Top River Cruise Lines of 2025: Reader Favorites

Top River Cruise Lines of 2023

Viking
Tauck
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Aqua Expeditions
American Queen Voyages

After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. GoTravelDaily readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on various parameters including cabins, facilities, food, service, itineraries, excursions, and value. These assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.

The top three river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the world’s largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position, followed by Tauck, a well-known tour and river-ship operator holding onto its No. 2 position. In the third position is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, recognized for excellence in service and unique experiences.

1. Viking

With a fleet of more than 50 contemporary “longships” sailing rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, Viking is often praised for its consistency and reliability. A reader mentioned, “I believe it’s the consistency that makes Viking one of our favorite ways to travel.” The ships serve as light-filled boutique hotels with a Scandinavian design, indoor and outdoor dining options, and thoughtfully crafted itineraries.

Score: 96.77

Learn more: viking.com