Forget everything you thought you knew about European river cruising. Today’s waterways aren’t just for armchair travellers – they’re immersive, design-led and unapologetically luxurious, offering front-row seats to Europe’s most captivating experiences.
European river cruises are booming. Research shows 31 percent of Australians are eager to embark on a river cruise – 22 percent for the first time.
And it’s easy to see why.
With intimate ships that dock in the heart of historic cities, these cruises are redefining slow travel for a new generation – effortlessly blending culture, exploration and comfort in one seamless experience.
Bookings for the 2026 and 2027 European river cruising seasons are open, with earlybird savings available, so now is the time to plan your next unforgettable escape.
Explore Europe in Scenic style
Scenic’s all-inclusive ultra-luxury, European river cruises are an elevated way to explore the continent’s cultural heartlands – without compromise. Cruise through fairytale villages and storybook castles on the Rhine, Main and Danube. Discover the art, wine and architectural treasures of France and Portugal.
On board, every moment is designed to feel effortless. With no more than 163 guests on each custom-built Scenic Space-Ship, you’ll enjoy an intimate, luxurious journey where every detail is taken care of – from tailored experiences to personal service.
The suite life
That luxury begins in the private suites. Choose from a Standard Suite or upgrade to a Balcony, Junior or Royal Suite featuring Scenic’s signature all-weather Sun Lounges – the largest on Europe’s rivers.
Each generously sized suite is elegantly appointed with premium amenities including a queen-size Scenic slumber bed, pillow menu and luxurious ESPA bath products – creating a serene, indulgent retreat as Europe drifts past the window.
Personalised butler service comes as standard for every suite, ensuring every need is met throughout your journey.
A culinary experience like no other
Dining on board a Scenic Space-Ship is a sensory delight. Whether you prefer fine dining, a relaxed café setting or eating in the privacy of your suite, Scenic offers up to five dining experiences. Innovative chefs take pride in creating mouth-watering options to suit all palates and preferences.
Whether relaxing on deck or returning from a day of cultural discovery, guests enjoy the finest wines, cocktails and more, included and available all day, every day. Complimentary in-suite mini-bars are also replenished daily for added indulgence.
Wellness at every turn
If the beautiful passing scenery isn’t enough to inspire and revitalise the soul, dive into Scenic Space-Ship’s unique Salt Therapy Lounge*, available on select ships on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, as well as Bordeaux and the south of France.
Creating the environment of a salt cave, the lounge can assist with healing, improving respiration and boosting the immune system. Relax in sheer bliss.
Unrivalled wellness comes as standard on board, with stretch classes, a vitality pool* and fitness centre ensuring guests can stay fit and active on the water. On land, explore the countryside like a local with an e-bike ride along scenic riverside trails.
Immersive Europe, up close
With Scenic Freechoice experiences, guests can personalise their cruise with curated excursions across Europe.
The extensive and diverse list of Scenic Freechoice excursions is designed at an active, moderate or relaxed pace – whether it’s a guided hike or e-bike ride through vineyards, or a visit to the historic towns of Ypres and Passchendaele in Belgium.
Venturing to the heart of Europe’s most refined art, music and architecture, exclusive Scenic Enrich events go behind the scenes to provide moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. These experiences create an exceptional, unforgettable adventure for guests to luxuriate in.
Highlight Scenic Enrich experience include a captivating concert in Germany’s oldest city, Trier, inside the grand gothic Liebfrauenkirche Church. An evening of grandeur at a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the Upper Rhine Valley region. Or attend an exclusive classical music concert at the majestic Gödöllõ Royal Palace, one of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary’s favourite residences.
Why wait?
Scenic’s Europe river cruises are more than a holiday along some of Europe’s most breathtaking waterways. They’re a seamless blend of luxury, wellness, culture and exploration, backed by an expert team who ensure everything runs effortlessly.
Reserve your 2026 Scenic River Cruise now and create stories for life. Book by October 31 to enjoy included economy flights (up to $2,900pp) or a Business Class air credit of up to $4,500pp* with Balcony Suites on select itineraries, and departures. Visit scenic.com.au, call 138 128 or speak to your travel advisor to secure your suite.
Terms and Conditions apply, visit scenic.com.au/terms.
*Not available on all Scenic Space-Ships
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