Everything You Need to Know About a Rhine River Cruise
Starting in the Swiss Alps, and flowing through countries like Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein before emptying into the North Sea via Rotterdam in the Netherlands, the Rhine is one of the world’s most historic waterways; and, a Rhine river cruise is undoubtedly among the best ways to explore Central Europe.
On a river cruise up the Rhine, you’ll have the chance to explore storied medieval castles, to fully immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures, to indulge in sensational regional cuisines, and so much more; you’ll visit both quaint riverside towns and major European cities, with each destination home to incredible onshore experiences you won’t soon forget. To say river cruises on the Rhine are a fantastic experience for any type of traveller would be something of an understatement, in truth; there’s something magical about the Rhine, with its idyllic countryside and charming cosmopolitan cityscapes, and an adventure along any stretch of this river will be unforgettable.
But, what does a Rhine river cruise actually entail? What should you expect if you embark on one? Romanticizing about the Rhine is easy, because it’s such a spectacular travel destination, but these questions are important – and flowery language about old hilltop forts and lively bierkellers will only tell you so much.
So, if you’re thinking about embarking on an adventure along the Rhine River and you want to know more about what to expect, keep reading for a run-through of everything you need to know about Rhine river cruises and what you can expect when you set sail on one.
Contents:
- Why Choose a Rhine River Cruise?
- Top Destinations and Highlights on Rhine River Cruises
- Best Time to Cruise The Rhine
- Top Rhine River Cruise Lines
- Best Rhine River Cruise Deals
- Rhine River Cruise Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rhine River Cruises
Why Choose a Rhine River Cruise?
If you want to explore Central Europe, and not just the major cities but the countryside castles pulled straight from storybooks and the half-timbered town centres that feel like you’re stepping into history, then a cruise along the Rhine River is perfect for you. These river cruises uniquely blend exciting cultures, intriguing histories, authentic cuisines, and jaw-dropping natural scenery to create a comprehensive travel experience unlike anything else out there right now.
On a Rhine river cruise, you’ll visit major urban centres, where cultures clash and blend to create incredible atmospheres with a variety of cuisines and awesome landmarks worth taking time to appreciate. Though, you’ll also visit small towns, where new and exciting authentic cultural experiences await and storied medieval structures loom, waiting for you to uncover their secrets.
Each day will be a different adventure, and you’ll be able to spend it exactly how you want to spend it without any stress or worry; whether you want to take some time to hike uphill and explore a medieval castle constructed centuries prior, or soak up the sunshine while strolling along the river, the choice is yours. The rich variety of Central Europe’s culture, history, and cuisine will continue to excite and delight, with every day as rewarding as the last.
And, then, of course, you have the river cruise experience itself – something that only adds to the remarkable onshore experiences that await on a Rhine river cruise.
On a river cruise, you’ll enjoy the comfort and convenience of well-appointed accommodation, daily fine dining experiences with dishes created using the freshest local ingredients, and the attentive service of an experienced crew on a ship with no more than a couple-hundred other travellers onboard. You’ll also enjoy a comparatively stress-free travel experience, with river cruising taking away any worries you might have about organising travel between destinations, your accommodation each night, restaurant reservations in the evenings, and planning activities for once you arrive. Every excursion available on a river cruise has been carefully organised to ensure you’re making the absolute most of your time in each destination, with guided tours from local experts and informative exploration available alongside exclusive cultural experiences you simply won’t have the chance to enjoy otherwise.
Sure, you’ll need to stick to a schedule, with disembarkation and embarkation times set to ensure you have enough time to enjoy everything on your chosen itinerary, but a river cruise gives you the chance to explore sensational new places each and every day – and that’s an exciting experience like no other.
When you look at everything a Rhine river cruise offers you – from the fact that you only have to unpack once and the relaxed onboard experience to the remarkable history waiting to be uncovered and the immersive cultural experience you won’t find anywhere else – it’s easy to see why anyone would opt for a cruise up the Rhine when it comes to their next getaway.
Top Destinations and Highlights on Rhine River Cruises
Where, though, do you actually get to visit when you’re on a Rhine cruise? We’ve already mentioned that the river flows from the Swiss Alps, through parts of Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Lichtenstein, France, and the Netherlands, but… Well, that’s a little vague, isn’t it?
