From the Rhine to the Mekong. The Nile to the Danube. When in search for the right river cruise, the decision goes beyond which iconic river you want to ride along. You have to ask… which cruise line has the best inclusions? Which has the most exciting excursions? Which is the best cruise line for you?
Look no further than Condé Nast’s Best Cruise Lines in the World from their 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The cruise lines below have been voted as the very best by travellers who love to river cruise, and ranked accordingly.
For more information and further guidance on which river cruise suits you, contact a Tour + Cruise Specialist. We have a vast selection of river cruises from the brands below available on our website. However, we can help you find and book more than those online as well.
Aqua Expeditions | Score: 94.69
Have you ever wanted to cruise the Amazon? Or perhaps the Mekong is more your style? Either way, Aqua Expeditions is a fine choice. From jungle walks and birdwatching to temple visits and bike rides. They’ll take guests into the wild of any destination.
Each vessel features a stunning interior that reflects the respective region’s unique character and culture. Experiment with unique rainforest-to-table dishes or take advantage of kayaks on a river cruise that’s fully equipped for adventure.
Our team of experts would love to assist in booking any itinerary from any cruise line – even if it isn’t currently displayed on our website. Enquire with them today.
The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers | Score: 95.00
The Oberoi Zahra is a five-star luxury Nile cruiser that offers a closer look into one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Taking guests down one of the longest rivers in the world, the Nile. There is a limited number of elegant accommodations on this river cruise.
Revel in all-day fine dining, personalised spa experiences, and guided tours into Egypt’s most iconic sites. Traditional music and dance performances top off this genuine Egyptian adventure.
While this cruise line doesn’t have a spotlight on our website, our Flat Beds Tour + Cruise Specialists can assist in booking anything at any time. Chat with them today.
AmaWaterways | Score: 95.36
Explore hidden gems across the Douro and Magdalena rivers with AmaWaterways. Onboard guests are granted access to flavours inspired by each respective region, accompanied by daily entertainment and cultural performances.
AmaWaterways is dedicated to finding more active ways to discover hidden gems and experience new destinations. In fact, they carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles onboard, which they use for their guided bike tours… but travellers can also partake in hiking adventures if that’s more your speed.
See our selection of AmaWaterways cruises here, then contact a Flat Bed Tour + Cruise Specialist to secure your dream river cruise with AmaWaterways.
Emerald Cruises | Score: 95.95
Emerald Cruises shine along iconic rivers such as the Rhine and Moselle. Relax as ships from the world’s second-best river cruise line take you into the heart of any destination. Bask in fantastic inclusions and amenities found both on board and onshore – from delectable meals to selected complimentary drinks and fascinating excursions.
Travellers can take trips to the next level with Emerald. Experience authentic exploration with access to bikes and hiking adventures. Then revel in inimitable luxury with the unique culinary experiences found onboard.
Contact a Flat Bed Tour + Cruise Specialist to find your ideal Emerald Cruise.
Viking | Score: 96.36
Voted the world’s Best Cruise Line for a River Cruise in 2025. Travellers can explore the Rhine, Nile, Danube rivers and more to the fullest with Viking. Voted by experienced travellers, Viking offers complimentary shore excursions in every port of call, as well as enrichment lectures and destination performances.
Guests on a Viking river cruise can trace iconic rivers around the world and explore historic cities. Accompanied by authentic culinary experiences, beverages with lunch and dinner, onboard gratuities, and more.
Contact a Flat Bed Tour + Cruise Specialist to find your perfect Viking voyage.
Do you want to cruise the rivers of Europe, Egypt, and Asia? The above cruise lines make for fabulous choices – and if you don’t believe Condé Nast… take our word for it! Our team have been on a number of river cruises and can guide you in the right direction (Read our reviews here). Allow our expert Tour + Cruise Specialist to put you on the right path and find the best cruise line for you.
