Zurich. … 0
Rhine & Moselle Delights	$5799	15	Jul 20, 2021	This 15-day Rhine & Moselle River cruise aboard MS Amaprima takes you from Zurich to Basel to Amsterdam, passing through Germany and France along the … 0
European Jewels	$7499	16	Oct 7, 2020	Embark on the River Duchess in Budapest for an exciting 16 days discovering the history of Austria, Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands. 0
Grand Christmas & New Year's	$6499	13	Dec 22, 2020	Embark on the S.S. Beatrice in Nuremberg for 13 amazing days sailing through Germany, Austria and Hungary along the shimmering Danube. Explore … 0
The Enchanting Rhine	$4759	12	Oct 1, 2020	Explore the Rhine Valley on this comprehensive 12-day tour of central Europe. Enjoy a two-night stay in Zurich and two nights in Lucerne followed by … 0
Magical Christmas Markets	$4899	13	Dec 8, 2021	Visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic river route from Nuremberg to Vienna. Discover some of the most enchanting landscapes of the region … 0
The Enchanting Rhine	$5059	12	Oct 18, 2020	Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam aboard the MS Amadante on this classic 12-day river cruise of the romantic Rhine. Start your adventure with 2 nights … 0
Rhine & Moselle Splendors	$6559	15	Oct 12, 2020	This unique 15-day cruise starts with 3 nights in Paris, followed by a 7-night Luxembourg to Basel cruise aboard the MS Amadante, two nights in … 0

Germany River Cruise Tips & Travel Guide

Highlights of Germany

The customs and traditions of Germany come alive on our tours of this ancient country. Each town is full of unique treasures of European culture. Whether you're cruising the Rhine or the Danube River, you're sure to be delighted by the charming communities of:

Regensburg - the best preserved medieval city in Germany, located at the northernmost point of the Danube River.
Cologne – home of one of the most iconic twin-spired Gothic churches of Germany on the Rhine.
Berlin - a modern metropolis, is the main departure point for cruises on the Elbe river.
Mainz & Worms – home to old fashioned Romanesque cathedrals, museums, and a tranquil atmosphere for an evening stroll
Koblenz – great for hiking, biking, or visiting the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Nuremburg – characteristic of the whole Bavaria region, especially the medieval Old Town, Kaiserburg Castle, and the Hauptmarkt central square.
Bamberg - a gem of Germany's medieval past on the Main River.
Rüdesheim - bike and gondolier your way through this traditional wine-making city
Cochem - on the Moselle River, is one of Germany's most quaint towns and the 1,000-year-old Cochem Castle is the city’s signature landmark.
Passau - a major port on the Danube River and the Austrian border.
Mannheim – home to castles, a Baroque palace and a modern city on the Rhine.

Take a ride on the ferris wheel or take a stroll through the Christmas Market

Cruising Europe Christmas Markets

Explore the enchanting Christmas Markets throughout Germany, Austria and Hungary on your Europe river cruise. Drink hot mulled wine as you meander through these traditional street markets. This is sure to be a charming, festive way to spend the holiday.

Holidays Traditions Around the Globe

From Asia to Europe to Latin America, each country celebrates their holidays in a unique way with distinct traditions. Guatemala, Ecuador, Japan, Germany, and other Adventure Life destinations will show you how a wonderful mix of cultures celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year.

Immerse yourself in the romance of Italy

When to Visit Europe: Seasons & Temperatures

Europe is a wonderful year-round destination depending on where you want to explore. The summer is the most popular season across the continent, but the fall and spring shoulder months can offer some great deals and less tourist traffic. Read more about each region of Europe and when to go.

Best Times of Year to Take a River Cruise in Germany

The most pleasant temperatures for river cruising in Germany are in the spring months of April and May, as well as the fall months of September and October. River levels are another concern, and while a river cruise itinerary may change due to river levels and weather at any time of the year, the fall tends to have more stable river levels. Our vote for the best months to cruise Germany are September and October.

Being the prime months, cruises in September in October need to be reserved many months in advance, as the riverboats fill up fast.

Christmas is a special time to cruise Germany as speialized Christmas market cruises take travelers down the Rhine and Danube. Most cruise lines do not run river cruises during the months of January and February.

