River cruising has never been more tempting, with cruise lines offering significant discounts on some of the world’s most sought-after waterways.
Whether you’re dreaming of sailing through Europe’s fairytale castles and Christmas markets, discovering the wine regions of Portugal’s Douro Valley, or exploring the vibrant culture of Colombia along the Magdalena River, these river cruises offer something for everyone.
You can save up to $10,000 per couple on Avalon Waterways’ 15-day Rhine and Seine itinerary, or take advantage of APT’s savings of up to $4,000 per person on festive European cruises, with flights included on selected departures. Travelmarvel’s 15-day Budapest to Amsterdam itinerary starts from just $5,495 per person, while AmaWaterways’ seven-night Colombia river cruise is available from $4,706 per person, both offering exceptional value.
Read on for our pick of the best river cruise deals available now.
Avalon Waterways
Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine
- Cruise onboard one of Avalon’s award-winning Suite ShipsSM.
- Sail for 15 days from Basel to Paris.
- From $7716 per person, price based on 09/11/26 departure.
Experience two of Europe’s most beautiful and iconic waterways on this journey with Avalon Waterways. Cruise along the Seine and Reine Rivers and discover enchanting cities, stunning scenery and historic vineyards.
The highlights:
- Explore the picturesque town of Breisach, gateway to Germany’s enchanting Black Forest.
- Discover the unique blend of French and German culture in Strasbourg, one of Europe’s most beautiful border cities.
- Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, where medieval castles tower above the river from dramatic cliff tops.
- Visit Cologne and marvel at its world-famous Gothic cathedral and 2,000 years of history.
- Experience the canals, culture and vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam.
- Travel to Paris by high-speed train before embarking on a scenic cruise along the Seine.
- Enjoy stops in charming French towns, historic Norman ports and celebrated wine regions.
- Spend time exploring Paris, with guided tours showcasing both its hidden corners and iconic landmarks.
- Depending on the season, enjoy special experiences such as spring strawberry picking, summer brewery tastings, autumn vineyard visits, cider tastings and the dazzling Rouen Cathedral light show.
- Take in ever-changing riverside scenery, from Normandy’s historic shores to the fairytale landscapes of the Rhine Valley.
What’s included:
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor.
- Active shore excursions, both included and optional.
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship.
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges.
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day.
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favourites.
- Daily breakfast buffet with a full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh options and daily a la carte specials.
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at the Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
Price:
WAS: $12,716 NOW: $7716 (Save $10,000 per couple).
Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Northbound)
- Cruise onboard one of Avalon’s award-winning Suite ShipsSM.
- Sail for 15 days from Arles to Amsterdam.
- From $9416 per person, price based on 23/03/27 departure.
Explore the best of France and Germany on this unforgettable river cruise along the Rhône and Rhine. Sailing through four countries, you’ll drift past rolling vineyards, fairytale castles, dramatic landscapes and a captivating mix of medieval towns and vibrant modern cities.
The highlights:
- Embark on your ship in Arles and enjoy an overnight docking before exploring the city on a guided tour and a visit to the Amphitheatre. You can also attend a painting workshop to learn the techniques of the formidable Vincent Van Gogh.
- Journey on to the charming French village of Viviers, and explore the pale-stone buildings, Romanesque cathedral and beautiful Old Town.
- Visit the rolling landscapes of the Mâconnais region and learn about its world-famous Chardonnay vineyards before enjoying a tasting in the cellars of a real medieval castle.
- Explore Lyon’s architectural district by bike, over bridges and along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
- In Breisach, head to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration.
- Sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and take in the views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water.
- Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise.
What’s included:
- Elegant, contemporary design & decor.
- Active shore excursions, both included and optional.
- Panoramic windows throughout the ship.
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi.
- Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges.
- Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day.
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favourites.
- Daily breakfast buffet with a full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh options and daily a la carte specials.
- Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at the Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
The price:
WAS: $13,616 NOW: $9416 per person. (Save up to $4200 per couple).
AmaWaterways
Taste of Bordeaux
- Cruise on the Dordogne-Garonne river for seven nights.
- Set sail on an eight-day round-trip cruise from Bordeaux.
- Price from $5528 based on 12/11/26 departure.
Experience the stunning waterways of southwestern France, from manicured vineyards and world-class wines to quaint villages and picturesque buildings.
The highlights:
- Board your river ship in Bordeaux and journey to Libourne, the gateway to Bordeaux’s most celebrated vineyards. Wander through sun-drenched villages, explore limestone-carved churches, or pedal through the lush, vineyard-clad countryside.