While every river cruise company boasts its own impressive selection of Rhine river cruises, which in turn boast their own selection of interesting destinations along the river, the following are among the top destinations included on Rhine River cruise itineraries – with a handful of highlights on what you can expect to see and do when you arrive at each one.
Cologne, Germany
This charming city is a cultural hub in western Germany, boasting a fantastic array of interesting landmarks and culinary experiences to enjoy. With both a charming medieval Old Town area and the revitalised Rheinauhafen district, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a lively city centre alongside a host of modern attractions and activities.
Highlights include:
- Cologne Cathedral - the tallest cathedral in the world, and Germany’s most-visited landmark
- Basilica of St. Cunibert - the last Romanesque church built in the city and an impressive example of secular architecture
- Flora Botanical Garden - an expansive greenspace dating back to 1863, home to over 10,000 types of plants
Strasbourg, France
An eclectic French city sitting across the Rhine from the German town of Kehl, this is one of the de facto capitals of the European Union. Here, you’ll find a charming old town with authentic cultural experiences and impressive historical monuments alongside a progressive modernity that lends itself perfectly to urban explorers; the food found here is also a unique blend of both French and German cuisines, making it an incredible place to enjoy a meal.
Highlights include:
- Château Musée Vodou - home to the world’s largest collection of West African voodoo objects
- Strasbourg Cathedral - formerly the world’s tallest building and one of the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture out there
- Place Kléber - the beating heart of Strasbourg, with boutique shopping experiences, authentic cafes, and more
Basel, Switzerland
Widely considered the cultural capital of Switzerland, this city borders both Germany and France, something that affords it a rich melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Tradition is held in high regard here, but innovation is always encouraged, so you’ll encounter a unique blend of authentic cultural experiences and modern attractions here.
Highlights include:
- Kunstmuseum Basel - the oldest public art museum in the world, with paintings from Van Gogh, Gaugin, Monet, and more
- Basel Spalentor - an impressive 15th century city gate and the most magnificent of Basel’s surviving defensive fortifications
- Mittlere Brücke - a historic bridge in the heart of Basel, which was the city’s only river crossing from the 13th century to the late 19th century
Rüdesheim, Germany
A gateway destination for travellers looking to explore Germany’s wine region, this stunning small town on the Rhine is surrounded by stunning scenery; so, it’s the ideal river cruise destination for those of you looking to soak up some sunshine outdoors and everyone wanting to explore the many wines of the Rhine. You’ll also find some fantastic authentic culinary experiences here, and plenty of wine-tastings to indulge in.
Highlights include:
- Drosselgasse - a bustling cobblestone street in the heart of Rüdesheim with charming wine bars, lively taverns, boutique shopping experiences, and more
- Niederwald Monument - a dramatic monument to the Unification of Germany, built between 1871 and 1883
- Rheingau Wine Museum and Brömserburg Castle - one of the oldest fortifications along the Rhine, now hosting a comprehensive museum exploring Oenology
Breisach, Germany
An incredible town on the French border, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest wine cellars here alongside an incredible culture and culinary landscape – one influenced by the French as much as the Germans. Offering a more laid-back environment to enjoy, this is the ideal destination to appreciate authentically what life is like living on the Rhine.