River Levels and Itinerary Changes

River levels are quite unpredictable at anytime of the year and excessively high river levels prevent our riverboatss from passing under bridges, while low water levels can make sections of rivers impassable in times relative drought. Here's an updated summary of European river levels. Heavy rains upstream can make river levels change quickly, sometimes forcing itinerary changes. The capitan of your riverboat will make the best descision given the current conditions to guarantee passenger safety and an optimal trip experience given the conditions. It is a good idea to be in touch with your Adventure Life agent in the days before your trip and keep an eye on the weather to minimize surprises.

German River Cruising FAQs

Why should I choose a river cruise?
A river cruise is a great comprehensive way to visit various countries in Europe. Unlike land tours where you might have to travel by train or bus during the day, cruises take advantage of the evenings and nights to do the major traveling and allow you to use your days to visit the destinations and sites. Plus, once you're onboard, the cruises are mostly all-inclusive. If you want to add on a helicopter tour or some kind of extension, then that might cost you more money, but the meals, lodging, trasnportation, and most tours on the itinerary are included in the price, making it not only an excellent value but also much easier to plan. Plus, unlike land tours of Europe, you don't have to pack and unpack every day when you move to a new city - your room simply glides along the river with you.
What should I look for on a riverboat?
Unlike mega-yachts, bigger cruise ships, or expedition vessels, river boats are comparatively simple. They feature comfortable rooms, but they are not particularly spacious. You won't likely find gyms (maybe an exercise room), large pools (if any), or various dining options, but you will find that the vessels are well appointed and have friendly crews and guides that are enthusiastic to make your experience memorable.
Are there 5-star river vessels in Europe?
Since river cruising is a relatively new trend in European travel, the best river vessels could best be described as 4-stars due to their size and lack of amenities. However, there are a number of vessels that we feature that could very aptly be called luxurious based on their accommodations, social areas, and gourmet cuisine. We expect that in the coming years, competition among the vessels will drive the quality up and more 5-star vessels will soon be on the European waterways.
Should I get a room with a balcony?
Contrary to popular belief, balconies are not actually that important for European river cruises. All vessels feature a panoramic sun deck where you can take in the beautiful views, but as far as the rooms go, balconies might actually take away from the square footage of your cabin. Length requirements of river vessels mean that cabins tend to be smaller than on the sea-going ships, and balconies can often cut into the room itself. If you want a room that gives you exclusive access to the open air, then consider looking for rooms with sliding glass doors and wall-to-wall windows. These are a good alternative to balconies and save considerable space in your cabin.
What is dining like?
There will likely be one main dining room that serves meals on a certain schedule that coincides with your itinerary. Food is prepared by skilled local chefs and will nourish you as you explore and discover German culture and history.
Do river cruises ever visit destinations that aren't on the river?
Absolutely! So many of Germany's destinations are not actually on the Rhine, Main, or Danube Rivers. In order to access these sites, you will dock at one of the port cities along the river and enjoy a luxurious coach ride towards the destination, during which time you can see even more of the lush countryside.
Will my vessel have WiFi?
Don't count on having WiFi throughout the entire cruise. While visiting cities, it's likely that you will find hotspots, and certain vessels are able to offer frequent access. However, there might be times when you are out of range of the signal and you might be without internet for up to several days at a time.
What kind of power outlets are there? Will I need a converter?
European electric is 220 volts, compared to the 110 volts in North America. Most devices are equipped to deal with both voltages. However, you will need a plug adapter if you have the standard 2-prong American plugs - depending on where your boat is from in Europe, it will have either the British plugs (three flat prongs) or the continental European outlets (2 round prongs). A couple simple adapters are all you need, but we suggest wrapping duct tape around the adapter and the plug to make sure you don't forget them when you disconnect the device.
How can I save money on a river cruise?
We offer many great deals for river cruises through Germany. These are the best options for saving up to thousands of dollars on your river expedition. Avoid saving money by choosing less expensive cabins. The difference of a couple hundred dollars can actually negatively impact your experience if you decide on a cabin that is smaller or does not have large windows that open, for example.
Are river cruises in Germany a good family vacation?
Definitely! Whether you are exploring the country's traditional Christmas Markets in December or learning about its contemporary and ancient history, the sights and flavors of Germany make for a fantastic family destination. Younger kids will delight in the fairytale castles, while teens and parents can appreciate the impressive architecture of the centuries-old buildings. It's a great way to immerse your family in the Old World culture, history, and folklore.
Do Americans and Canadians need a passport and visa to travel to Germany?
All citizens of North America traveling to Europe need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. In recent years, it has not been necessary to apply for a visa before traveling to Europe if you plan to stay less than three months, however, this situation may change in the future. See current European visa requirements.