Dream Destinations is the Best Europe River Cruise Website
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
If you would like to effectively learn about Europe River Cruises, the best and most comprehensive website is the River Cruise Section on our Dream Destinations website.
In our world today, we all research with the internet to find answers to our questions. Most often folks search for three topics: 1) the best river cruise line, 2) your personal desired river cruise experiences and 3) specific river cruise routes.
In short, no other website that we are aware of has all these answers in the comprehensive and accurate fashion as our website has—we are content on steroids, and others are not even close!
Consider these facts:
·While there are some good comparison charts on several websites, nothing compares to our eighty-slide pdf PowerPoint Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons that compares the main river cruise companies marketing to the US consumers. It is an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of these lines, has 17 comparison charts, and explains what to expect should you choose one of the 8 companies we follow.
·Our site has 140+ blogs about every facet of river cruises—according to a Google search we are cited as the top resource for comprehensive and accurate river cruise information for river cruise blogging.
·Complete information about specific river routes—our Best River Cruise Routes Guide ranks either 1st or 2nd on Google. When you combine these considerations with 162+ day-by-day routes from the 8 different river cruise lines we follow, there is simply nothing else on the web to compare with our route coverage.
So, let’s examine the facts to see if we are right.
Cruise Line Specific Searches
Comparing river cruise lines is a favorite search term for all who are serious about the differences between specific companies, and it is perhaps the most difficult online search for quality comparisons about the various companies. It might seem strange for us to criticize Google as we have benefited from high rankings, but our small 2-person company has only one thing in our favor—outstanding content.
While for a 4-year period, we were number 1 to 3, recently we were ranked 7 to 11 (as one SEO expert told me, the page 2 is the most ignored page in Google). If we are ranked in the number 11 spot, as one source says, 75% of searchers never look at the second page of Google.
I thought I’d do a serious look at why we seem to be slipping in the rankings.
Here are the results I found which may help to explain why we are ranked at number 7 currently (after 4 ads):
Three results were chart only reports (2 were by trusted sources; 1 was an online booking site with a lot of 1-star reviews). Basically, all you find out is what facilities each company offers and their level of included service such as complimentary beer and wine at meals. For example, a chart doesn’t tell much about the quality of an excursion, or how many are offered per day, or if they are grouped by walking levels, just that excursions are included, or if extra charges are required.
One result was a Vlog (video blog using cruisers ratings to rank lines with good reporting). He used review site ratings to rank the companies and declared Avalon River cruises # 1 while we rate them # 7. It just reinforces how little ratings are helpful, if they do not contain specific details about the ratings.
Two results were Forums. First was a Rick Steves forum (July 2023 with multiple comments mainly about cost saving lines) and the second was a Reddit (11 months old with 40 comments). These are often short responses with only quick opinions. Nothing really helpful for an in-depth look at comparing river cruise companies, in our opinion.
SEO (search engine optimization) experts call the ranking results authority—it means that the source is trustworthy, high-quality, relevant and has something to offer about the search. My opinion is that the quality of search results is declining compared to past ratings.
There seems to be some reasons that search results are declining as compared to the past. These include: 1) Domination of Ads at the beginning and end of each page of Google (that’s how they make their money), 2) Google prioritizes big brands over quality, and 3) Forum results are filling up search pages. (these ideas I found on several different blogs and reports about declining quality of search results).
It seems to me that all three are happening here when you search for Europe River Cruise Company Comparisons. The value and type of experience is the key if you want the river cruise that is right for you. A ranking without solid explanations of the key reasons for the ranking leaves your search wondering what method(s) the author choses to use to make their rankings. Even our rankings are not as important as the reasons behind them are—a lot of this is opinion, as all Europe River Cruises are excellent vacation experiences. Also remember, most who write about the various aspects of river cruising sail for free—we have paid for 28 of the 29 river cruises we have taken.
As I have often said, rankings really don’t matter much, even with big brands and major publications, as the key is to match your desired river cruise experience to what each line offers. I have written about the ranking of major magazines and the problems with these ratings, as they are often misleading, in my opinion.
Just to make a point about how little rankings mean for you, here are 3 examples. First from our comparisons blog, are the rankings from Douglas Ward,
Second, here is our personal rankings.
