Each year, Travel and Leisure Magazine announces their much anticipated list of "Worlds Best Awards."
Results are consumer based, compiled from a survey sent to Travel & Leisure readers, so this list of river cruise operators is truly a representation of what real travelers prefer.
Exploring the world via rivers is a spectacular way to travel. Not only does a river cruise provide unique insight into the historical and cultural importance of rivers to the towns and villages they pass through, but it's a great way to see numerous sites, and often countires, while unpacking only once.
Travel and Leisure readers ranked the top River Cruises around the world and the results reflect a soft spot for the classic river cruise destinations. European river cruises remain a favorite, and for good reason.
However the interest in river crusies is slowly widening to include more adventurous destinations like the Nile, the far reaches of Russia, and several Asian rivers.
Here are the Top 5 River Cruise Lines of 2019
1. Uniworld Boutique Collection
Maintaining the #1 spot is Uniworld, founded in 1976, and known for providing a top notch experience from boarding to disembarking. If you're after a classic throwback kind of river cruise, with fancy dinners, pristine furnishings, and excellent customer service, this company is for you.
2. Tauck
Another classic travel company, Tauck jumps up a spot after slotting in at #3 in 2018. Tauck doesn't only offer river cruises - they have a number of land tours around the world as well, but their river cruise selection is impressive. This is the place to look if you're after a family friendly travel experience.
See all Tauck Tours & Cruises »
3. Crystal Cruises
Back in the Top 5 after falling off in 2018, Crystal Cruises offers cruise experiences from private yachts to large ocean crusies. Their river cruises are currently focused in Europe. Cruises are all-inclusive and they provide a number of on-shore activities as well.
See all Crystal Cruises trips »
4. Viking River Cruises
A name that put river cruising on the map, Viking fell a few spots, having been #2 in 2018. They are perhaps most well known for Danube River cruises in Europe. That said, Viking does offer their unique brand of luxury and sightseeing in more far flung destinations as well.
Viking River Cruises Reviews »
See all Viking River Cruises »
5. Scenic Cruises
A newbie to the Top 5, Scenic also focuses exclusively on Europe for their river cruise selection. They also offer ocean cruises around the world. Scenic river cruises are a luxurious experience, with numerous unique excursions to choose from for exploring the culture of each country.
See all Scenic Cruises trips »
Read the fill list on Travel & Leisure
