Which river cruise line is best for solo travelers?

Tauck is the most dependable, with no single supplement on Category 1 cabins on every European river departure. AmaWaterways is best if you want a true single stateroom or a solo balcony deal.

Does Viking have single cabins on river cruises?

No. Viking river longships have no dedicated solo cabins. Solo travelers book a standard stateroom and pay a single supplement, which Viking sometimes reduces during sales.

Which AmaWaterways ships have single staterooms?

AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce and AmaLyra each have a few single-occupancy staterooms of about 140 sq ft with French balconies, with no single supplement.

Is there a promo code for solo river cruises?

Yes, on AmaWaterways: SOLOWAIVED (supplement waived on select 2027 Europe sailings) and SOLO10 (10% supplement on select 2026 and 2027 Europe sailings), both for bookings made by December 31, 2026. Tauck and Viking apply solo savings without a public code.

Does Tauck charge a single supplement?

Not on Category 1 cabins, on any European river departure. Other categories get $1,000 off the supplement on select 2026 departures.

How much is the single supplement on a river cruise?

It ranges from zero on Tauck Category 1 cabins, to 10% to 25% with AmaWaterways offers, to 50% to 100% or more on Viking outside a sale.

Is a river cruise good for solo travelers?

Yes. Ships are small, excursions are guided, and dining is social, so it's easy to meet fellow travelers.

Which River Cruise Line Is Best in 2027?

Danny Stahl

5 hours ago

7 min read

By Danny Stahl | Danny’s Adventures

Certified across 18 cruise lines and tour operators, including Viking, AmaWaterways, Tauck, Oceania, Ponant, and Silversea

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I am Danny Stahl, a certified advisor based in Raleigh, NC, serving clients nationwide. I research every promotion and offer exclusive perks not available to the general public.

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Email. danny.stahl@avoyanetwork.com

The short answer

There is no single best river cruise line. There is a best line for you, and it depends on three things: your budget, how much you want included, and how active you want your days to be.

Here is my quick answer for 2027:

Best for first-timers who want value: Viking
Best for active travelers and the best cabins in the luxury tier: AmaWaterways
Best for truly all-inclusive, no-wallet travel: Tauck or Uniworld
Best for the biggest standard cabins at an upper-premium price: Avalon Waterways
Best modern ship for the money: Emerald Cruises
Best for all-suite, small-ship luxury: Riverside Luxury Cruises
Best new option to watch: Celebrity River Cruises, launching on the Rhine and Danube in 2027

Why you can trust this comparison

I'm Danny Stahl, a certified travel advisor based in Raleigh, North Carolina. I grew up in Trier, Germany, on the Moselle River, watching these ships pass my hometown. Before I became an advisor, I worked inside a river cruise line, AmaWaterways.

Today, our team at Danny's Adventures is certified across 20 cruise lines and tour operators. That matters here. I'm not loyal to one brand, so I can tell you where each line falls short as well as where it shines.

How do the 8 best river cruise lines compare in 2027?

Viking is the lowest entry price; Tauck, Uniworld and Riverside include the most. Prices below are published 2027 lead-in fares for a 7-night Europe cruise, per person, double occupancy, as of October 2026. Fares change often, so treat them as a starting point.

Cruise line	Tier	7-night fares from (USD per person)	Guests per ship	Drinks included	Tips included	Kids allowed	Best for
Viking	Upper premium	About $3,000 to $2,600	About 190	Wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner	No	No, 18+ only	First-timers, value, culture-focused couples
Avalon Waterways	Upper premium	About $2,650	About 166	With meals	No	Yes	Big cabins, flexible excursions
AmaWaterways	Luxury	About $3,300	About 156	Wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch and dinner	No	Yes	Active travelers, twin-balcony cabins, wellness
Emerald Cruises	Premium	About $3,050	About 182	With meals	No	Yes	Modern ships, pool, value
Celebrity River Cruises	Upper premium	Pricing still emerging	About 180	All day, including alcohol	Confirm at booking	Yes	Ocean cruisers trying river, more dining choice
Uniworld	Luxury	About $5,450	100 to 160	All day, premium included	Yes	Yes, on family departures	Design lovers, true all-inclusive
Tauck	Luxury	About $5,500	About 130	All day, premium included	Yes, all	Yes, on Bridges family departures	Hands-off travelers, exclusive events
Riverside Luxury Cruises	Luxury	Varies by fare tier	About 150 on Riverside Mozart	Depends on fare tier	Yes, all fares	Yes, no minimum age	All-suite luxury, flexible packages

Which river cruise line is best for first-time cruisers?

