--- title: The Best River Cruises for 2027 description: Explore the top river cruises for 2027, featuring unique itineraries on the Rhine, Seine, Po, and Mekong with leading cruise lines for every traveller's preference. image: https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hubfs/Avalon%20Artistry%20River%20Cruises%20Europe%20-%204.png --- Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. - [CA: 1-905-510-7032 USA: 1 (727) 353-0276](tel:CA:%201-905-510-7032%20USA:%201%20(727)%20353-0276) - [bookit@altitudetravel.club](mailto:{{item.email}}) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/altitude_travelclub) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/altitudetravelclub/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/altitude-travel-club/) [Book a Meeting](https://meetings.hubspot.com/marina-zaitseva?fromMessages=true&uuid=65d91e3c-f2b8-4549-9ba9-2e60889a0e0a) [Visit Altitude Travel Website](https://www.altitudetravel.club) - [Back to Altitude TC Web](https://www.altitudetravel.club) - 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[Luxury Solo Travel](https://www.altitudetravel.club/our-expertise/luxury-solo-travel) - [Luxury Multi-Generational](https://www.altitudetravel.club/our-expertise/multi-generational-travel) - [Luxury Wellness Travel](https://www.altitudetravel.club/our-expertise/wellness-travel) - [CA: 1-905-510-7032 USA: 1 (727) 353-0276](tel:CA:%201-905-510-7032%20USA:%201%20(727)%20353-0276) - [bookit@altitudetravel.club](mailto:{{item.email}}) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/altitude_travelclub) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/altitudetravelclub/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/altitude-travel-club/) [Book a Meeting](https://meetings.hubspot.com/marina-zaitseva?fromMessages=true&uuid=65d91e3c-f2b8-4549-9ba9-2e60889a0e0a) [Visit Altitude Travel Website](https://www.altitudetravel.club) [Send a Travel Request](https://www.altitudetravel.club/contact-us/submit-travel-request) [River Cruises](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/tag/river-cruises), [Luxury River Cruise](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/tag/luxury-river-cruise) --- # The Best River Cruises for 2027 By,  [MarinaAltitudeTC](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/author/marinaaltitudetc)    .    Oct 24, 2026, 8:30:00 a.m. [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.altitudetravel.club/the-best-river-cruises-for-2027&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.altitudetravel.club/the-best-river-cruises-for-2027&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.altitudetravel.club/the-best-river-cruises-for-2027&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg)](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://blog.altitudetravel.club/the-best-river-cruises-for-2027&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.altitudetravel.club/the-best-river-cruises-for-2027&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on pinterest](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/pinterest-icon.svg)](https://in.pinterest.com) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg)](https://web.whatsapp.com) ![blog-post-featured-image](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hubfs/Avalon%20Artistry%20River%20Cruises%20Europe%20-%204.png) Four journeys stand out for 2027: the Rhine, the Seine from Paris, the Venetian lagoon and the Po, and the Mekong. Each one rewards the traveller who would rather arrive well than arrive first, and each is offered in a different style by AmaWaterways, Avalon, Viking and Scenic. ## Why river cruising feels different in summer In July and August, Europe's headline sights can feel crowded by midday. River cruising changes the arithmetic. Ships tie up in or beside small towns and village quays, and shore excursions are reserved and organized in advance, so your days are paced around you rather than around a tour-bus schedule. You wake in a new place, step off close to the centre, and join a visit that has already been arranged. One honest note from us as your advisors: no popular port is ever empty in peak season, and places such as Rüdesheim or Giverny will always draw visitors. The advantage of a river cruise is planning. Your timing, your guide and your transport are settled