- Travel to the grand Blaye’s citadel, then cycle past riverbanks and medieval villages in the golden light of the afternoon. End your day surrounded by live French music and the warmth of local winemakers sharing their craft.
- Cruise through the rolling vineyards of the Médoc region, famous for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends.
- Marvel at Cadillac’s castles, where centuries of history are etched into stone walls and grand halls. Pedal through quaint streets or explore opulent châteaux, and let the region’s rich heritage unfold around you.
- Return to Bordeaux and stroll through iconic markets, explore world-class museums, or ride along scenic paths while the city’s architecture and ambience unfold around you.
What’s included:
- Spacious accommodation aboard AmaDolce, which carries just 144 passengers.
- All meals on board are included, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner on European cruises.
- Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock. Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
- Shore excursions led by expert local guides.
- Onboard Wi-Fi.
- The services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your journey.
Price:
WAS: $6849, NOW: $6474. (Save $375 per person).
Magic of Colombia
- Cruise down the Magdalena River for seven nights.
- Sail aboard the AmaMagdalena or AmaMelodia from Barranquilla to Cartagena.
- Price from $4706 based on 05/11/26 departure.
Cruise along Colombia’s iconic Magdalena River, exploring destinations that showcase the country’s vibrant culture, musical traditions and rich heritage.
The highlights:
- Start your cruise with an exclusive Carnaval celebration bursting with colour, music and dance.
- Head down the Magdalena towards Sitio Nuevo, where you can wander through quiet streets, watch artisans at work, and savour the scents and flavours of local delicacies.
- Board a small boat and drift through the emerald wetlands of Boca de Tacaloa, where vibrant birdlife and untamed nature create a living sanctuary. As evening falls, arrive in Mompox and feel the streets come alive with an exclusive open-air jazz performance.
- Ride through Calamar by Paola, soaking in the streets and riverside rhythm, before drifting onward to Palenque, the first ‘free town’ in the Americas.
- Finally, drift into Cartagena, where sunlit streets, colourful neighbourhoods, and lively plazas shimmer along the Caribbean coast. Wander through vibrant corners alive with music, art, and local flavours, feeling the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and coastal spirit.
What’s included:
- Spacious accommodation aboard AmaMagdalena (capacity of 60 passengers) or AmaMelodia (capacity of 64 passengers).
- All meals on board are included, along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour before dinner on European cruises.
- Coffee, tea, and bottled water are available around the clock. Premium beverages and imported wines are available for purchase.
- Shore excursions led by expert local guides.
- Onboard Wi-Fi.
- The services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your journey.
Price:
WAS: $5831, NOW: $4706. (Save $1125 per person).
APT
Magnificent Europe with Christmas and New Year’s Eve
- Cruise on board the APT Solara or APT Ostara.
- Sail for 16-days from Amsterdam to Budapest.
- Price from $9995 plus flights included, based on departure on 18/12/26.
Celebrate the festive season in style on a 16-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, combining elegant dining, enchanting Christmas traditions and unforgettable cultural experiences. Spend Christmas Day in the storybook city of Nuremberg, surrounded by centuries-old festive charm, before ringing in the New Year in lively Bratislava.
The highlights:
- Travel to a traditional restaurant overlooking Salzburg for a show featuring songs from ‘The Sound of Music’.
- Step inside the magnificent Namedy Castle for an exclusive visit thanks to Princess Heide von Hohenzollern, who warmly welcomes APT guests into her private residence. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens during this exclusive Signature Experience, you’ll attend a cocktail party, where a pianist sets the mood.
- Head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna and enjoy an exclusive cocktail party and private recital.
- Glide over the vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.
- Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town’s remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia’s oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.
- Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations in the world.
What’s included:
- Experiences in 14 destinations.
- 15 nights on a brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Ostara.
- Freedom of Choice inclusions.
- A total of 44 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages.
- In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites.
- The services of an expert Cruise Director.
- Transfers, port charges and gratuities.
Price:
WAS: $13,995, NOW: $9995, (Save $4000 per person, plus flights included).
Douro Delights
- Cruise on board the MS Estrela for seven nights and spend one night in land accommodation.
- Sail down the Douro from Madrid to Porto.
- From $6995 per person, based on 16/06/27 departure.