Highlights include:
- Breisacher Stephansmünster - an impressive Romanesque cathedral constructed in the late 12th century
- The Rheintor - one of Breisach’s only surviving French structures, symbolising this town’s unique history
- Badischer Winzerkeller - the region’s largest wine producer and one of the largest wine cellars in Europe, with more than 500 wines available annually
An Example Rhine River Cruise Itinerary
If you’re sitting there wondering how all these incredible destinations come together to form one comprehensive river cruise experience, you’re not alone; so, let’s take a look at an example itinerary. Below, you’ll find a brief day-by-day look at a popular Rhine river cruise itinerary. The itinerary in question is…
Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam, a seven-night river cruise itinerary aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto
- Day One – flying into Amsterdam, you’ll spend a night onboard AmaCerto before departing the following morning
- Day Two - you’ll arrive in Utrecht, spending the day here before departing
- Day Three - by this morning, you’ll arrive in Dusseldorf, where you’ll spend the day
- Day Four - arriving in Rudesheim in the morning, you’ll spend the whole day here, with an overnight stay onboard in Rudesheim
- Day Five - during the morning, you’ll travel to Ludwigshafen, where you’ll spend the day
- Day Six - by the morning, you’ll arrive in Strasbourg, for a day of exploring ashore
- Day Seven - arriving in Breisach by the morning, you’ll enjoy a day exploring this German town before travelling to Basel in the evening
- Day Eight - following a night in Basel, you’ll disembark and head to the airport to meet your flight home
Best Time to Cruise The Rhine
When it comes to working out what the best time to cruise the Rhine river actually is, it’s important to consider the sort of river cruise experience you’re after. If you’re someone who would rather avoid the crowds, and you’re not worried about the occasional light shower while onshore, embarking on a Rhine cruise throughout spring and during autumn is the ideal option. The weather throughout April and May, and during September and October, is often pleasant and you’ll also avoid being caught up in the busier summer travel season. Autumn is also the best time to travel along the Rhine if you’re an oenophile: a wine-lover. This is primarily when the region’s grapes are harvested, so visiting vineyards and sampling the local specialties is even more rewarding during this season.
That being said, travelling along the Rhine River during the summer months – from June to August – has its advantages. Sure, it’s going to be a little busier when you head ashore, but the weather will be warmer, there will be more businesses open in smaller ports of call, and the days will be longer. This isn’t necessarily going to affect how long you have to explore each port of call, as river cruise itineraries have a schedule to stick to whatever the weather, but it will mean that there will be more sunshine to enjoy and less chance of rain – which is never a bad thing when spending an evening aboard a river cruise ship.
If, though, you’re looking for some snowfall and a little more festivity from your river cruise, then the winter months are when you should consider river cruises on the Rhine. You may run the risk of adverse weather conditions affecting your itinerary, although this is rather unlikely, but you’ll have the chance to spend some time enjoying various Christmas markets and festive celebrations throughout Central Europe.
We know that might be a bit of a broad answer, that there’s never a bad time to cruise the Rhine River, but there are pros and cons to every season; it’s really all about considering what you’re hoping to get from your holiday and the sorts of experiences you’re hoping to enjoy when heading ashore.
Top Rhine River Cruise Lines
If you’re ready to embark on an adventure along one of Europe’s most remarkable rivers, it’s important to consider which river cruise line is right for your upcoming Rhine river cruise. Thankfully, though, there are no real bad options, so you’ll have plenty of itineraries to choose from when it comes to booking; however, the following river cruise lines are among the best out there right now:
- AmaWaterways – elegant onboard experience with immersive shore excursions
- Scenic River Cruises – unrivalled luxury and exclusive destination experiences
- Emerald River Cruises – stylish, with excellent service and unforgettable excursions
Best Rhine River Cruise Deals
Still on the fence about which river cruise to choose? It’s certainly not an easy choice, with so many fantastic river cruise deals out there to choose from. So, that’s why we’ve gone through all the incredible itineraries available in the coming months and chosen a handful of highlights. The following are among the most exciting upcoming Rhine river cruises for you to check out:
- Enchanting Rhine Christmas Cruise from Basel (7 nights) - AmaLucia, Dec 2025
- Jewels of Europe from Amsterdam (14 nights) - Scenic Jade, Mar 2026
- Captivating Rhine from Amsterdam (7 nights) - AmaCerto, May 2026
- Enchanting Rhine from Basel (7 nights) - AmaCerto, Sep 2026
- Jewels of the Rhine from Amsterdam (7 nights) - Emerald Destiny, Nov 2026
- Rhine Christmas Markets from Zurich (7 nights) - Scenic Jade, Dec 2026
Rhine River Cruise Tips
If you’re thinking about booking yourself onto a Rhine river cruise, but you’re not feeling fully prepared for your adventure, here’s a few more useful tips and important information you’ll want to keep in mind.
