Luxury River Cruises

Embark on some of the world's best river cruises with Scott Dunn, complete with ever-changing views you won't forget in a hurry.

  • Experience river cruise vacations with fully personalized itineraries
  • River tours brought to life with five-star amenities onboard
  • Get 24/7 support from our dedicated team
  • Book with award-winning travel experts
Barges and river cruises

What can I expect from luxury river cruise vacations with Scott Dunn?

Discover a secret side to an iconic destination on our relaxing river cruises. Drift by villages, vineyards and other hidden gems that pass many others by. Whether you want to explore the waters of the mighty Amazon or sample the local delicacies of the Champagne region, we’ll find the perfect luxury barge or riverboat cruise for you.

Imagine floating along the Mekong, watching daily life unfold in the riverside villages of Vietnam and Cambodia, and exploring monasteries during your on-shore excursions. Perhaps you see yourself cruising on the Amazon surrounded by millions of acres of rainforest, with the chance to see hundreds of species, from the pink Amazon dolphin to the giant river otter.

If cities are more your thing, how about a river cruise along the Danube, soaking up the history, architecture and culture in locations such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest? Or why not charter a barge in the south of France with family and friends where medieval towns, mouthwatering meals and local wines await?

With a wide selection of barge and river cruise holidays around the globe, we're ready to craft a bespoke itinerary just for you, whatever floats your boat.

What can you expect from the barges and riverboats on our luxury river cruises?

Looking for an immersive adventure that doesn't compromise on life's little luxuries? High-end river cruises with all of the amenities and service levels of a five-star hotel will mean you can travel in optimal comfort. We've been fussy about hand-picking barges and riverboats that will transport you to another world, take you off the beaten track and show you beautiful places from a whole new perspective.

While you can stay aboard overnight on many of our riverboat cruises, others give you a chance to stay in the most luxurious accommodation nearby. We can discuss these details when it comes to planning your trip.

Discover more about our luxury river cruise partners

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Uniworld River Cruises

At Scott Dunn, we specialize in crafting extraordinary journeys, and UniWorld River Cruises epitomises luxury and sophistication on the world's most scenic rivers. Renowned for their impeccable service and all-inclusive opulence, UniWorld invites you to explore enchanting destinations in unparalleled style.

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Private cruise on the Seine

Private cruise on the Seine

Paris, France

Set sail on the Seine in your very own private cruise along one of the most famous rivers in the world. Cruise past all the highlights of Paris and have a unique opportunity to see the city from a different perspective.

Couples Short Break Cruise Culture
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise

Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise

Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia

In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colors change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.

Lisbon by private yacht

Lisbon by private yacht

Lisbon, Portugal

Appreciate Lisbon from the sea, gaining a different view of the city’s sights while relaxing on board a private yacht. Discover the maritime history of the city that transformed Portugal into a colonial power with Lisbon at the heart of its empire.

Sailing & surfing
Private boat trip on the Douro

Private boat trip on the Douro

Douro Valley, Portugal

Experience the beauty of the Douro Valley in style - cruise along the river in your very own private boat. Admire the incredible scenery en route and stop for a delicious traditional lunch.

Couples Cruise Culture
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - River Cruise

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - River Cruise

Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia

Take a cruise along the Kinabatangan River, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife, which can include crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and sometimes even the elusive orangutan.

4 Nights Nile Cruise

4 Nights Nile Cruise

The Nile, Egypt

Experience the legendary river, passing through Egyptian heritage sites, including the West Bank as well as the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. In Aswan, sail by traditional Felucca to Agha Khan.

Activities at Matetsi Victoria Falls

Activities at Matetsi Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe

Matetsi Victoria Falls is ideally located to be able to offer guests both a safari experiences such as game drives and boat cruises, as well as access to the iconic Victoria Falls and the activities available in the region.

