Avalon is a great choice if you like a more relaxed, flexible style of river cruising. Its Panorama Suites have beds facing the river and wall-to-wall windows, while a choice of included excursions gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace. Contemporary rather than formal, it suits traveller who want plenty included without feeling overly structured.

Viking has a calm, understated style with strong focus on the destinations you’re visiting. Its adults-only Longships include an excursion in every port, with wine and beer at lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and gratuities included. A good choice if you prefer a more structured, culturally focused river cruise without lots of onboard entertainment.

Women-only river cruises are a relaxed and sociable way to travel independently while still being part of a welcoming group. Selected cruise lines offer dedicated departures with shared experiences and plenty of opportunities to connect, making them a great option for solo travellers, friends, sisters or mothers and daughters.

Emerald combines contemporary ships, good value and an easygoing style of river cruising. Its Star-Ships feature clever touches such as a heated indoor pool that transforms into a cinema, while EmeraldACTIVE and EmeraldPLUS offer active excursions and local experiences. It suits travellers looking for variety, plenty included and a relaxed atmosphere onboard.

AmaWaterways stands out for its focus on food, wine and active exploration. Included excursions often offer different walking paces, with guided cycling and hiking for those wanting to explore further. Upscale but welcoming, it suits travellers who want to really experience a destination rather than simply see the sights.

Tauck takes river cruising into luxury guided-travel territory, with exceptional sightseeing and exclusive experiences woven into the journey. Private access and special cultural experiences take you beyond the usual sights, with most meals, drinks, gratuities and excursions included. It suits travellers who value seamless organisation, deeper experiences and a very high level of service.

Uniworld is known for its distinctive boutique ships, with lavish interiors, original artwork and no two vessels quite alike. Highly inclusive fares cover premium drinks, gratuities, dining and a wide choice of excursions. Luxurious and full of personality, it suits travellers who want their time onboard to feel every bit as special as the places they visit.

River cruising works particularly well for solo travellers, combining the freedom of travelling independently with the sociable atmosphere of a smaller ship. Some cruise lines offer solo cabins or selected sailings with reduced or no single supplements. Shared excursions and relaxed onboard spaces make it easy to meet people naturally, while still giving you plenty of independence.

CroisiEurope offers relaxed, French-style river cruising with excellent value and an impressive choice of waterways. Its smaller ships venture beyond the familiar Rhine and Danube to rivers and canals such as the Loire, Gironde, Elbe and Douro. With French-inspired dining and an informal atmosphere, it suits travellers looking for something a little different without the luxury price tag.

Trafalgar brings its focus on local connections and immersive touring to the rivers of Europe. Included experiences introduce you to local people, food and culture, balanced with time to explore independently. Relaxed and social rather than formal, it suits travellers who want a more engaging, experience-led style of river cruising.

Barge and canal cruising is a wonderfully slow and intimate way to explore waterways larger ships can’t reach. With only a handful of guests onboard, days unfold through villages, markets, vineyards and countryside, often with opportunities to walk or cycle along the towpaths. It suits travellers who love local experiences and discovering a region at an unhurried pace.