Though notably smaller that ocean liners, river ships offer many memorable and exciting experiences, including some that are unique to this style of travel. From entertainment to exclusive dining and cooking demonstrations, there are plenty of unforgettable moments to be discovered as you sail enchanting waterways and explore premier cities.
Explore All River Cruise Deals
Bring each new port to life with the use of complimentary bikes and enjoy a leisurely bike ride around charming villages and captivating cities. Whether a self-guided ride or escorted tour along an enchanting riverside trail, a bicycle is a great way to enhance your time in port and offer a different activity to enjoy. You can find complimentary bikes and helmets on AmaWaterways’ European ships, whilst Scenic River Tours and Emerald Cruises offer complimentary e-bikes for guests.
Emerald Cruises’ delightful onboard pool innovatively transforms into a charming cinema space, offering evening screenings for its guests. Look forward to a mix of classic favourites, plus some modern blockbusters, and even occasionally a themed special when cruising through a particular reason – for example, a showing of The Sound of Music is the perfect accompaniment to an Austria cruise. Popcorn and cocktails are provided to complete the cinema experience – the ideal way to spend an evening on the river.
Evening entertainment is a great way to bring some vibrancy to your nights onboard, offering a chance to mingle with likeminded travellers and enjoy captivating performances. Often showcasing local performers and resident musicians, these evenings are the perfect chance to delve deeper into local culture and savour authentic experiences whilst also getting to know the other guests on board.
When sailing with AmaWaterways, enjoy a daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour from 6pm to 7pm*, usually right before dinner. Sip a variety of complimentary drinks, including a special cocktail that changes daily, and socialise with fellow river cruisers, discussing the days excursions and getting to know those onboard.
Embrace the serenity of wellness and peace when you sail the rivers, with yoga, stretching sessions, meditation offered by many river cruise lines, and even Pilates classes when sailing with Scenic River Tours or Emerald Cruises. Thanks to dedicated wellness programmes and well-equipped fitness stuidos, your river cruise becomes an opportunity to connect with your mind and body in solo or group led activities, leaving you inspired, energised and rejuvenated by the time you disembark.
Enrichment is varied and wonderful on board many river cruise ships, with some lines offering artistic and creative sessions so that guests can try something altogether different. From art-themed enrichment sessions to local handicraft classes, you can tap into your bold and vibrant side, getting involved in something hands-on and perhaps learning a new skill to take home.
Some cruise lines offer an extra-special culinary experience for selected guests, by reservation or by invitation for selected suite guests. These exclusive occasions include a multi-course dinner, carefully curated and impeccably paired with delicious regional wines. AmaWaterways’ reservation-only Chef’s Table and Scenic River Tours’ invitation-only Table La Rive offer personalised experiences, enhancing the river cruise experience and bringing onboard dining to life.
Many river cruise lines invite guests to delve deeper into the local flavours that inspire their nightly menus, from cooking demonstrations and food tastings to market-to-table shore excursions alongside the chef to select the locally sourced fresh produce that will be used to create delicious dishes that evening.
When sailing many of Europe’s rivers, vineyards and wineries are a popular attraction along the journey. Many cruise lines offer wine tasting excursions in port, but you can also enjoy regional wine tastings on board with many cruise lines, such as Viking.
Uniworld and TUI River Cruises also offer alternative beverage events, for those who prefer spirits, including cocktail making sessions and themed beverage demonstrations.
