5 Best River Cruises for Couples Who Want Relaxation, Culture & No Kids

If you and your partner are dreaming of a peaceful, culturally rich getaway without kids’ clubs, crowded pools or noisy nightlife, then exploring the best river cruises for couples could be the ideal solution. River cruising offers a slower, more intimate way to travel—where the journey is just as beautiful as the destinations you visit.

Unlike big ocean ships, river cruise vessels typically carry only 100–200 passengers, creating a relaxed, adult‑friendly atmosphere. Many lines actively cater to couples and mature travellers, focusing on fine dining, cultural excursions and tranquil onboard spaces instead of casinos and water slides.

In this guide, we’ll quickly cover why river cruising can be a better option than ocean cruising for some couples, then break down five of the best river cruise lines for couples: Viking, Uniworld, Scenic, AmaWaterways and Avalon.

Why River Cruises Are Ideal for Couples

Before we dive into individual lines, it helps to understand what sets river cruising apart and why so many travellers consider them among the best river cruises for couples.

1. Smaller ships, quieter atmosphere
River ships are much smaller than ocean liners—often accommodating just 100–200 guests. This naturally creates:

• A more intimate, peaceful environment
• Less walking and fewer crowds onboard
• Easier access to all amenities

For older couples or anyone who prefers a slower pace, the smaller scale feels more like a boutique hotel than a floating resort.

2. Constant scenery and minimal “sea days”
On an ocean cruise, you can spend full days at sea with nothing but water in view. On a river cruise:

• You’re almost always close to shore, with constant views of villages, vineyards and castles.
• There’s no sense of isolation, and seasickness is practically a non‑issue because river waters are calm.

You can sit in the lounge or on deck and watch Europe, Asia or South America glide by right outside your window.

3. Dock in the heart of cities and towns
River ships usually dock:

• Right in the centre of the town or city
• Within easy walking distance of main sights

There are no long tender rides or large, busy port terminals to navigate. This means more time exploring and less time in transit, which is a big plus if your holiday is only a week or two long.

4. Cultural focus over onboard gimmicks
For many mature travellers, this cultural focus is exactly what makes river cruising feel like one of the best cruise options for couples who prefer experiences over entertainment.

• Guided walking tours
• Museum and landmark visits
• Wine tastings and market visits
• Local music, dance or cultural performances

Instead of water slides, giant theatres and late‑night parties, you’ll find enrichment lectures, quiet lounges and opportunities to connect with the destinations you’re visiting.

For an official overview of how river cruising works and where you can sail, you can also browse the information from the Cruise Lines International Association here:
https://cruising.org

Viking: Adult‑Focused River Cruises for Culture‑Loving Couples

Viking is one of the most recognisable names among the best river cruises for couples, especially for those who value an adult‑only environment and destination‑focused itineraries.

Adults‑only atmosphere
Viking’s river cruises typically have an age policy of no children under 18, making them:

• Ideal for couples who want a quiet, grown‑up atmosphere
• Free from kids’ clubs, water slides and family‑oriented activities

Rivers and itineraries
Viking sails many of the world’s best‑known rivers, including:

• Rhine
• Danube
• Seine
• Douro

You can expect itineraries filled with historic towns, iconic cities and scenic river valleys.

Dining and drinks

• Two main options: The Restaurant and Aquavit Terrace
• Open‑seating dining, with menus often inspired by local destinations
• Food is generally very good, with enough variety for most palates
• Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with meals

For couples who enjoy drinks outside mealtimes, Viking’s Silver Spirits drinks package (around USD $27 per person, per day) offers excellent value, including wines, spirits, beers, cocktails and mocktails throughout the day.

Excursions and pricing

• At least one included excursion in most ports (walking tours, wine tastings, landmark visits)
• Optional premium excursions from around $50 per person
• 8‑day Rhine itineraries often start from around $2,400 per person (excluding airfares and promos)

Viking is a strong choice if you want adult‑only ships, solid dining, good value drinks, and culturally rich itineraries.

Tip: If you’re interested in Viking’s Rhine, Danube or Douro river itineraries, you can compare dates and prices across multiple lines (including Viking) on CruiseDirect before you commit.

We’ve written a lot more about Viking specifically, including our essential Viking cruise tips and a detailed review of our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise.

Uniworld: Boutique Luxury & All‑Inclusive Comfort

If you’re looking for the best river cruises for couples who love opulent decor and a fully all‑inclusive experience, Uniworld stands out.

Boutique hotel style

• Ships feel like floating boutique hotels
• Each vessel is uniquely decorated with fine art, rich fabrics and antiques
• The atmosphere is elegant but still welcoming

All‑inclusive value

Your fare typically includes:

• Unlimited drinks (including premium spirits and fine wines)
• Gourmet meals using locally sourced ingredients
• Shore excursions
• Gratuities for onboard staff

This means you can genuinely relax without worrying about surprise charges.

