2025 Readers' Choice Awards: Best river cruise line

Winner: Viking

Why you love it…

This adults-only cruise line takes river exploration to soaring heights with its attentive staff and elegant amenities, which rival any fine hotel. Its extensive fleet of smaller, intimate vessels meander along Europe’s tranquil waterways, Egypt’s Nile, the Mississippi in the United States and Asia’s Mekong River.

Hot tip…

Plan to stay an extra couple of days in your departure city before the cruise begins to allow yourself extra time to explore and adjust to the time zone.

Runners-up

Scenic

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, Scenic’s all-inclusive river journeys promise butler service, all-day bubbles and handmade shore excursions.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Imagined as boutique floating hotels, Uniworld’s luxury river vessels are uniquely designed to reflect their destinations and highlight gourmet cuisine.

Tauck

Crafting transformative experiences since 1925, this upscale cruise line provides exclusive access to historic venues and unique cultural experiences across more than 70 countries.

APT Luxury Travel

From cruising the biodiverse Amazon to Portugal’s spectacular vineyard-lined Douro River, APT draws on expert local knowledge to immerse guests in exceptional destinations.

Avalon Waterways

Flaunting ships that average just 150 guests and suites with wall-to-wall windows and beds facing enchanting views, Avalon Waterways redefines river cruising comfort.

For all the winners and runners-up, visit our 2025 Readers’ Choice hub.