Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
U.S.A.
English
Canada
English
Canada Quebec
Français
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Air
  • River Cruise
  • Training & Resources

U.S. News Releases Its First-Ever River Cruise Line Rankings

by Briana Bonfiglio  May 28, 2026
AmaWaterways' AmaMagna in Budapest sailing the Danube

Photo: AmaWaterways

For the very first time, U.S. News & World Report – publisher of Best Hotels, Best Vacations and Best Cruise Lines – has released the Best River Cruise Lines list. 

The inaugural 2026-2027 river cruise line ranking names AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking River Cruises as the top three, respectively. U.S. News’ creation of the new ranking category is a testament to the recent explosion of the river cruise segment in the U.S. travel market. 

“River cruising offers travelers a unique and intimate way to explore the world’s most beautiful destinations,” said Nicola Wood, senior editor of Travel at U.S. News. “Our inaugural Best River Cruise Lines ranking provides a data-backed, comprehensive evaluation – combining expert analysis with traveler sentiment and a deep dive into crucial features like all-inclusive pricing and onboard amenities – to help travelers confidently select the perfect voyage for them.”   

The full 2026-2027 Best River Cruise Line rankings from U.S. News are: 

1. AmaWaterways 
2. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 
3. Viking River Cruises 
4. Avalon Waterways 
5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours 
6. Riverside Luxury Cruises 
7. American Cruise Lines 
8. Tauck 
9. Emerald Cruises
10. CroisiEurope 

    U.S. News analyzed the 10 river cruise lines and ranked them based on seven criteria scored by U.S. News editors and industry leaders. Panelists also factored in industry accolades, all-inclusive pricing, shore excursion inclusions, onboard amenities, and itinerary diversity. Inclusion in the list of 10 means that these river cruise lines are deemed best in the industry. 

    Here’s what the publication had to say about what made each of the top three river cruise lines stand out. 

    AmaWaterways 

    “The line offers unique onboard amenities like spas and pickleball courts. A standout feature is the convenient ‘twin-balcony’ stateroom design, which includes both a French balcony and a walk-out veranda.” 

    Uniworld Boutique River Cruises   

    “The line includes more than one complimentary shore excursion per port and provides an appealing staff-to-guest ratio of one crew member for every 2.4 travelers.” 

    Viking River Cruises 

    “The line operates a large fleet of 80-plus river ships, offering a wide selection of sailing dates – especially in Europe. Viking also features domestic river routes along the Mississippi River and maintains a luxurious, adults-only atmosphere.” 

      
      
    Related Articles
    AmaWaterways Christens Second Colombia Cruise Ship
    AmaWaterways Plans for 50+ Ships by 2032
    AmaWaterways Names Chief Creative and Marketing Officer
    Catching Up with AmaWaterways’ CEO Catherine Powell
    An Inside Look at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Evolving Great Stirrup Cay
    Everything New and Coming Soon to AmaWaterways’ Shoreside Experience
    Norwegian Cruise Line and Hull Artist ELLE Christen Norwegian Luna in Miami
    Explora Journeys to Reroute Middle East Sailings for Winter 2026-27
    Everything New and Coming Soon Onboard AmaWaterways

    MOST VIEWED

    1. Dallas Flight Cancellations and Delays Persist Monday Following Severe Sunday Storms
    2. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico on Indefinite Hold
    3. All the Travel Advisor Appreciation Month Offers for May 2026
    4. United CEO Scott Kirby Says Pursuit of Possible American Airlines Merger is Over
    5. American Airlines Tightens Power Bank Rules Following FAA Safety Warning
    6. 10 AI Prompts Travel Advisors Can Use to Create Content Quickly


    TMR Subscription

    Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage from all corners of the travel industry, from industry happenings to new cruise ships, hotel openings, tour updates, and much more.

    Subscribe to TMR

    Top Stories
    Avalon Launches 3 New European Cruise & Tour Itineraries
    Avalon Launches 3 New European Cruise & Tour Itineraries

    The new itineraries combine a Globus guided land tour with an Avalon river cruise.

    Riverside Luxury Cruises Adds Two North American Sales Team Members
    Riverside Luxury Cruises Adds Two North American Sales Team Members

    David Semerad joins Riverside as inside sales executive and Evi Nikolaidou as director of sales, MICE and LATAM.

    VIVA Cruises Christens First Boutique Brand River Ship
    VIVA Cruises Christens First Boutique Brand River Ship

    VIVA BEYOND is the ninth ship in VIVA’s growing fleet, but the first in its all-new Boutique line.

    Riviera Travel to Add Fourth Radiance Class River Cruise Ship
    Riviera Travel to Add Fourth Radiance Class River Cruise Ship

    Riviera Rhapsody will debut on April 1, 2028, on the Dutch Waterways before repositioning to the Rhine River that summer.

    Scenic Group USA Adds West Coast Sales Director
    Scenic Group USA Adds West Coast Sales Director

    Andrea Medellin will focus on expanding advisor education, increasing brand visibility, and driving engagement.

    Viking Names New CEO, Torstein Hagen Transitions to Executive Chairman
    Viking Names New CEO, Torstein Hagen Transitions to Executive Chairman

    Leah Talactac was appointed as president in January 2025. She has been with the Viking since 2006.

    TMR OUTLOOKS, WHITE PAPERS & DESTINATION GUIDES
    View All
    industry insider
    industry-insider.jpg
    https://img.youtube.com/vi/dcUSG4r9SMw/0.jpg
    How AI Is Changing the Travel Advisor Landscape
    Advertiser's Voice
    Up to 40% off Oceania Cruises Voyages
    About Travel Market Report Mission Meet the Team Advisory Board Advertise Syndication Guidelines
    TMR Resources Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
    Subscribe to TMR
    Select Language
    Do You Have an Idea Email
    editor@travelmarketreport.com
    Give Us a Call
    1-(516) 730-3097
    Drop Us a Note
    Travel Market Report
    71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
    © 2005 - 2026 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
    Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Manage cookie preferences