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
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 personalized 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
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.
Uniworld S.S Joie de Vivre
Worldwide
The S.S. Joie de Vivre offers an intimate and luxurious river cruising experience that captures the spirit of France’s most iconic regions.
Uniworld S.S La Venezia
Worldwide
The S.S. La Venezia brings the beauty and romance of Venice to life as you sail through Italy’s serene waterways
Uniworld S.S Maria Theresa
Worldwide
The S.S. Maria Theresa is a majestic tribute to the splendor of Europe’s imperial past, offering a river cruising experience that exudes regal luxury and sophistication.
Aqua Mekong
Mekong River - Vietnam & Cambodia
On board the Mekong's first floating boutique hotel, Aqua Mekong, journey up the river towards Cambodia or down towards Vietnam. En route you will explore the fascinating scenery and culture along the river during off-shore excursions.
Belmond Bateaux in France
South of France, France
Discover the waterways, canals and rivers of rural France in style with the Belmond Afloat in France program. Belmond’s seven barges are among the most luxurious in Europe and offer a unique way of seeing some spectacularly beautiful countryside.
Delfin III
Iquitos, Peruvian Amazon, Peru
Cruise along the mighty Amazon River on board the luxurious Delfin III, a modern and elegant vessel which boasts 21 cabins and has all the amenities of a hotel, while allowing you to explore untouched corners of Peru's Amazon Rainforest in total comfort.
Luang Say Cruise
On the Mekong, Laos
Traveling by boat is the way to really explore the lush and more remote parts of this extraordinary and idyllic region. The Luang Say Cruise makes this journey from the comfort of a luxurious converted rice barge and is a highlight of any trip to Laos.
M.S Yangzi Explorer
Chongqing, Sichuan & Yangtze River, China
Cruise the world's third largest river in decadent style and luxury on board the small and intimate M.S. Yangzi Explorer. See the 'life line' of China, The Yangzi River, unveil before you while you relax in comfort.
Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer
Nile, Egypt
The Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer is a modern boat with all the amenities for a perfect cruise down the River Nile. Choose between a three night cruise (Aswan – Luxor) or a more relaxing four night cruise (Luxor – Aswan).
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.
River Cruise Vacations FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 theaters can also be enjoyed onboard across many of our luxury river cruise vacations.
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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.
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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.
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime with luxury river cruise holidays by Scott Dunn. To get started, simply get in touch with our expert team today by filling out our online inquiry form.
Why Scott Dunn?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
Seamless Service
- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.
River cruise vacation guides and inspiration
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Feature
A Guide to Luxury Halong Bay Cruises in Vietnam
Halong Bay’s lush emerald waters, filled with limestone towers and thousands of islands and islets, is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Best seen from the comfort of a luxury cruise, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an unforgettable experience.