Viking is the best fit for most first-timers. It has the largest fleet, a shore excursion in every port, and wine and beer with lunch and dinner. It is also adults-only, which many couples prefer.

If you are a first-timer who wants everything handled, including tips and drinks all day, choose Tauck. You pay more up front, but you rarely open your wallet once you board.

What's included on each line, and what costs extra?

The lowest fare is not always the lowest trip cost. Lines that look less expensive often charge for tips, cocktails and some excursions.

What you get	Viking	AmaWaterways	Avalon	Emerald	Uniworld	Tauck
Shore excursion in every port	Yes	Yes, several choices	Yes, Classic, Active or Discovery	Yes	Yes	Yes, Tauck-designed
Wine and beer with meals	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Drinks all day	Paid package	Paid package	Paid package	Paid package	Included	Included
Crew and guide tips	Extra	Extra	Extra	Extra	Included	Included
Free Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Free bikes	No	Yes	Varies by ship	Yes	Yes	Some excursions
Airport transfers	With cruise-line air	With cruise-line air	Varies by promotion	Included	With cruise-line air	Included

Danny's rule of thumb: add about $300 to $600 per person to a Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon or Emerald fare to cover tips, some excursions and extra drinks. Then compare it with Tauck or Uniworld.

Which river cruise line has the best cabins and food?

For cabins, two lines stand out:

Avalon Waterways: Panorama Suites run 200 square feet, with a wall-to-wall window that opens into an open-air balcony. The beds face the river.
AmaWaterways: Many cabins have twin balconies, a full balcony plus a French balcony, so you get fresh air and a view.

For food, AmaWaterways leads in my experience. It offers a Chef's Table specialty restaurant at no extra charge and regionally inspired menus. Uniworld and Tauck are close behind, with premium wines poured all day.

Which river cruise line is best for active travelers, and which is best for a relaxed pace?

Active: AmaWaterways has a wellness host on board, free bikes, and excursions graded by walking level. Avalon's Active excursions are a good second choice.

Relaxed: Viking and Tauck suit travelers who want guided walking tours and time to rest. Tauck's new 6-day cruises, launching in 2027, are a good fit if you want a shorter trip

Which river cruise line is best for couples, solo travelers and families?

Traveler	Best choice	Why
Couples and anniversaries	Avalon or Uniworld	Big suites with river-facing beds, or boutique luxury
Solo travelers	Ask about solo promotions	Most lines charge a single supplement; promotions vary by month
Families with kids	Tauck Bridges, AmaWaterways or Uniworld family departures	Kid-friendly excursions and hosts; Viking is adults-only
Groups and reunions	Viking or AmaWaterways	Large fleets make it easier to block cabins

What are the honest pros and cons of each river cruise line?

Is Viking worth it?

Yes, for most first-timers. Viking's longships carry about 190 guests, every port includes a guided excursion, and wine and beer flow at lunch and dinner. Guests must be 18 or older.

Pros: Lowest entry price, huge choice of dates, consistent product, no kids
Cons: Ships feel alike, tips and cocktails are extra, standard cabins are small

Is AmaWaterways worth the extra cost?

Yes, if you value cabins, food and activity. AmaWaterways has a wellness host, free bikes and twin-balcony cabins on many ships. It also welcomes families.

Pros: Best dining in its class, active excursions, Chef's Table included
Cons: Costs more than Viking, tips are extra
Disclosure: I worked at AmaWaterways before becoming an advisor. I recommend it only when it fits.

Is Avalon Waterways a good river cruise line?