Dining and service

• Regionally inspired menus
• Multiple dining venues, from the main restaurant to buffet options
• 24‑hour room service, which is rare among river lines

Excursions & special experiences

• A wide range of included excursions, such as private tours, cooking classes and vineyard visits
• Optional exclusive experiences, like private after‑hours visits to major attractions, at an extra cost

Despite the high‑end feel, Uniworld’s prices can be competitive for what’s included. 8‑day Rhine cruises often start around $3,400 per person.

To see how Uniworld’s prices compare with other river cruise lines on similar routes, search current deals on CruiseDirect and filter by river and travel dates.

Scenic: Ultra All‑Inclusive Luxury

Scenic is another excellent option among the best river cruises for couples who want “set and forget” luxury with virtually everything included.

Accommodation and dining

• Suite options from standard picture windows to balcony suites
• Multiple dining venues:
  • Fine dining main restaurant
  • More casual River Café
• All drinks, including premium wines and spirits, are included throughout the cruise
• In‑room dining is also available

Scenic Freechoice & Scenic Enrich

• Scenic Freechoice: A variety of included excursions so you can choose what interests you—city tours, wine tastings, museum visits and more.
• Scenic Enrich: Signature immersive events like private concerts or after‑hours museum visits. At least one is usually included in your fare.

Pricing

An 8‑day all‑inclusive Rhine cruise typically starts from around $4,200 per person, but Scenic often runs promotions that may include free or discounted airfares.

Scenic is ideal if you want to pay once and have almost everything—from drinks to excursions—taken care of in advance.

If Scenic’s ultra all‑inclusive style appeals to you, it’s worth checking current promotions and comparing them with other luxury river lines on CruiseDirect.

AmaWaterways: Active & Adventurous River Cruises

AmaWaterways is one of the best river cruises for couples who like to stay active and appreciate wellness features alongside classic sightseeing.

Ship style and atmosphere

• Modern, stylish vessels
• Wellness options like yoga classes and fitness programs
• A slightly more energetic, active vibe, great for younger couples or fit older travellers

Dining and drinks

• Emphasis on farm‑to‑table dining with regional flavours
• A dedicated Chef’s Table restaurant offering a multi‑course tasting menu at no extra cost
• Beer, wine and soft drinks included with meals, plus a daily happy hour
• No full drinks package, so you’ll pay separately for beverages outside these times

Cabins and excursions

• Cabins range from picture‑window rooms to French balcony and full balcony suites
• Categories CA and CB with French balconies often offer excellent value
• Many excursions included, especially for active travellers: guided bike tours, hikes, wine tastings
• Premium experiences, like hot‑air balloon rides or exclusive vineyard visits, cost extra

A 7‑day Rhine cruise often starts from about $4,200 per person. AmaWaterways is a strong choice for couples wanting a good balance of culture, activity and comfort.

For active couples who like the sound of AmaWaterways’ bike tours and wellness focus, browse upcoming itineraries and prices on CruiseDirect and compare them to other active‑leaning lines.

Avalon Waterways: Panorama Suites & Flexible Dining

Avalon Waterways earns its place among the best river cruises for couples thanks to its innovative panorama suites and relaxed, flexible approach to dining.

Panorama suites and views

• Wall‑to‑wall, floor‑to‑ceiling windows that slide open, turning your room into an “open‑air balcony”
• Beds are positioned to face the view, not the wall
• Standard picture‑window cabins are also available, but the panorama suites are a major reason to choose Avalon

While children over eight are allowed, there are no kids’ programs, so the overall atmosphere still suits couples more than families.

Dining & drinks

• Flexible dining:
  • Main dining room with multi‑course meals
  • Panorama Bistro for casual bites
  • Alfresco options on the Sky Deck when weather allows
• Beer and wine included at lunch and dinner, sparkling wine at breakfast
• Daily happy hour, but no full drinks package—drinks outside these times are extra
• Dining for two is available, though tables can be placed close together, so it may still feel semi‑communal

Excursions and pricing

• A mix of classic sightseeing, active discovery and local experiences
• Many excursions included, with premium add‑ons like private cooking classes or behind‑the‑scenes tours
• An 8‑day Rhine cruise in a panorama suite typically starts around $5,500 per person

Avalon is an excellent option if you value stunning in‑room views, flexible dining and tailored excursion styles.

If you’re seeking a calm, culturally rich holiday with your partner, exploring the best river cruises for couples is a great place to start. Whether you gravitate toward Viking’s adult‑only focus, Uniworld’s boutique luxury, Scenic’s ultra all‑inclusive style, AmaWaterways’ active itineraries or Avalon’s breathtaking panorama suites, there’s a river cruise out there that can deliver your ideal romantic escape.

To find Avalon itineraries with those panorama suites (and see how they’re priced against similar routes from other lines), use the filters on CruiseDirect to search by river, date and cabin type.

If you’re still deciding whether river cruising is right for you, you might also like our Ultimate Cruise Tips: 15 Essential Tricks for a Stress‑Free Voyage and our guide to finding the best cruise deals.

See our other cruise planning guides here

Watch our full video on The Top 5 River Cruises