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The Oberoi Zahra

The Oberoi Zahra

Nile, Egypt

The Oberoi Zahra is the finest and most luxurious ship operating on the Nile. The leisurely 7-night cruise gives the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation – with on board spa treatments that pamper you like a Pharaoh.

Cruise Culture Spa & health
BESTSELLER
Nour El Nil Nile Cruises

Nour El Nil Nile Cruises

Nile, Egypt

Uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt on board one of Nour El Nil’s six elegant dahabiyas. Cruise for 5 nights in total comfort and style down the majestic River Nile from Luxor to Aswan.

Cruise Culture Adventure
Aqua Nera

Aqua Nera

Iquitos, Peruvian Amazon, Peru

Experience the Amazon Rainforest in Peru from the comfort of the luxurious Aqua Nera, the newest cruise vessel to operate in these waters. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you explore the rich ecosystem of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve.

Gypsy, Mekong River Cruise

Gypsy, Mekong River Cruise

Mekong River, Northern Thailand, Thailand

Artfully crafted from teak and thatch, the exclusive two-suite Gypsy is a beautifully appointed vessel that charts a path along the Mekong River, stopping as and when you wish to curate a voyage of discovery between the Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang.

Sanctuary Sun Boat III

Sanctuary Sun Boat III

The Nile, Egypt

Sanctuary Sun Boat III offers three- and four-night cruises in an intimate atmosphere. With just 18 cabins and suites, it is one of the smallest cruise boats on the Nile. Sun Boat III's elegant style is evocative of the River Nile's colonial past.

Culture Couples
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Nile, Egypt

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV has just 40 cabins and suites in total, with a chic art deco style. Offering three-, four- and 10-night itineraries, the boat sails between Luxor and Aswan offering guests the chance to explore the legendary sites along the Nile.

Couples Culture
Uniworld S.S Antoinette

Uniworld S.S Antoinette

Worldwide

The S.S. Antoinette, Uniworld’s crown jewel, offers a river cruising experience that captures the essence of opulence and grandeur.

Cruise
Uniworld S.S Beatrice

Uniworld S.S Beatrice

Worldwide

The S.S. Beatrice is a floating masterpiece of modern sophistication, offering a luxurious river cruising experience with a touch of contemporary style.

Cruise
Uniworld S.S Bon Voyage

Uniworld S.S Bon Voyage

Worldwide

The S.S. Bon Voyage is a celebration of French elegance and sophistication, designed to reflect the beauty and culture of the Bordeaux region it sails through.

Cruise
Uniworld S.S Catherine

Uniworld S.S Catherine

Worldwide

The S.S. Catherine is a floating showcase of French elegance, designed to offer a river cruising experience that blends luxury with artistic charm

Cruise
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Luxury European River Cruises

Whether you choose a private yacht experience along the coastal gems of the Mediterranean or a river cruise past the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal, you can enjoy Europe's standout destinations in a whole new way.

Visit France and drift through Paris on a private custom-built Venetian water taxi along the River Seine, or spend days floating through the countryside on an all-inclusive river cruise with Belmond. Choose between romantic Champagne, rustic Provence and lush Burgundy, and explore nearby quaint villages and vineyards at your leisure with a complimentary guide.

Elsewhere, you can set sail in Lisbon on a private yacht along the Tagus River and soak up the red rooftops in this Portuguese paradise.

River Cruise Vacations Around the Globe

Wherever in the world you want to explore, you have plenty of choice across a wide array of destinations where you can incorporate one of our scenic luxury river cruises into your trip.

Drift along the Kinabatangan River to spot crocodiles and pygmy elephants in Borneo or enjoy a sunset riverboat cruise along the Zambezi River after a daytime safari in Zimbabwe. In South America, our Amazon river cruises show a side of this rainforest seldom seen, as you drift in luxury on 3, 4 or 7-night expeditions. Hike through the jungle with a naturalist guide in search of unique wildlife, and spend evenings enjoying personal service and dining on Peruvian gastronomy.