before you step ashore, which means you spend your energy on the experience rather than on queues and logistics. The ships themselves are part of the story. Many of the European vessels below carry roughly 165 to 170 guests, and the Mekong ships are smaller still, which keeps the atmosphere personal and the service attentive. ## ![Rine River Amawaterways](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hs-fs/hubfs/Rine%20River%20Amawaterways.jpg?width=1168&height=631&name=Rine%20River%20Amawaterways.jpg) ## The Rhine: castles, vineyards and the classic first river The Rhine is where most of our clients begin, and for good reason. In a single week you can pass through four countries, wake in Strasbourg, Cologne and Amsterdam, and sail the Middle Rhine, a stretch of turreted fortresses and terraced vineyards that holds UNESCO World Heritage status. All four lines sail it, and each has its own character. **Viking** keeps it straightforward. Its 8-day Rhine Getaway runs between Basel and Amsterdam with a [complimentary excursion in every port](https://vacations.northeast.aaa.com/9413344/7-night-rhine-getaway-river-cruise-viking-river-cruises) and an adults-only, Scandinavian-inspired Longship. It suits travellers who want a well-organized introduction without decisions at every turn. ![Captivating Rhine\_Wine\_HERO\_Cologne](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hs-fs/hubfs/Captivating%20Rhine_Wine_HERO_Cologne.jpg?width=3000&height=1965&name=Captivating%20Rhine_Wine_HERO_Cologne.jpg) **Scenic** leans into indulgence. Its Romantic Rhine & Moselle sailings, such as a [Basel to Brussels departure on Scenic Pearl](https://www.rolcruise.co.uk/cruise-detail/2335264-romantic-rhine-moselle-basel-to-brussels-2027-06-30) on June 30, 2027, add the Moselle's wine villages and finish in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Bruges. The [Pearl and her sister ship Opal](https://www.iglucruise.com/river-search/scenic-opal) carry 169 guests, with butler service and e-bikes for riverside rides. **AmaWaterways** is the one for travellers who like their river cruise with a city break attached. For 2027 it has introduced [City Escapes packages on its Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles itineraries, adding Northern Italy, plus a two-night Amsterdam stay](https://www.amawaterways.com/stories/new-2027/152) before or after select sailings. **Avalon** appeals to guests who value space. Its Suite Ships are designed around large staterooms, most with open-air balconies, and its Rhine program pairs naturally with Switzerland and Lake Como. Its [Christmastime on the Romantic Rhine](https://www.cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/avalon-waterways-river-cruises/ship-avalon-envision/7-night-christmastime-on-the-romantic-rhine-with-3-nights-in-lake-como-1-night-in-lucerne-with-swiss-alps-northbound-cruiseland-package-from-lake-como-italy) departure on Avalon Envision, beginning on Lake Como, is a lovely way to see the markets without the summer crowds. ![Paris and France travel journey planning consultation in Toronto](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hs-fs/hubfs/Paris%20and%20France%20travel%20journey%20planning%20consultation%20in%20Toronto.jpeg?width=1920&height=540&name=Paris%20and%20France%20travel%20journey%20planning%20consultation%20in%20Toronto.jpeg) ## Paris and the Seine: Normandy at river pace A Seine cruise lets you pair Paris with the gentler side of France. Viking's Paris & the Heart of Normandy is a round trip from Paris aboard [Viking Skaga, a 168-guest ship](https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/viking-river-cruises/ship-viking-skaga/7-night-paris-and-the-heart-of-normandy-cruise-from-paris-france-4), with calls that include La Roche-Guyon, Rouen and Vernon, the gateway to Giverny. The 2027 season opens in March, so spring departures are an option for travellers who prefer cooler, quieter weather. Viking also sails a [Christmastime in Paris & Normandy](https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/viking-river-cruises/ship-viking-skaga/7-night-christmastime-in-paris-and-normandy-cruise-from-paris-france-3) itinerary from early December. For travellers who want to continue beyond Normandy, [Viking's Paris programs](https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/europe/destinations/paris) also include Paris to Zürich, Paris to Prague, Paris to Avignon, and London, Paris & D-Day. AmaWaterways has added a [new 2027 itinerary on the Seine, Saône and Rhône](https://www.ttgasia.com/?p=110541) in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, covering three of France's great rivers. This is a lovely choice for first-time river cruisers who want a sense of place beyond the capital, and for couples marking a milestone who would like Paris on both ends of the trip.   ![independent rome, florence, venice](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hs-fs/hubfs/independent%20rome%2c%20florence%2c%20venice.jpeg?width=2880&height=960&name=independent%20rome%2c%20florence%2c%20venice.jpeg) ## Venice, the lagoon and the Po: the road less travelled This is the most unusual journey on our list, and one of the best examples of why small ships matter. Rather than a conventional river, the route links Venice with the lagoon islands and the Po Delta, a UNESCO-protected nature reserve. Uniworld's boutique ship SS La Venezia sails round trip from Venice on [itineraries that include Mazzorbo and Burano, Chioggia, and an excursion to the Po Delta](https://m.icruise.com/itineraries/18-night-cruise-and-tour-experience-the-best-of-italy-cruise-and-land-tour_ss-la-venezia_6-13-2027.html), with 2027 departures from May into the end of summer. A second option arrives next season. [VIVA UNIQUE, a new 104-guest ship, begins sailing the Venetian Lagoon and Po River in May 2027](https://www.rustourismnews.com/?p=144009), with themed itineraries that call at small places such as Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po and Polesella, and one route that continues to Cremona. Excursions include a bicycle tour in Chioggia, a visit to Padua and trips to Verona and Bologna. A note on the lakes: Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda are not on a river itinerary. They are best added by land. Clients who love this part of Italy often pair a lagoon cruise with a private stay on the lakes, or add Lake Como to a Rhine sailing, as [Avalon's Romantic Rhine program](https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/avalon-waterways-river-cruises/ship-avalon-envision/7-night-romantic-rhine-with-swiss-alps-3-nights-in-lake-como-and-1-night-in-lucerne-for-wine-lovers-northbound-cruiseland-package-from-lake-como-italy) and AmaWaterways' new Northern Italy City Escapes do. We design these combinations by hand. ![UW-MJ-Exterior-09](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hs-fs/hubfs/UW-MJ-Exterior-09.jpg?width=3200&height=2134&name=UW-MJ-Exterior-09.jpg) ## The Mekong: Vietnam and Cambodia on a small ship If the Rhine is the classic, the Mekong is the journey that stays with you. A sailing between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh passes riverside villages and working river life, with calls at small stops such as Vinh Long, Chau Doc, Wat Hanchey and Kompong Luong. Many itineraries pair the river with Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, which makes the Mekong a natural step up for travellers who have already cruised Europe. The ships are intimate by design. [Avalon Saigon carries just 36 guests](https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/avalon-waterways-river-cruises/ship-avalon-saigon/12-night-fascinating-vietnam-cambodia-and-the-mekong-river-southbound-cruiseland-package-from-siem-reap-cambodia-1) in all-suite accommodation, and Avalon's 2027 calendar includes [17 sailings between January and November](https://www.cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/avalon-waterways-river-cruises/ship-avalon-saigon/12-night-fascinating-vietnam-cambodia-and-the-mekong-river-northbound-cruiseland-package-from-ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-vietnam). **AmaWaterways** debuts a [17-day Mekong program for 2027 with Smithsonian Journeys](https://www.ttgasia.com/?p=110541), combining a seven-night cruise with time in cities and villages in both countries. **Scenic** offers a [Luxury Mekong and Temple Discovery Cruise](https://www.cruiseline.co.uk/cruise-lines/scenic/2027/page/37/) aboard Scenic Spirit, and **Viking** also sails the river, with [Viking Saigon and Viking Tonle](https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/europe/destinations/paris) in its