Pack Comfortable Walking Shoes
River cruises, especially those along the Rhine River, can include a lot of walking; so, it’s important to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes when embarking on an adventure like this. You’re not going to need to go hiking up any hills if you don’t want to, but you will find that walking tours are often an option when arriving at each port of call; although, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views if you decide to venture up to a hilltop vantage point or two while ashore. You'll find more on must-have cruise gear right here, as walking shoes aren't the only thing worth sticking in your suitcase!
Prepare for Quick Weather Changes
While it’s easy to check the weather for Central Europe ahead of your Rhine river cruise, it’s always important to be prepared for a quick change in the weather. Just like home, windy weather and rain can come and go quite quickly while cruising along the Rhine. So, even if you’re expecting sunny weather throughout your cruise, it’s far from a bad idea to pack a light windbreaker and waterproof coat – at the very least. Layers, for when the weather is cooler in the evenings, is also a good idea; if you want to spend some time out on deck when the evening rolls around, you may find that it gets a bit chilly on some days.
Keep Currencies in Mind
On a Rhine river cruise, you’ll find that the primary currency in use – both onboard and ashore – is the Euro. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that some destinations on your itinerary may operate using a different currency; Switzerland, for example, uses the Swiss Franc.
With river cruise ships a cashless experience, and the fact that the currency isn’t going to change mid-itinerary, you won’t need to worry about that while onboard. Although, it’s worth keeping in mind when heading ashore. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Europe, which will make managing this easier, but in the instances where cash is required, it’s important to keep this in mind. Most modern banks will allow you to withdraw a foreign currency from an ATM abroad for an additional fee, though.
Don’t Skip the Daily Port Talk
No one wants to be lectured when on holiday, but the daily port talks you’ll encounter on a Rhine river cruise are far more important than you might think – and they can be quite entertaining, too!
Outlining the following day’s shore excursions and the activities you’ll come across at your next port of call, these talks are a fantastic way to get familiarised with a new place ahead of disembarkation; and, they’re the perfect place to ask any questions you might have. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems ahead of your next adventure or you want to raise any concerns you might have about an upcoming excursion, this is one of the best times to get the answers you’re after.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhine River Cruises
Where do Rhine river cruises start and end?
Often travelling between two major cities, Rhine River cruise itineraries feature a number of starting points and ending points; and, you’ll find some river cruises combine the Rhine with another river, like the Main River or Danube, which will further change where you start and end. However, popular starting and ending points include Amsterdam and Basel, with Rhine river cruises travelling in both directions between the two.
What’s the prettiest part of the Rhine River?
While there isn’t a bad part of the Rhine to sightsee when sailing, as you’ll encounter spectacular scenery along all of it, the Rhine Gorge – which is another name for the stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Rüdesheim – is regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of this river. Boasting historic towns with medieval castles, luscious countryside-covered hills, and plenty of vibrant vineyards, the sightseeing experience here is exceptional.
How much does a Rhine river cruise cost?
This is something that varies depending on the river cruise line you sail with, the accommodation you decide to book, and how long your river cruise itinerary is. That, and whether you add any additional extras to your river cruise fare, like a premium drinks package. For a seven-night Rhine river cruise, you can pay anything from around £1,900 per person to £4,500 per person, and more. It all depends on the cabin or suite you’re booking yourself into, and which cruise line you’re travelling with.
How many passengers does a Rhine river cruise have?
While this varies from river cruise ship to river cruise ship, you’ll find that river cruise ships can usually accommodate between 150 and 300 passengers at any one time. So, while the ships themselves are smaller than ocean cruise ships, there’s also far fewer passengers onboard at once.
Does the Rhine connect to the Danube River?
Yes, the Rhine River and the Danube River are connected by the Main-Danube Canal – a canal that links the Main River, which is a tributary of the Rhine, to the Danube. In some instances, you’ll find river cruises that sail along parts of all three rivers, not just the Rhine.
Book Your Next Cruise Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today
While we have a sensational selection of river cruises and river cruise deals available, Iglu Cruise also always has sensational offers on ocean cruises too! From last-minute deals and luxury sailings to family cruises and short breaks. Wherever in the world you want to travel, Iglu Cruise has a fantastic cruise itinerary waiting for you!
Although, if you’re still looking for more information on cruising before committing to booking a getaway, check out this selection of the latest blogs from the Iglu Cruise team:
