River cruises are an excellent choice for couples seeking serenity, scenery, and culture without the chaos of family-focused vacations. The best river cruises for couples offer intimate ships, calm waters, immersive excursions, and easy access to the heart of cities—no long sea days or crowded port terminals. If you’re weighing river vs. ocean, here’s why rivers win for romance: smaller ships (typically 100–200 guests), minimal walking to get around, constant shoreline views, and more time in the destination thanks to central docking. Many lines also emphasise adult-friendly experiences, fine dining, and low-key entertainment—ideal for unwinding together. When considering the best river cruises for couples, it’s essential to explore the unique offerings and experiences each cruise line presents.
Below, we break down five standout river cruise lines for couples, with highlights on dining, excursions, drinks, and who each line suits best.
Discover the ultimate guide to the best river cruises for couples, where you can find romance on the water.
-
Viking River Cruises
A favourite for adult-focused travel, Viking enforces a no children under 18 policy, creating a quiet, sophisticated onboard vibe. Sail iconic rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Seine, and Douro.
Many couples rave about Viking as a top choice among the best river cruises for couples.
- Dining: Two venues—The Restaurant and Aquavit Terrace—with open seating and destination-inspired menus. Note: no tables for two; you’ll dine with others. Food is very good, if not ultra-gourmet. Some cruisers report vegetarian options can be limited.
- Drinks: Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with meals. For all-day beverages, consider the Viking Silver Spirits package—excellent value at about $27 USD per person per day, covering wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, and mocktails.
- Excursions: A range of included tours (walking tours, tastings, landmark visits), plus optional premium experiences from around $50 per person.
- Price guide: 8-day Rhine cruises from about $2,000 USD per person.
- Best for: Couples who want adult ambience, steady inclusions, and great itineraries without a party vibe.
-
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld delivers a boutique-hotel-at-sea experience—unique décor, fine art, and high-touch service—with an all-inclusive model.
Uniworld’s experience is often described as one of the best river cruises for couples due to its luxurious offerings.
- Dining: Regionally inspired, chef-driven cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. Multiple venues plus rare-for-river 24-hour room service. Speciality dining is available for a surcharge.
- Drinks and tips: Unlimited premium drinks and gratuities included.
- Excursions: Many included, from private landmark tours to hands-on experiences like cooking classes and vineyard visits. Exclusive after-hours experiences cost extra.
- Community: Dedicated sailings also welcome families, solo travellers, and LGBTQ guests.
- Price guide: 8-day Rhine from around $4,619 per person.
- Best for: Couples who want a beautiful, fully-inclusive luxury experience with elevated dining and curated tours.
-
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic blends upscale amenities with comprehensive inclusions.
Scenic is frequently listed among the best river cruises for couples who seek premium experiences.
- Accommodation: From picture-window suites to balcony categories at various price points.
- Dining: Multiple venues—from fine dining to the casual River Café. In-room dining available.
- Drinks: All drinks, including premium wines and spirits, are included throughout the day.
- Excursions: Scenic Freechoice lets you tailor your pace and interests (city tours, tastings, culture), while Scenic Enrich adds at least one included signature event, like a private concert.
- Price guide: All-inclusive 8-day Rhine from around $4,200 USD per person; watch for specials that may include free air.
- Best for: Couples who want true all-inclusive convenience with premium experiences built in.
-
AmaWaterways
Refined yet active, AmaWaterways suits couples who want wellness and adventure alongside comfort.
AmaWaterways promises a unique experience, making it one of the best river cruises for couples looking for adventure.
- Ships and vibe: Modern design, wellness options (yoga, fitness classes), and a more active excursion roster—ideal for younger couples or active-minded travellers.
- Dining: Farm-to-table focus, regional flavours, and a no-charge Chef’s Table tasting experience.
- Drinks: Beer, wine, and soft drinks included with meals; daily happy hour; no full-time drinks package—budget for beverages outside those windows.
- Staterooms: From picture windows to dual-balcony designs. Great value in French balcony categories CA/CB for views without top-tier pricing.
- Excursions: Many included (bike tours, walking tours, tastings). Premium adventures like hot air balloon rides cost extra.
- Price guide: 7-day Rhine from about $2,600 USD per person.
- Best for: Couples who enjoy staying active with cycling and wellness while still savouring regional cuisine and culture.
-
Avalon Waterways
Avalon’s “Suite Ships” flip the bed toward floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that open to create an airy, open-air balcony feel—perfect for scenic cruising from the comfort of your suite.
Avalon Waterways is celebrated for its exceptional service, making it a contender for the best river cruises for couples.
- Accommodation: Choose the panoramic suites for the signature experience; picture-window cabins are also available.
- Family policy: Children 8+ allowed, but there are no dedicated kids’ programs—still largely a couples-friendly atmosphere.
- Dining: Flexible options—elegant main dining, Panorama Bistro, and al fresco on the SkyDeck.
- Drinks: Beer and wine with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine at breakfast, plus a daily happy hour. No drinks package; consider bringing permitted beverages onboard.
- Seating: Two-top options exist, but are often close together.
- Excursions: “Active, Discovery, Classic” tiers let you tailor your day, with select premium options (e.g., private cooking classes) at extra cost.
- Price guide: 8-day Rhine in a panoramic suite from about $4,200 USD per person.
- Best for: Couples who value in-cabin scenic immersion and flexible dining without a full all-inclusive bar program.
Why couples choose river over ocean
- Intimate ships: Fewer guests, quieter spaces, and less walking.
- Shore immersion: Central docking maximises time in destination—no long transfers.
- Calm waters: Rivers are smooth, minimising seasickness.
- Culture first: More enrichment and guided exploration; fewer casinos and high-energy distractions.
- Unique routes: Explore the heart of Europe (Rhine, Danube, Douro) or Southeast Asia’s Mekong—places ocean ships can’t reach.
Final tip: Match the line to your style. If you want adult-only calm and value, consider Viking. For all-inclusive luxury and tastefully decorated ships, Uniworld and Scenic shine. Prefer active days and wellness? AmaWaterways fits. Want the best in-room views? Avalon’s panoramic suites are hard to beat.
Ultimately, the best river cruises for couples are those that align with your preferences and budget.
Looking for an Ocean Cruise? Check out our Ocean Cruise Guide here
If you’re also considering ocean options, check out our insights on the best river cruises for couples and ocean cruise experiences.
Watch the Video
You can watch the full video version of this review here:
