Demand for river cruises is soaring, with multiple new brands entering the market for a chance to ferry travelers along some of the world’s most storied waterways.
And it’s no surprise that river cruise vacations remain popular: You only have to unpack once, and then you get to sit back and enjoy the scenery as the ship glides along. You wake up in what amounts to a floating boutique hotel in the heart of dreamy cities and small towns around the world.
Travel advisors like river cruises, too, because they often lead to “commissions with commas,” as well as satisfied clients who are eager to plan their next trip. Travel advisors cast their votes to determine the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in several river cruise categories during the 2025 Travvy Awards. Produced by TravelPulse and AGENTatHOME, the Travvy Awards recognize the best suppliers across the travel industry.
Here’s how the top river cruise lines stacked up at this year’s award gala in Fort Lauderdale on November 6.
Best River Cruise Line – Overall
Best River Cruise Line – Europe
Gold: VikingSilver: AmaWaterwaysBronze: Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways’ Avalon Artistry II exterior. (Photo Credit: Avalon Waterways)
Best River Cruise Line – Africa/Egypt
Gold: AmaWaterwaysSilver: VikingBronze: Avalon Waterways
Best River Cruise Ship – Overall
Gold: AmaWaterways’ AmaMagnaSilver: Viking’s AtonBronze: Avalon Waterways’ Avalon View
The newest Viking river ship for the Nile, the Viking Aton, floated out this week. Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen was there for the ceremony. (Photo Credit: Viking)
Check out the complete list of 2025 Travvy Awards winners.
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