River cruising doesn’t have to be expensive. Several excellent lines offer modern ships, meals with drinks and daily excursions at a more accessible price, and some sail rivers the big brands rarely visit.
Here are the best-value river lines we sell.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- Six great-value river lines
- Value tips
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CroisiEurope | River cruises | 50+ River ships | Unusual rivers | All meals + drinks with meals, Open-bar in lounge before/after dinner, Daily excursions |
| Emerald Cruises | River and ocean | 10+ River Star Ships | Premium feel for less | All meals + drinks at lunch and dinner, Daily shore excursions, Bicycles and Nordic walking poles |
| Travelmarvel | River cruises | 6 River ships chartered | Guided value | All meals, Drinks with meals, Daily excursions |
| A-Rosa | River cruises | 13 River ships | Families | All meals, Drinks with meals, Indoor pool and spa |
| Viva Cruises | River cruises | 8 River ships | Modern design | All meals + drinks with lunch and dinner, Viva Cucina casual venue, Bicycles |
| TUI River Cruises | River cruises | 3 River ships | UK packages | Flights from regional UK airports, All transfers, All meals + drinks at lunch and dinner |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
Six great-value river lines
1. CroisiEurope
- River cruises
- 50+ River ships
- 200 Max guests / ship
Europe’s largest river fleet, family-owned since 1976, with more than 50 ships on 13 river systems including the Loire, Garonne and Dordogne, and meals with drinks and daily excursions included.
Best for: Unusual rivers
2. Emerald Cruises
- River and ocean
- 10+ River Star Ships
- 180 Max guests / Star Ship
The Scenic Group’s value tier, with Star-Ship river vessels, drinks at lunch and dinner, daily excursions, bicycles and an indoor pool with a retractable roof.
Best for: Premium feel for less
3. Travelmarvel
- River cruises
- 6 River ships chartered
- 180 Max guests / ship
The APT Group’s value brand, with river cruises on Europe’s core rivers, drinks with meals, daily excursions and a tour director throughout.
Best for: Guided value
4. A-Rosa
- River cruises
- 13 River ships
- 186 Max guests / ship
Contemporary German ships with a relaxed atmosphere, strong family departures, an indoor pool and spa and bicycles.
Best for: Families
5. Viva Cruises
- River cruises
- 8 River ships
- 190 Max guests / ship
A newer, design-led fleet on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Douro and Seine, with meals and drinks at lunch and dinner and a sustainability programme.
Best for: Modern design
6. TUI River Cruises
- River cruises
- 3 River ships
- 156 Max guests / ship
Three modern ships on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle with flights from regional UK airports, transfers, meals with drinks at lunch and dinner and Wi-Fi.
Best for: UK packages
Value tips
Compare what’s included: excursions and drinks with meals can add up. Sailing in spring or autumn is often cheaper than summer. German and French lines (A-Rosa, Viva, CroisiEurope) may have multilingual announcements, which suits relaxed travellers. Packages with flights from regional UK airports can save on separate travel costs.
How we compared them
We compared the value-focused river lines we sell by inclusions and ships. Our comparisons are based on what each line offers as standard: ship size, what’s included, atmosphere and who it suits. Fares and inclusions change and often depend on the fare type, so check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest river cruise line?
CroisiEurope is known for excellent value, with drinks with meals and excursions included.
Are value river cruises good quality?
Yes. Lines like Emerald share a parent group with luxury brands.
Which river cruises are good for families?
A-Rosa has strong family departures.
Which value river cruises include flights?
TUI River Cruises includes flights from regional UK airports.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
