Cruise ships
River cruise ships are smaller than ocean ships, sail close to cities and landscapes, and are especially strong in the German-speaking market with A-ROSA, Phoenix and nicko. A practical selection by operator and typical rivers.
As of August 2026.
A-ROSA
Premium all-inclusive, modern, German
Phoenix
Broad fleet, Europe & long-haul
nicko
Route variety & boutique formats
German market leader for modern river cruises: relaxed club-ship feel, premium all-inclusive and clear focus rivers (Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine, Douro).
A-ROSA · Modern large format · Rhine · since 2022
Ideal for: Current A-ROSA generation on the Rhine
One of the newer A-ROSA ships with modern design and premium all-inclusive – typical for relaxed Rhine/Moselle trips.
A-ROSA · Danube fleet
Ideal for: Classic Danube itineraries from Passau / Vienna
Danube ship in the A-ROSA fleet – cities such as Vienna, Budapest and the Wachau with German-speaking onboard life and an all-inclusive concept.
A-ROSA · Douro
Ideal for: Portugal / Douro wine region
Built for the Douro – smaller dimensions than Rhine/Danube ships, matching locks and narrow river sections.
A-ROSA · Rhine · Danube · Rhône · Seine
Ideal for: The matching sister ship for your preferred river
The fleet includes AQUA, BRAVA, SILVA, ALEA, CLEA (Rhine), DONNA, BELLA, MIA, RIVA (Danube), LUNA/STELLA (Rhône) and VIVA (Seine), among others.
Broad portfolio from mid-range to premium, German-speaking support and itineraries from Rhine/Danube/Elbe to Nile, Mekong or Amazon.
Phoenix Reisen · Premium river ship
Ideal for: Premium standards with Phoenix
Premium ship in the Phoenix portfolio – German-speaking river cruising with elevated comfort on classic Europe itineraries.
Phoenix Reisen · Mid-range to first class
Ideal for: Value and German-speaking classics
Phoenix runs one of the largest river fleets in the DE market – from family mid-range ships to elevated comfort on Rhine, Danube and Elbe.
Phoenix Reisen · International river trips
Ideal for: Exotic rivers with German-speaking organisation
Alongside Europe, Phoenix offers river trips worldwide – often with German-speaking tour guidance and combined land programmes.
Many European waterways and stylistically different ships – from classic river ships to more modern boutique formats.
nicko cruises · Modern boutique river ship
Ideal for: More stylish, modern nicko sailings
One of the better-known modern nicko ships – boutique character rather than a classic standard river ship.
nicko cruises · Douro
Ideal for: Portugal itineraries with nicko
Ship in the nicko offer built for the Douro – Portugal’s wine landscapes and cities in river-cruise format.
nicko cruises · 20+ ships · Europe & selected international
Ideal for: Maximum route choice in the DE market
nicko covers many European waterways – from classic comfort ships to newer formats, plus selected international rivers.
Viking and AmaWaterways are strongly positioned internationally; German-speaking guests often find structured cultural programmes here – but onboard culture is more international than with A-ROSA/Phoenix.
Viking River Cruises · Standardised premium format · approx. 190 passengers
Ideal for: Cultural programmes and clear ship standards
Viking Longships are largely identical and strongly geared to sightseeing/culture – very present internationally, onboard culture more English-speaking.
AmaWaterways · Premium river cruise
Ideal for: Active premium river trips (hiking/bike options)
International premium brand focused on dining, wine and active excursions – for DE guests often bookable via specialist operators.
Editorial selection. Exact ships, rivers and inclusions depend on season and operator.
