Luxury European River Cruises
Your Award-Winning European River Cruise Specialists
Planning a European river cruise should be a seamless, inspiring experience. Established in 1992 and based in Dublin, Travel Escapes organises luxury river cruises and fly-cruises along iconic waterways like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine for Irish holidaymakers. As the voted Travel Agency of the Year for River Cruise at the ITTN awards and proud members of both the ITAA and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), you are dealing with genuine river cruise specialists. We are fully licensed and bonded by the Irish Aviation Authority (TA 0348), and our experienced Dublin team handles every detail—from your direct flights out of Dublin, Cork, or Shannon to boutique suite upgrades, transfers, and daily guided shore excursions.
Our Featured River Cruise Partners
Riviera Travel River Cruises
Renowned for 5-star luxury and exceptional value, Riviera Travel European river cruises feature boutique Swiss-built ships sailing iconic waterways like the Danube, Rhine, and Douro. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive drinks package, daily guided shore excursions, and fine dining included as standard. Travel Escapes provides seamless Riviera river cruise packages with direct flights from Dublin, transfers, and full IAA licensing (TA 0348).
CroisiEurope
As Europe’s largest river cruise operator, family-owned CroisiEurope is famed for exceptional value, warm French hospitality, and authentic regional gastronomy created by talented French chefs. Sailing all major European rivers—plus intimate canal barges and paddlewheelers on waterways like the Loire and Elbe— Travel Escapes provides seamless CroisiEurope packages complete with flights from Ireland, checked luggage, and full IAA licensing (TA 0348).
Avalon Waterways River Cruises
Renowned for innovative Suite Ships featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and beds facing the river views, Avalon Waterways offers a truly boutique European river cruise experience. Sailing the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, and Seine, Avalon allows guests to tailor their holiday with ‘Active & Discovery’ shore excursions, flex-dining choices, and complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Travel Escapes provides complete Avalon Waterways packages with flights from Ireland, checked baggage allowance, transfers, and full IAA licensing (TA 0348).
Travelmarvel River Cruises
Part of the prestigious APT travel family, Travelmarvel delivers premium 4-star “relaxed luxury” river cruises along Europe’s Danube, Rhine, and Main rivers. Sailing on state-of-the-art contemporary ships featuring French-style balcony suites and even an onboard McGeary’s Irish Pub, guests enjoy complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, chef-prepared dining, and guided shore excursions included in the price. Travel Escapes provides complete Travelmarvel packages with direct flights from Ireland, baggage allowance, transfers, and full IAA licensing (TA 0348).
Viva River Cruises
Specialising in relaxed, contemporary luxury, Viva River Cruises offers a fresh approach to European river sailing along the Danube, Rhine, Seine, and Rhône. Guests benefit from the signature VIVA All-Inclusive package, which features premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, gourmet dining, a daily re-stocked stateroom minibar, Wi-Fi, and all onboard gratuities fully included. Travel Escapes provides complete Viva River Cruise packages featuring flights from Ireland, checked baggage allowance, transfers, and full IAA licensing (TA 0348).
Why Book Your River Cruise with Travel Escapes?
- Direct Flights from Ireland: Convenient connections from Dublin, Cork, or Shannon.
- Award-Winning Cruise Experts: Crowned reigning Travel Agency of the Year – River Cruise at the ITTN Awards, giving you access to unparalleled expertise and supplier relationships.
- Full Financial Security: Licensed and bonded by the Irish Aviation Authority (TA 0348).
- End-to-End Service: Dedicated travel advisor to look after flights, stateroom selection, and transfers.
What’s Included in Your River Cruise Package+
- Booking advice and expert support from dedicated Travel Escapes river cruise specialists
- Return flights from major Irish airports (Dublin, Cork, or Shannon) including taxes and checked baggage
- Luxurious staterooms and French balcony suites on boutique European river ships
- Full board fine dining featuring fresh regional specialties and complimentary drinks packages (where offered)
- Daily guided shore excursions with local English-speaking experts in historic river ports (where offered)
- Seamless airport-to-ship transfers on all flight-inclusive packages
- 100% financial security under Irish Aviation Authority licensing (TA 0348) and fully bonded
- Proud members of the ITAA and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ocean cruise and a river cruise?
River cruises feature smaller, boutique ships sailing inland waterways like the Danube, Rhine, or Seine. They dock directly in the heart of historic cities and towns, offering an intimate atmosphere, extremely smooth sailing with zero seasickness, and guided shore excursions usually included in the price.
Are flights from Ireland included in your river cruise packages?
Yes. All Travel Escapes river cruise packages can be bundled with return flights from major Irish airports (Dublin, Cork, or Shannon), including checked baggage allowance, transfers, and 100% financial protection under our Irish Aviation Authority licensing (TA 0348). Alternatively, we can book a cruise only for you.
Are daily shore excursions included on river cruises?
On most of our featured river cruise lines (such as Riviera Travel and Avalon Cruises), daily guided walking tours and city excursions with expert local guides are fully included in your package price.
Is motion sickness or seasickness an issue on a river cruise?
Not at all. Rivers are calm, sheltered inland waterways with no waves or ocean swells. River cruising provides exceptionally smooth, gentle sailing, making it ideal for anyone prone to motion sickness. Depending on the cruise line and package selected (such as Celebrity’s all-included fares), beverage packages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities can be included upfront.
When is the best time of year for a European river cruise?
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s major rivers. Late November through December is also hugely popular for festive European Christmas Market river cruises.
Ready to Plan Your Next River Cruise?
Speak directly with our cruise specialists for honest advice on staterooms, itineraries, and direct flights from Ireland.
Call Us: (01) 294 1000