River Cruises in Germany- A Stress-Free Way to Experience Germany

 

River Cruises in Germany are a fabulous way to see the country. Imagine yourself on the deck of a cruise ship, slowly passing by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Whether you choose a Rhine River Cruise, a Danube River Cruise, the Moselle, or the Elba, you will travel in luxury and comfort. All of the staterooms are well-appointed for your comfort and are cared for by a Ship Steward. You only have to unpack once, and then you’re free to enjoy your travels without rushing down the Autobahn!

Along the way, the ships stop frequently at ports in the center of cities and towns chosen for their convenient locations to all of the best sights. Visit castles, cathedrals, and cities large and small. While cruising the rivers in Germany and the rest of Europe, you enjoy watching the countryside slowly roll by.  Often, the river meanders right through the heart of the city. Unlike an Ocean Cruise, you won’t need to take a bus into the city; step off the boat, and you are in town!

Now is the time to book a trip to Germany and see it by ship.

 

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Come along on one of these River Cruises in Germany

What are the River Cruise Ships Like?

Are River Cruise Ships like Sea Going Cruise Ships?

The sleek design of River Cruise ships makes them perfect for river cruising. The ships generally have only two floors above the water level, and the roof doubles as a deck for sunbathing. There is something fascinating about passing under bridges that are only feet above your head. (Some ships have to lower their bridge when sailing under a particularly low bridge.)

Generally, the public rooms go the width of the ship and have large windows. You will always have a great view because you won’t be trapped in the center of the boat. Staterooms have larger windows, not just portholes. Our last stateroom had a window just above the waterline, and that was exciting!

Public decks are spacious and uncrowded. There are usually between 120 and 250 guests on board the River Cruise ship, so you won’t feel crowded or have to stand in long lines.  In the evening, most ships offer live musical performances, typically featuring local musicians. And since the boats tie up overnight, you also have a chance to wander into town to sample the local nightlife.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2025Tour Radar

Dining on a River Cruise in Germany

What is the Food Like on a River Cruise?

 

The River Cruise dining rooms offer delicious meals prepared by skilled chefs. Most ships have a casual buffet breakfast to start your day, and you can enjoy lunch by a window mid-day. In the evening, a 5-star meal, complete with wine, is served by a well-trained wait staff who see to your every need. Do you have special dietary concerns? Please let the staff know in advance, and they will take care of you. On many ships, all meals and drinks, including wine, are included in the cost of your Cruise, eliminating the worry of a large bill at the end of your trip.

Of course, you will be stopping often in towns and cities along the way, and you don’t want to pass up a chance to try the local foods!

Staterooms on River  Cruises in Germany

What are the Staterooms Like?

Staterooms on a River Cruise Ship vary from ship to ship and cruise line to cruise line. Each vessel boasts several different levels of staterooms, ranging from the basic with bed, bath, and closet to the opulent suites with private balconies.

All staterooms are serviced daily, much like a hotel room, by a ship steward who ensures that you are enjoying the best possible experience.

 

Rhine River Cruise

 

The romantic Rhine River runs from the southeastern base of the Swiss Alps, in the canton of Grisons north through the heart of Germany, and ends at the North Sea in the Netherlands. Cruising the Rhine takes you past Fairy Tale Castles and wineries established during the time of the Romans. The river remains a vital transportation route for goods and people. On the banks, you’ll see castles that were built along the river to collect tolls, and vineyards line the hillsides.

Cruise for a few days or a week on the Rhine. One day, you’ll see Cologne (Koln), with its magnificent Cathedral and chocolate museum. Then, stop for a few glasses of wine along the famous Drosselgasse in Rudesheim. You can also enjoy visiting Medieval Castles and churches in cities like Bacharach. Strasbourg, Mainz. The Black Forest and Basel are also along the Romantic Rhine.

While the Rhine is beautiful in the summertime, the Christmas Markets in December make the Rhine an extra special place to visit. Book a cruise with friends and fellow shoppers, and enjoy the smells and flavors of the Christmas Season in Germany.

AMA Waterways Captivating Rhine (Christmas Cruise) 2025Tour RadarAMA Waterways Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps (Christmas Cruise) 2026Tour Radar

 

Moselle River Cruise

A Quiet, Serene, Scenic Tributary of the Rhine

The Moselle River, or Mosel, branches off from the Rhine at Koblenz and flows through the Moselle River Valley, through Trier, and into France (brushing up against Luxemburg.) Fairy Tale castles and vineyards line the steep banks of this quieter river.

Fewer tourists travel along the Moselle, making it less crowded but no less interesting. Famous Burg Eltz, a relatively untouched Castle that the family still occupies, nestles in a Valley nearby. Cochem’s impressive Castle sits high on the hill above a lovely pedestrian area perfect for strolling and enjoying a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.  The Porta Negra, the remains of an ancient Roman wall, dominates Trier’s old town. All along the way, you will stop at small villages and towns that are known for their unspoiled beauty, and of course, you can enjoy delicious Moselle wine.

Cruising the Moselle is often done in addition to cruises on other rivers or just as a shorter trip. Learn more about the Moselle River Here–>Castles on the Mosel River

Ama Waterways Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise) 2026Tour Radar

 

Danube River Cruise

Blue Danube Waltzes through Empires

The beautiful Danube flows from Germany through Austria and into Hungary, tracing the borders of former empires. The economic importance of the river is evident as it flows through the capital cities of Austria (Vienna), Hungary (Budapest), and Slovakia (Belgrade). After rolling along Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria, the Danube ends in the Black Sea.

Many cruises begin or end in Budapest, where you have a chance to tour the cities of Buda and Pest, on each side of the River. In Vienna, you can visit the Schoenbrunn Palace, tour St Stephen’s Cathedral, and have a slice of Sacher Torte. Other stops include Passau, Melk and its Benedictine Abbey, and Regensburg, a German Medieval city trapped in time. You can sail further down the Danube toward the Black Sea. The best way to visit this beautiful and historic area is by cruise ship.

Ama Waterways Romantic Danube (Wine Cruise) 2025Tour RadarAma Waterways Best of the Danube (Christmas Cruise) 2025Tour Radar

 

 

Elbe River Cruise

Through the Former East Germany

Magdeburg on the Elbe

The Elbe flows through central Europe, beginning near Prague in the Czech Republic and flowing north to Hamburg. Along the way, it passes through Florence on the Elbe, Dresden, Germany, Wittenburg, home to Martin Luther, and Meissen, a center for fine porcelain in Europe.

East Germany has flourished in the years since the walls came down. What a marvelous opportunity to experience this beautiful land before it is overrun by tourists. For many of German descent, this is a great chance to see home again.

CroisieEurope Christmas on the ElbeTour RadarCroisieEuropeCruise on the Elbe River from Berlin to Prague (port-to-port cruise)Tour Radar