The River Cruise Company Scorecard
Ten criteria, your weights, one clear answer.
Get Free River Cruise QuotesUse this scorecard to compare any two or three river cruise companies on the same river. Give each criterion a weight from your own priorities, then see which line comes out ahead for you.
Ten Criteria That Separate River Lines
| Criterion | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inclusions | Two fares that look different may be equal once drinks, tips and transfers are counted. | Which drinks, which gratuities, which transfers are in the fare? |
| 2. Excursion style | Some lines include one tour per port; others offer several, graded by pace. | How many choices in each port, and how are groups sized? |
| 3. Ship age and refits | River ships are refreshed in very different cycles. | When was this ship built or last refurbished? |
| 4. Cabin design | French balconies, full balconies and suites vary widely by line. | What is the actual size and balcony type of my category? |
| 5. Public spaces | Lounges, an aft terrace, a pool or a fitness room change how sea days feel. | Where do guests gather when the ship is sailing? |
| 6. Dining | Single restaurant or alternatives; set times or open seating. | Is there an alternative venue, and is it extra? |
| 7. Accessibility | Elevators, gangways and the number of steps vary. | Does the elevator reach every guest deck? |
| 8. Fellow passengers | Age range, families or adults only, nationalities. | Are sailings marketed mainly to North Americans? |
| 9. Where the line sails | Not every company sails every river. | Does it sail my river in my month, and how often? |
| 10. Flexibility | Change and cancellation terms differ by fare type. | What happens if I need to move my dates? |
How to Use It
- Pick the three criteria that matter most to you and double their weight.
- Use the line’s own website and deck plans for facts; use reviews for atmosphere only.
- Compare sailings on the same river in the same month — otherwise you are comparing rivers, not companies.
- Ask our advisors to fill in the gaps; we see the fine print every day.
When you are down to one or two lines, Best River Cruise Deals explains how to time the booking, and Cruise & Travel Insurance covers protecting it.
A Worked Example, Without the Numbers
Imagine a couple choosing between two lines for a summer week on the Danube. One partner cares most about the cabin and the food; the other wants active days ashore and no surprise bills. They double the weight of inclusions, excursion style and cabin design. Line A has larger balcony cabins and an excellent kitchen but charges for most drinks; Line B includes drinks and offers a bike tour or a hike in most ports, with slightly smaller cabins. On their weights, Line B comes out ahead — while friends who prize space and dining would rationally pick Line A. Neither line is “best”; one is best for them.
That is the whole point of a scorecard. It turns a list of brochure claims into a decision you can explain, and it shows you which questions to ask our cruise advisors before you commit.
Send Us Your Shortlist
Name two or three lines and the sailing you are considering. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will fill in the scorecard with you and send free quotes.
Compare My Shortlist