The River Cruising Guide is published by Gordon Sadler Travel. It breaks down what each waterway is truly like—the routes ships sail, the ports of call, and the best seasons to travel.
You might be drawn by a single landmark you've always wanted to see—like the Spanish Riding School in Vienna or the castles of the Rhine Gorge—and want to discover what else that river has to offer. You might simply be looking for fresh inspiration for your next journey, or you may have already booked and want to explore the details of the voyage ahead. Whatever brings you here, this guide helps you connect with the river itself, giving you the full picture before, during, or after choosing your cruise.
Truly Independent
We created The River Cruising Guide to offer an honest, inspiring, and completely impartial look at the world’s waterways. Whether you're planning your very first river cruise or have lost count of the rivers you've sailed, our goal is to give you genuine facts, beautiful imagery, and practical tips you can trust. Every line sailing a river is included—even those we don't book—and no one can buy a better ranking or a glowing review. It’s all about helping you explore with confidence.
Checked
Facts are checked against the sources listed on each page: official tourism boards, UNESCO, the places themselves and the cruise lines' own published itineraries. Itineraries change every year, so the guide describes what is typical and always suggests checking the sailing itself.
First-Hand Insight
Wherever possible, we showcase our own photography, video, and personal notes captured during our travels on the rivers. We want to show you the waterways as they really are, not just how the marketing brochures portray them. For complete peace of mind and integrity, any imagery or commentary originating from an operator-sponsored trip is clearly marked.
Let Us Help You Plan
Ready to turn inspiration into an actual voyage? Gordon Sadler Travel is on hand to take the legwork out of your planning. We love helping you weigh up the different river cruise options—matching the right dates, cabin standards, operators, and all-inclusive packages to your personal travel style.
With our complimentary concierge service, you get honest advice, personal attention, and zero booking fees. Plus, complete peace of mind comes built-in: we are proud members of ATAS and Protected Trust Services (PTS 6516), so the money you pay us is held in an independent trust account.