This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

The Best River Cruise Lines

What could be better than slowly seeing the countryside of Europe, enjoying long wine-soaked meals, and visiting iconic historic sites without standing in lines? This dream is possible on a river cruise. Many readers recognize this, judging by their extensive praise for these outstanding brands. Moreover, river cruises are gaining popularity outside of continental Europe, with ships now sailing in Southeast Asia, along the Amazon, on the Nile, and even in the U.S., appealing to well-informed travelers.

Each year, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences worldwide—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise lines based on various criteria, including cabin facilities, food quality, service excellence, itineraries, excursions, and overall value. These assessments were compiled to generate results for the cruise lines in several categories, including river cruising.

Top River Cruise Lines of the Year

1. Crystal Cruises

Guest suite on the Crystal Bach river cruise ship — Kårehed Photography/Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Score: 97.14

More information: crystalcruises.com

Though Crystal is relatively new to river cruising, having launched its first ship in 2016, it is the favorite for this style of sailing. This year, readers gave the brand one of the highest scores for its top-tier trips that redefine luxury travel. “Crystal changed the way we thought about river cruising,” said one guest. The overwhelming praise for the service and attention to detail consistently shines through.

2. U by Uniworld

Young woman on the deck of a U by Uniworld river cruise ship sailing the Rhine River — Courtesy of U by Uniworld

Score: 95.91

More information: ubyuniworld.com

The dynamic concept of U by Uniworld has attracted a younger demographic, as evidenced by rave reviews. Activities such as sip-and-paint classes and silent-disco sessions enhance the river cruise experience, making it appealing for those not traditionally associated with river cruising.

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld's SS Beatrice river cruise ship — Courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises

Score: 95.51

More information: uniworld.com

Uniworld consistently gathers high praise from travelers for its commitment to service, culinary excellence, and well-designed itineraries.

4. Tauck

Deck chairs on a Tauck river cruise ship — Courtesy of Tauck

Score: 95.21

More information: tauck.com

The Best European River Cruises

5. Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions Aria Amazon river cruise ship — Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions

Score: 94.29

More information: aquaexpeditions.com

6. Viking

The library on board a Viking River Cruise ship — Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Score: 94.04

More information: vikingrivercruises.com

7. Belmond

The Belmond Hirondelle river cruise ship — Courtesy of Belmond

Score: 91.07

More information: belmond.com

8. Delfin Amazon Cruises

View from the deck of a Defin Amazon Cruise ship — Courtesy of Delfin Amazon Cruises

Score: 90.67

More information: delfinamazoncruises.com

9. Vantage Deluxe World Travel

A Vantage Deluxe World Travel river cruise ship — Courtesy of Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Score: 89.87

More information: vantagetravel.com

10. AmaWaterways

Dining room on an AmaWaterways river cruise ship — Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Score: 88.86

More information: amawaterways.com