Editorial
Comparison guides & explainers
Long-form articles for guests trying to choose between river-cruise ships, classes, operators or regions. Each guide is researched against the published deck plans of the relevant fleets and updated as new vessels enter service.
Viking Longship class explained: deck plan, cabins and what makes the design different
A complete walkthrough of the 190-passenger Viking Longship — the most-built river cruise vessel of the modern era — from sun deck to main deck.
AmaWaterways twin-balcony staterooms: which ships have them and what they really mean
The twin-balcony cabin is AmaWaterways' most-marketed feature. Here is a fleet-by-fleet breakdown of which ships actually offer them — and which only have a French balcony.
European river cruise ship amenities compared: pools, spas, bicycles and inclusions
A side-by-side look at what is actually onboard the seven major European river cruise lines — from heated pools to bicycle fleets to all-inclusive shore excursions.
Rhine vs Danube: which European river cruise should you choose first?
Both the Rhine and Danube are entry-level European river cruises. They are not the same trip — and one of them is almost certainly a better fit for a first-time guest.
Mekong river cruise ships compared: AmaWaterways, Avalon, Aqua, Pandaw and the boutique fleets
The Mekong is the second-largest river-cruise market outside Europe. Here is how the seven operating fleets actually compare.
Nile river cruise ships compared: from 200-passenger floating hotels to 16-cabin dahabiyas
The Nile cruise market is the most fragmented in river cruising. Knowing the four main vessel categories is the difference between the right and the wrong booking.
Douro river cruise ships compared: which 100-passenger vessel suits you
The Portuguese Douro is sailed only by purpose-built shallow-draft vessels. Twelve ships from eight operators currently work the route. Here is how they actually differ.
Solo-traveler river cruise cabins: which lines have them and what they cost
Single-supplement waivers and dedicated solo cabins are the most-asked question in river cruising. Here is the actual fleet-by-fleet picture.