Begin your journey in the vibrant Spanish capital of Madrid before embarking on a seven-night cruise along the Douro River aboard the MS Estrela. Discover the highlights of Portugal’s Douro Valley as you explore medieval towns and sample local cuisine. Visit Palácio da Bolsa and experience a wine tasting at Quinta da Aveleda.
The highlights:
- Visit Quinta da Pacheca for a traditional lunch and tasting with views over Portugal’s Douro River and Régua.
- Sample wine and cheese at Quinta da Aveleda, a family business that has been producing wine in the Douro region since the 1870s.
- Head to Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.
- Put on your baker’s apron for a hands-on class devoted to Portugal’s most beloved sweet, the pastéis de nata. Guided by a renowned chef, discover the secrets behind its delicate, flaky pastry and silky custard filling as you take part in the preparation process yourself.
- Visit Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto’s famous Port wine cellars. Take a guided tour of the recently renovated 300-year-old cellars, learn about its history and production today, followed by a tasting.
- Explore the ancient city of Salamanca and see the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Vega de Terron.
What’s included:
- Experiences in seven destinations.
- A total of 21 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages.
- One night’s land accommodation and seven nights on the river ship MS Estrela.
- Expert Tour and Cruise Directors.
- Transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities.
- Freedom of Choice inclusions.
Price:
WAS: $8395, NOW: $6995. Save $1100 per person ($2200 per couple).
Travelmarvel
European Gems
- Sail aboard one of Travelmarvel’s state-of-the-art river ships for 15 days.
- Journey from Budapest to Amsterdam.
- From $5495 based on 04/11/27 and 08/11/27 departures.
Explore some of Europe’s most captivating cities on this jam-packed cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Along the way, you’ll discover elegant Vienna, charming German towns and villages, and finish in the canals and cobbled streets of Amsterdam.
The highlights:
- Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour. You’ll then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you’re treated to a private opera recital.
- Sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, where you’ll tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.
- Enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
- Discover Bamberg, one of the few German cities largely spared destruction during World War II. Join a locally guided tour of its historic centre, taking in sights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral.
- Explore the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl, the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria. Discover its history and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace with the nearby hunting lodge.
- Cruise Amsterdam’s picturesque canals aboard a sleek glass-covered boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s historic architecture and charming bridges.
What’s included:
- 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship.
- Explore 14 towns, villages and cities.
- Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides.
- 41 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners.
- Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise.
- Transfers, port charges and tipping.
Price:
WAS: $8295, NOW: $5495 per person (save $2800 per person).
Treasures of Egypt and the Nile
- Sail round-trip from Cairo for 11 days.
- Cruise aboard Travelmarvel’s new Egypt river ship, Travelmarvel Sirius.
- From $5700 per person based on 19/09/2026 departure.
Explore the wonders of Egypt on a journey that combines the energy of Cairo with the timeless beauty of the Nile. Cruise aboard Travelmarvel’s new Travelmarvel Sirius as you discover ancient temples, iconic landmarks, bustling bazaars and thousands of years of history.
The highlights:
- In Cairo, explore the Giza Plateau with your Egyptologist guide and uncover the mysteries of the Great Pyramids. Nearby, see the huge Sphinx and learn about the construction and importance of these sites to the Egyptians.
- Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, where ancient artefacts and modern design come together in a striking tribute to Egypt’s dynastic past.
- Fly from Cairo to Luxor and experience Upper Egypt, where you’ll visit the vast Karnak Temple Complex and walk among towering columns and sacred halls that once echoed with ancient rituals.
- Enjoy a special visit to Dendera, where the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor reveals intricate carvings, celestial ceilings and sacred spaces that offer a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian spirituality.
- Admire the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu, explore its towering pylons, detailed reliefs and sacred halls in honour of the falcon god.
- Unwind in the serene and storied Aswan, where you can choose to glide along the Nile aboard a traditional felucca as the sun sets.
- Discover the Valley of the Kings and Queens, once the sacred burial ground of pharaohs, queens and priests, and step into the awe-inspiring Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
What’s included:
- Seven-night Nile River cruise on Travelmarvel Sirius.
- Three nights in premium accommodation.
- 25 meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners, plus select local wine and beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Nile River cruise.
- The services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, qualified Egyptologist Tour Directors, and expert local guides.
- Transfers, port charges, tipping and entrance fees.
- Exclusive charter flights within Egypt as per the itinerary.
- Discover the ancient Luxor Temple.
- Visit the incredible temples of Abu Simbel.
Price:
WAS: $8895, NOW: $5700. (Save $3195 per person).
