River cruising is an easy, enjoyable way to travel through the heart of Europe. Ships that carry fewer than 200 guests and, in many cases, include everything from meals, drinks and shore excursions, also make them ideal for European river cruises for solo travellers.
Going solo is taking off across all sectors of travel – recently we looked at the best options for single ocean cruisers and river cruising is proving just as popular.
According to Avalon Waterways’ recent ‘wish list’ survey of 16,600 past guests, 13 per cent of respondents said they’re planning to go solo on their next river cruise. Here is our pick of the top five European river cruises for solo travellers.
Avalon Waterways
Until 1 July 2024 – or until sold out – Avalon Waterways is waiving the single supplement on a selection of Europe departures in 2024 and 2025. The company says 10 per cent of its cruisers are solo travellers and it reserves several staterooms for them on every cruise, including its signature Panorama suites.
For European cruises for solo travellers, highlights of life aboard Avalon Waterways’ 14 European ships include a choice of Classic, Active and Discovery excursions and activities; the services and company of an Avalon Adventure host, on and off the ship; an onboard fitness centre and yoga classes; bikes and e-bikes for independent touring; and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Emerald Cruises
Scenic Cruises’ sister brand Emerald Cruises has a fleet of eight Star-Ships sailing across Europe. These modern vessels accommodate up to 182 guests (fewer on ships cruising in Portugal and France) and feature light and airy interior décor, heated indoor swimming pools that transform into a cinema at night, and alfresco dining on the Sun Deck. All gratuities for shipboard and shoreside guides are included.
Offers on European river cruises for solo travellers:
- No single supplement on a limited number of 2025 departures in Central Europe and France in July, August, October and November – must be fully paid by 30 September 2024.
- Book and deposit as a Single Traveller in an Emerald Stateroom (Category E Stateroom) on selected cruises and receive a 75 per cent discount on the single supplement on selected Rhine and Danube river cruises and dates.
Riviera Travel River Cruises
UK-based company Riviera Travel River Cruises operates 12 ships on Europe’s main waterways and two more, MS Riviera Radiance and MS Riviera Rose, will set sail in 2025. It’s known for charging lower fares than many cruise lines and UK consumer group Which found Riviera Travel scored second highest (Viking was in first place) in terms of value-for-money river cruises.
Riviera has waived the single supplement on upper and middle deck staterooms for a series of European river cruises for solo travellers in August and October 2024. Guests booking these itineraries also receive a complimentary drinks package valued at up to AUD$770 (depending on the duration of the cruise).
Guests on the upper deck will also enjoy perks such as a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival and 10 per cent off spa, hairdresser and laundry fees. One included shore excursion is offered every day (with no other options) and gratuities are discretionary.
Scenic
Scenic’s collection of Space-Ships accommodates up to 163 guests in Central Europe and fewer on its smaller vessels in France and Portugal. Among Scenic’s signature offerings are butler service for every guest, a Wellness Team, a gym, daily stretch classes and (on most ships) the Salt Therapy Lounge. Fares include complimentary beverages, a choice of excursions, transfers and gratuities.
Scenic is waiving the single supplement on a small selection of European river cruises for solo travellers in 2024, including the 15-day Jewels of Europe itinerary between Amsterdam and Budapest in October and November and the eight-day Delightful Douro cruise in November. Discounts of up to 75 per cent on the single supplement are available for select cruises throughout 2025.
Tauck
Much-awarded US travel company Tauck operates nine ships on Europe’s major waterways, each accommodating an average of 105 guests.
Every river cruise is accompanied by three Tauck Directors who add considerable depth to the onboard and onshore experience. Their knowledge, friendliness and efficiency are highly rated, especially by the company’s many repeat solo cruisers.
Fares include an excellent choice of shore excursions renowned for exclusive insider experiences, all soft and alcoholic drinks, transfers and gratuities for onboard crew and local guides.
Tauck offers solo savings on all its European river cruises for solo travellers. There’s no single supplement for Category 1 staterooms, plus savings of USD$1,000 per Category 4 and 5 staterooms on select departures.