Yes, especially for cabin space. Avalon's Suite Ships have 200-square-foot Panorama Suites with an open-air balcony. Avalon Choice lets you pick a Classic, Active or Discovery excursion in each port.

Pros: Largest standard suites, flexible excursions, strong value
Cons: Fewer included drinks than luxury lines, tips are extra

Is Emerald Cruises good value?

Yes. Emerald's Star-Ships are modern, with a heated pool that turns into a cinema at night. Airport transfers and excursions are included.

Pros: Modern design, pool, frequent 2027 airfare promotions
Cons: Busier ships at about 182 guests, fewer luxury touches

What should I know about Celebrity River Cruises?

Celebrity River Cruises debuts in 2027 with two ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, on the Rhine and Danube. Fares include meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and one shore excursion each day.

Pros: All-day drinks, king beds in every cabin, more dining venues than most river ships
Cons: Brand-new product, no track record yet on the rivers

Is Uniworld really all-inclusive?

Yes. Uniworld includes dining, premium drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi and all onboard gratuities. Each ship is decorated differently, often with original art.

Pros: True all-inclusive, boutique design, small ships of 100 to 160 guests in Europe
Cons: Higher fares, the design can feel formal to some travelers

Why is Tauck so expensive?

Because nearly everything is included. Tauck covers excursions, all gratuities, premium drinks, airport transfers, luggage handling and taxes. It also adds exclusive events, such as a private evening in a Viennese palace.

Pros: Little to pay on board, exclusive experiences, strong family program
Cons: Highest fares, popular departures sell out early

Who is Riverside Luxury Cruises best for?

Travelers who want an all-suite ship and flexible pricing. Riverside took over Crystal's former river fleet. It offers four fare tiers, from accommodation-only to fully all-inclusive with champagne, and gratuities are included on every fare.

Pros: All-suite, butler service, flexible packages
Cons: Small fleet, fewer departure dates

How do I choose the right river cruise line for my travel style?

Answer these four questions, in order:

What is your total budget per person, including tips and drinks? Viking, Emerald & Avalon are from $3,500 per person for an entry-level panoramic window cabin, balcony cabins begin from $4,500 per person. From $5,500 opens Tauck, Uniworld and Riverside.
Do you want to pay once and stop thinking about money? If yes, choose Tauck or Uniworld.
How active do you want your days to be? Bikes and hikes point to AmaWaterways or Avalon Active. Guided walks point to Viking or Tauck.
Is cabin size a priority? If yes, compare Avalon Panorama Suites and AmaWaterways twin balconies.

Book the line, not just the price

The same fare can buy a very different trip. Cabin location, sailing month and river water levels all change the experience. That is where an advisor earns their keep, and you don't pay extra for it. Cruise lines pay advisors directly, and through our Avoya Travel partnership our clients have saved $1,000 to $3,500 per couple in rates and onboard credits.

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Email. danny.stahl@avoyanetwork.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the best river cruise line in 2027?

It depends on your budget and style. Viking is best for first-timers and value, AmaWaterways for active travelers and dining, and Tauck or Uniworld for true all-inclusive travel.

Which river cruise line is the most all-inclusive?

Tauck and Uniworld. Both include excursions, premium drinks all day and gratuities. Riverside includes gratuities on every fare and offers a fully all-inclusive tier.

Is Viking or AmaWaterways better?

Viking is usually less expensive and adults-only. AmaWaterways has larger twin-balcony cabins, free bikes, a wellness program and better dining, and it welcomes families.

How much does a 7-night European river cruise cost in 2027?

Published 2027 lead-in fares start around $2,000 per person on Viking and run above $5,000 per person on Tauck and Uniworld. Add flights, tips and extras on lines that don't include them.

Which river cruise lines allow children?

AmaWaterways, Avalon, Emerald, Uniworld, Tauck and Riverside accept children, and Tauck and Uniworld run family departures. Viking is adults-only, 18 and older.

Does it cost more to book a river cruise through Danny's Adventures?

No. Cruise lines pay advisors a commission that is already built into the fare. Advisors can often add perks, such as onboard credit, that you can't get booking direct.