fleet. Because every line structures its land programs differently, this is a journey where advice matters. We help match ship size, pace and the Angkor extension to the traveller. ## Which river is right for you The Rhine suits almost everyone, the Seine suits Paris lovers, Venice and the Po suit the curious, and the Mekong suits the seasoned traveller. Here is how they compare. | River | Best for | 2027 timing | Ship size | Lines to compare | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rhine | First-time river cruisers, castles and wine, Christmas markets | Spring to autumn; Christmas sailings from late November | About 165 to 170 guests | Viking, Scenic, AmaWaterways, Avalon | | Seine from Paris | Paris plus Normandy and Giverny | Viking from March; Christmas sailings from early December | 168 guests (Viking Skaga) | Viking, AmaWaterways | | Venice and the Po | Food, art and small-ship lagoon cruising | May to early September | 104 guests (VIVA UNIQUE) | Uniworld, VIVA; lakes added by land | | Mekong | Experienced travellers, culture, Angkor Wat | January to November | 36 guests (Avalon Saigon) | Avalon, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Viking | ## How to choose your destination? The best 2027 sailings, and the best cabins on them, are chosen early. A consultation with Altitude Travel Club is the simplest way to begin: we will ask about who is travelling, how you like to pace a day and what you want to feel when you step off the ship, then match you with the right river, line and season. [**Book a consultation**](https://meetings.hubspot.com/marina-zaitseva?uuid=76907a0e-9736-4d03-8237-f0b2c92a8ace) to start planning your 2027 river cruise. **Join our future sailings.** We are building hosted departures for clients who would like to travel as part of an Altitude group, with the [added perks of Altitude Extra](https://www.altitudetravel.club/cruises/luxury-ocean-cruises/altitude-extra). Tell us which river interests you and we will make sure you hear first. Prices, availability and offers change often, so we confirm every detail with the cruise line before anything is booked.   ## Sources - [AmaWaterways, new for 2027](https://www.amawaterways.com/stories/new-2027/152) - [TTG Asia: AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys 2027 program](https://www.ttgasia.com/?p=110541) - [Viking Paris river cruises](https://www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/cruise-destinations/europe/destinations/paris) - [Viking Skaga, Paris & the Heart of Normandy](https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/viking-river-cruises/ship-viking-skaga/7-night-paris-and-the-heart-of-normandy-cruise-from-paris-france-4) - [Viking Rhine Getaway (AAA Northeast listing)](https://vacations.northeast.aaa.com/9413344/7-night-rhine-getaway-river-cruise-viking-river-cruises) - [Scenic Pearl, Basel to Brussels 2027](https://www.rolcruise.co.uk/cruise-detail/2335264-romantic-rhine-moselle-basel-to-brussels-2027-06-30) - [Scenic Opal ship profile](https://www.iglucruise.com/river-search/scenic-opal) - [Avalon Saigon, Mekong 2027](https://www.cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/avalon-waterways-river-cruises/ship-avalon-saigon/12-night-fascinating-vietnam-cambodia-and-the-mekong-river-northbound-cruiseland-package-from-ho-chi-minh-city-saigon-vietnam) - [Avalon Envision, Romantic Rhine with Lake Como](https://cruiseweb.com/cruise-lines/avalon-waterways-river-cruises/ship-avalon-envision/7-night-romantic-rhine-with-swiss-alps-3-nights-in-lake-como-and-1-night-in-lucerne-for-wine-lovers-northbound-cruiseland-package-from-lake-como-italy) - [Uniworld SS La Venezia 2027 itinerary](https://m.icruise.com/itineraries/18-night-cruise-and-tour-experience-the-best-of-italy-cruise-and-land-tour_ss-la-venezia_6-13-2027.html) - [VIVA UNIQUE, Venetian Lagoon and Po 2027](https://www.rustourismnews.com/?p=144009) - [Scenic 2027 sailings listing](https://www.cruiseline.co.uk/cruise-lines/scenic/2027/page/37/)   [Previous Post](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/greece-or-italy-first-why-greece-deserves-your-first-mediterranean-trip) ![AltitudeTravelClub](https://blog.altitudetravel.club/hubfs/AltitudeTravelClub.png "AltitudeTravelClub") You dream, we create outstanding travel experiences. 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