Relive the opulence of a bygone era as you cruise along Europe’s legendary rivers and seas. Europe’s rivers and valleys abound in romance, from the Danube to the Rhine, the Main to the Moselle. Charming port villages beg to be explored.
Small Ship Luxury Cruises helps to pair you with the perfect small ship or river cruise destination. With our extensive knowledge and experience traveling around the globe, we categorize the best in cruises by season as well as popularity. While we may recommend peak travel opportunities, our team can accommodate any request to travel abroad year-round.
European River
Luxury European River Cruises
Sail past picturesque landscapes, ancient castles, and lush vineyards. Indulge in world-class cuisine, admire stunning architecture, and relax in comfort aboard our state-of-the-art river ships. This is the perfect way to explore some of the most enchanting destinations in Europe.
Recommended Luxury European River Ships
We have hand-selected only the finest European river ships with the highest standards of personalized service as the basis for crafting your custom-designed European experience.
River Duchess
Live the fairy tale of a lifetime aboard the 130-passenger River Duchess, one of Europe’s classic riverboats, sailing along the most enchanting waterways.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
River Empress
Experience life in the lap of luxury with the slow-moving river cruises from River Empress, where you can enjoy a truly authentic European vacation aboard one of the most luxurious vessels along the Rhine or Danube Rivers.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
River Princess
From the imposing grandeur of its massive bronze-and-glass atrium to its exquisite dining spaces and endless horizon decks, the 128-guest River Princess sets an indulgent and luxurious tone for your European journey.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
River Queen
River Queen is a luxury European river cruiser with an exterior reminiscent of 1930s steamships and an Art Deco interior.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
S.S. Antoinette
Uniworld's first Super Ship, is where you'll find a world of luxury, romance, and elegance. This 442-foot ship, anchored in the Swiss city of Basel and nestled in the Rhine River Valley, exudes a timeless elegance.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
S.S. Beatrice
A modern yacht with light wood and blue finishes, Murano chandeliers, marble floors, nickel-detailed ironwork, and signature Austrian composer-inspired restaurants and bars.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
S.S. Bon Voyage
This super ship has been designed as an immersive experience into French life, art, and culinary delights, from its stunning, handcrafted décor in the lobby and dining areas to the spacious suites.
| 12-28 Day | 130 Passengers |
S.S. Catherine
The opulence of S.S. Catherine will astound you, from her enormous, intricate Murano glass chandelier in the lobby to custom furniture created by world-renowned designers.
| 12-28 Day | 159 Passengers |
S.S. Joie de Vivre
Step aboard this floating pied-à-terre in France, with handcrafted furniture and fine antiques, original artwork, and signature accents inspired by 20th-century Parisian design.
| 12-28 Day | 159 Passengers |
S.S. La Venezia (new)
A complete redesign of the legendary River Countess, debuting as the S.S. La Venezia in 2020, was inspired by Northern Italy and luxe Fortuny fabrics.
| 12-28 Day | 146 Passengers |
S.S. Maria Theresa
An elegant and gracious monarch, S.S. Maria Theresa is one of Europe's most beloved and longest-reigning monarchs. Her warm and gracious spirit is reflected throughout her namesake ship.
| 12-28 Day | 150 Passengers |
S.S. São Gabriel (new)
São Gabriel (new) is a luxurious cruise ship, bringing the Douro River Valley region to life through its décor and delectable food and wine.
| 12-28 Day | 100 Passengers |
The A
The floating hotel for the 21st century,
| 12-28 Day | 120 Passengers |
The B
With all the fun and unique amenities of a boutique hotel, The B is the only ocean-going hotel of its kind in the world.
| 12-28 Day | 120 Passengers |
European River Cruising in Style
Not to miss in Europe
Windmills have been a part of Dutch culture for centuries, and there’s something truly special about seeing them in person. They’re the only set of fairytale windmills in the world built in the early 1800s. These windmills have been beautifully restored and are now open to the public. You can climb up into the towers to get a great view of the surrounding countryside, and take a walk or bike around the gardens. There are miles and miles of bike paths that wind through the tulip fields and past these iconic structures.
Paris is a city renowned for its beauty and splendor. Whether you’re admiring the architecture of the Louvre or Notre Dame, or simply people watching on the Champs-Élysées, there’s always something to see in Paris. Experience the romance of the Eiffel Tower, and stroll along the Seine River. Our guided tour offers a unique perspective on Parisian life and culture.
Savor the taste of France with a visit to her famed wineries in Beaujolais, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. Sample some of the best wines in the world while enjoying stunning countryside views. From the fruity and light Beaujolais wines to the complex and full-bodied Bordeaux reds, there is a wine for everyone to enjoy. And if that’s not enough, there are also burgundy wines, with their earthy notes and subtle flavors. So come and explore France’s many wineries, each one with its own unique history and charm.
Vienna is the birthplace of classical music and the home to some of its most legendary composers. A tour of Vienna’s classical music legacy is a journey through the history of Western music. From Bach and Mozart, to Beethoven and Brahms, visitors can explore the works of these masters and learn about their lives and times. The city’s many concert halls and museums are filled with treasures from the Golden Age of classical music.
Lyon, located in the southeast of France, is world-famous for its gastronomy. With centuries-old culinary traditions and an inventive spirit, Lyon has something to offer everyone who loves good food, from fine restaurants to simple bistros. The city is also home to a large number of food producers and artisans, so you can be sure that everything you eat is of the highest quality.
Among the classic specialties are Poulet de Bresse, a succulent chicken in mushroom sauce, Quenelle, a fish dumpling, and salade Lyonnaise. Those with a sweet tooth will undoubtedly like the coussins de Lyon.
Best times for a European river cruise
Whether you’re looking to explore historical landmarks, sample local cuisine, or take part in outdoor activities, there’s no bad time for a European river cruise. However, the summer months of June through August offer the best combination of warm weather and days that are longer.
Europe is a beautiful place to cruise year-round, but the summertime offers some unique advantages that other times of the year cannot match. The weather is warm and inviting without being too hot, and the long days make it possible to see and do more in a shorter amount of time. Plus, major tourist destinations are less crowded during the summer months, making it easier to explore all that Europe has to offer.
Fall is an ideal time to cruise Europe because the weather is mild and pleasant, there are fewer tourists, and there are plenty of fun fall activities to enjoy. The leaves are changing color, the air is crisp and refreshing, and the cities are festive with holiday decorations. You can enjoy all the sights and sounds of Europe without dealing with the crowds or extreme temperatures. However, the lower number of visitors also reduces the length of time that attractions must be open. If it’s a lesser-known area or an outdoor attraction, it might close entirely in the fall.
Why cruise Europe with Small Ship Luxury Cruises?
We get to know you on a personal level so that we can accommodate your preferences, needs, and expectations before we begin planning your ideal European experience.
We work with only the finest European river ships with the highest levels of personalized service. From there, we listen to what you desire and use our insider knowledge to make the best fit for you and your guests.
Our experienced travel concierges plan your European trip from beginning to end, eliminating the time investment and stress so often associated with planning a vacation to a destination as complicated as Europe.
Just tell our Europe concierges about your dream trip to the region and they will assist you with planning every detail of the process.
While Small Ship Luxury Cruises helps you discover the best cruise destinations, our team of travel concierges can coordinate a completely customized itinerary to Europe to accommodate any request. If you don’t see a particular destination or activity highlighted on our website, don’t worry! We would be happy to work with you in curating your one-of-a-kind travel experience.
