Evelyn Ivy Travel
River Cruises
From the Mississippi to the Danube, see a destination from the water, one beautiful stop at a time.
River cruising offers a completely different pace from a traditional ocean cruise. Smaller ships bring you closer to the places you came to see, with days built around historic towns, local culture, scenery, food, and guided exploration. And you do not have to fly to Europe to experience it.
Where Would You Like to River Cruise?
Two Very Different Ways to See More
Stay closer to home on an American river journey, or travel through Europe one river and historic city at a time.
U.S. River Cruises
Mississippi history. Pacific Northwest scenery. American cities, wine country, river towns, and waterways closer to home.
Explore U.S. River CruisesEuropean River Cruises
Castles, vineyards, historic cities, charming towns, wine regions, and Christmas markets along Europe’s great rivers.
Explore European River CruisesU.S. River Cruises
River Cruising, Closer to Home
The Mississippi may be the best-known American river cruise, but it is only the beginning. U.S. river and small-ship journeys can take you through the Pacific Northwest, Ohio River Valley, Hudson River, and other historic waterways.
Featured U.S. River Pick
American Cruise Lines
Best for broad U.S. river + small-ship choices
American Cruise Lines is the first place I look for travelers who want to explore the United States by river and small ship, with journeys across several American waterways.
Destination Focused
Viking Mississippi
Best for classic Mississippi exploration
Viking brings its destination-focused approach to the Mississippi aboard a ship designed specifically for American river cruising.
Explore America by Water
Which U.S. River Experience Fits You?
Mississippi River
Southern history, music, river towns, and journeys ranging from the Lower Mississippi to longer north-south routes.
Columbia + Snake Rivers
Pacific Northwest scenery, waterfalls, wine country, and Lewis & Clark history.
Ohio River
Historic river cities and small towns through the Ohio River Valley.
Hudson River
New York history, river towns, Hudson Valley scenery, and seasonal fall-foliage journeys.
European River Cruises
Europe, One River at a Time
European river cruising lets you wake up near historic cities and small towns with fewer transfers and less packing than many traditional multi-city trips. The cruise line matters too. Some feel active and contemporary, others classic, panoramic, or boutique luxury.
Active + Food & Wine
AmaWaterways
Best for active travelers + couples
A polished river-cruise option with varied guided activity levels and a strong food-and-wine focus across major European river regions.
Classic + Destination Focused
Viking River Cruises
Best for destination immersion
A classic destination-focused river experience with an extensive European program across many of the continent’s best-known waterways.
Panoramic + Relaxed
Avalon Waterways
Best for river views + flexibility
Especially appealing to travelers who want the river view to be part of the room, with panoramic cabin design and a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere.
Boutique Luxury
Uniworld
Best for highly styled river luxury
A distinctive boutique-luxury option with individually designed ships and highly curated European itineraries.
Find Your European River
Where Could the River Take You?
Vienna, Budapest, castles, music + historic capitals
Castles, vineyards, the Rhine Gorge + historic towns
Paris, Normandy + French river towns
Provence, food, wine + southern France
Wine country, landscapes + Portuguese culture
Festive river journeys on waterways such as the Rhine + Danube
First River Cruise?
Ocean Cruise or River Cruise? They Are Very Different.
River ships are smaller, the destination is usually the main event, and the onboard experience is generally quieter than on a large ocean ship. Cabins, excursions, beverages, gratuities, activity levels, and inclusions also vary by cruise line.
Help Me Find My River CruiseGood to Know
Accessibility + Mobility Matter
River cruising can involve gangways, cobblestones, stairs, walking tours, and changing water levels. Accessibility varies significantly by ship and itinerary, so mobility needs should be considered before choosing the cruise.
Your River Journey Starts Here
Ready to Find Your River?
Tell me whether you’re dreaming about the Mississippi, the Pacific Northwest, Europe, Christmas markets, wine country, or simply a slower way to see more. I’ll help you compare the river, cruise line, ship, itinerary, and what is included.
Start Planning My River Cruise