Alternatively, you can indulge in a four-night Nile cruise in Egypt. Traveling between Luxor and Aswan, you'll uncover some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.


Meet Our Riverboat Cruise Travel Specialists

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

River Cruise Vacations FAQs

  • How long are your river cruise vacations?

    We offer a mix of river cruises with options that last less than a day and others being multi-nights. Some overnight river cruise vacations have strict timelines, offering only 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries, while others are more flexible and mold to your schedule. When you get in touch, we’ll get to know what type of tour and river cruise vacation you’re looking for, and from there we’ll tailor your perfect trip.

  • Can I incorporate a river cruise into a wider vacation itinerary?

    We offer many vacations that include riverboat cruise segments lasting just one or several days – which means it'll be built into your overall itinerary.

    For example, in Cambodia, you can unwind in paradise on the Koh Rong Archipelago and soak up the history of the capital city, Phnom Penh, before cruising down the Mekong River on a boutique-style hotel boat. The beauty of our luxury river cruise vacations is that you can incorporate them into a personalized itinerary.

  • Do you offer river cruises that don't involve staying onboard overnight?

    While some of our river cruise vacations include overnight stays on the boat, others include accommodation on land, as the tours themselves last less than a day. When it comes to shaping your trip, our team will explain the different options based on your chosen location. We'll do our best to customize your tour in any way we can.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during your river cruise vacations?

    Many of our scenic river cruise vacations, such as the luxury Egyptian Nile cruises, include accommodation on the boat. For example, the Oberoi Zahra includes 25 high-end cabins, a gym, and a private terrace.

    Another example is the Aqua Mekong, which is a floating boutique hotel along the Mekong River that travels between Vietnam and Cambodia. Set across a spacious 200-foot vessel, it's fitted with an outdoor pool and observation deck. Five-star facilities are common across many of our overnight river cruises.

    Other river cruises will involve staying in accommodation on land, ranging from rainforest lodges to five-star hotels depending on your chosen location and preferences.

    As always, if you have any specific requirements that will help customize the trip to fit your needs, please share them with us.

  • What types of activities can I enjoy during a river cruise vacation?

    Depending on where you go and what your accommodation offers, you can enjoy a huge variety of activities. Take Peru, for example, where you can set off on trail walks to soak up the local scenery and swim with pink dolphins in the Amazon. You'll even have the opportunity to meet local indigenous communities. Alternatively, for days when you want to unwind, you can enjoy the amenities on your boat. You can spend the day by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or relax on the observation deck. Games rooms, libraries, gyms, and even theatres can also be enjoyed onboard across many of our luxury river cruise vacations.

  • Do you offer other types of cruises?

    Beyond our river cruise vacations, we also offer ocean cruises, private yacht charters, and expedition cruises, so you can take to the water in a way that allows you to experience your chosen destination to its fullest. Find out more about our cruise vacations.

  • Do you offer family river cruises?

    Many of our luxury river cruises are suitable for families. You have the option to hire boats privately, which means you'll have plenty of space to enjoy.

    The safety of your family is a huge priority, which is why all our riverboat cruises are hand-selected. We only work with reputable companies and local experts to bring you an unforgettable experience. The crew will also run through key safety information before your trip.

    We always encourage you to share any specific requirements so that we can ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible, whether you want family river cruises suited to families with toddlers or those with multiple generations.

View of cruises on the river
Book Your River Cruise Holidays with Scott Dunn

Set off on the adventure of a lifetime with luxury river cruise vacations by Scott Dunn. To get started, simply get in touch with our expert team today by filling out our online inquiry form.

Plan your trip

River cruise vacation guides and inspiration

Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your vacation

Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Person kayaking off the Ponant l'Austal

  • We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
  • We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Bartender aboard the EXPLORA I

  • We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Ritz-Carlton Ilma at sunset in a European port

  • Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
  • We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Person in the pool aboard the EXPLORA I

  • Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
  • We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.