Now the just released rankings from Travel & Lesiure’s Annual World’s Best List for 2025. Here are the rankings: 1. The Oberoi Nile Cruises (99.07) 2. Grand Circle Cruise Line (97.37) 3. Aqua Expeditions (96.93) 4. Tauck (96.0) 5. AmaWaterways (94.74) 6. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (93.50) 7. Viking (92.10) 8. Scenic (88.95)9. American Cruise Lines (88.52) 10. Avalon Waterways (88.09). Last year Avalon was number 2 on the 2024 list—I guess somehow they lost over 10 points but still prodvide a very good product. If you are interesed to learn more about my thoughts on this, here is my ranting blog about last year’s list
Travel & Leisure World Best 2024 List—No Wonder the Confusion Continues
Our comparisons offer a much more detailed look at these questions, we use our own pictures as much as possible, and with our blog topics section, almost every question you might have about river cruising is addressed in some fashion. I think it is fair to say that our blogs are a high-quality source. We also try to have the least possible bias and try to use facts or tell you if it is our opinion.
Specific River Route Searches
Another favorite search item is which river(s) offer the sites you desire to see and experience. We have always ranked 1st or 2nd in this category. There were 3 ads before our recent number 2 ranking.
The first ranked article was a blog entitled “Best River Cruises for First Timers.” This was from a blog which provided a paragraph about why a first-time cruiser should take the cited river cruise. It seemed she had taken 3 or 4 cruises and is UK based.
When compared to our Best River Cruise Routes Guide, ours is a far better source than the “Best River Cruises for First Timers” blog. I base this on our river experience after taking 29 river cruises and providing more in-depth reasons to consider sailing on a certain river system than she did. Our blog uses route maps and our personal pictures to enhance the information. Again, ours is just a higher quality blog and a better resource.
Experience-based Search Terms
This is a very board category that covers ideas such as first-time cruisers; luxury river cruise lines; active river cruises; and themed itineraries. Here is some information on our website blogs that covers these categories (all are links to our blogs or powerpoints):
Immersive Shore Excursions-this category focuses on providing unique, in-depth experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing.
Exclusive Experiences on AmaWaterways Cruises
The Best Cities to Visit Before and After Your Europe River Cruise
How to Best Enjoy Excursions on an Europe River Cruise
Creating Unforgettable Experiences on an Europe River Cruise
Themed Itineraries offer specialized itineraries focused on various interests that enhance the cruise experience. Common themes include art and music, holiday celebrations, and special interest groups such as Jewish Heritage. Smithsonian Journeys, and Soulful Experiences to cite a few of these unique cruises.
Our river cruise routes section on the River Cruise Blog Section Covers some of these specialized themed cruises. Some examples are (you can click on the title to read more about these cruises):
Holland at the Heart of Tulip Blossem—Riverside Luxury Cruises
Rhine Christmas Markets on AmaWaterways
Danube Christmas Markets on AmaWaterways
Luxury and Comfort this category covers all-inclusive, luxury river cruise lines (please click on the title to read more about these cruises)
Comparing All-Inclusive River Cruises
Our Gems of the Danube on the Scenic Opal
Autumn Along the Rhine: Munich’s Oktoberfest (Tauck River Cruises)
SS Maria Theresa Ship Tour (Uniworld Boutique River Cruises)
Wine and Food are special itineraries that focus on the culinary experiences and often visit wine regions of Europe. There are often onboard tastings, cooking classes and excursions to local vineyards and restaurants (please use the link to learn more).
Great Wine and Dining Experiences on AmaWaterways
The Vintage Room on the Riverside Ravel
Alternative Dining on 7 River Cruise lines
3 River Cruise Ship Dinners in 2023
Active River Cruises combine physical activity during the cruise offering activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and fitness classes and activities (again please click on these links to learn more about active and wellness river cruising).
River Cruise Wellness Programs in 2022
Active and Discover on the Seine (Avalon River Cruises)
Our Final Thoughts
We hope this proves that we have the most complete and comprehensive Europe River Cruise Website. Why not visit our website and spend some time learning about Europe River Cruises—you’ll be glad you did! We are ready to match you with the right river cruise line, so your trip to a Dream Destinations is fantastic! Please give me a call to get started (713-397-0188) Hank or email me at hschrader@visitdd.com!
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision-making process. We think we have all these qualities.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@visitdd.com . We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 29 + years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 54 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Riverside Luxury Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Brit Agent