RIVER & CANAL CRUISES
Reviewed, compared and ranked by the people aboard.
The 7 most popular shore excursions cruises, compared side by side. What you see from the water, how long you are aboard, what it costs and which operator to book, so you can pick your boat in a couple of minutes.
Cruise-day Paris from Le Havre with a local guide, Eiffel photo stop, and a Seine cruise that cuts through traffic fast for $222.
Most Popular“While the bus had a broken toilet and some issues with the ac, Maarten was a phenomenal tour guide and thoroughly enhanced the experience.”
Le Havre to Paris by air-conditioned bus plus a Seine cruise, Eiffel Tower viewpoints, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Élysées time, built for cruisers.
“Our tour guide Amir was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the tour with the cruise and the various stops that were provided.”
Best Bruges shore excursion from Zeebrugge: small-group walking tour, optional canal cruise, and guaranteed return to your ship.
“Stellar full day with Jacob, our tour guide. The bus was easy to find at the port and the ride in to Bruges informative. There is a lot of ground to cover in 5-6 hours but it all went smoothly. Bruge is so charming and while it was crowded, Jacob made sure we stayed with…”
Bruges shore excursion with Zeebrugge pickup and a 45-minute canal cruise, plus guided stops at the Belfry, Holy Blood, Our Lady, and Market Square.
“Long day but very interesting. Lots of walking. We were fortunate it was a beautiful sunny day. Bruges was very busy with tourists and it was only May, I booked the tour through Viatours, much less expensive than through the cruise line.”
Cruise-to-Paris day trip from Le Havre with guided highlights, viewpoints at Arc and Eiffel, Notre-Dame exterior, plus a Seine cruise.
“Almost all time on the bus/boat- would have preferred to be dropped off and have a walking tour for more of it. Good guide and driver however.”
Bruges from Zeebrugge with easy ship pickup, guided medieval highlights, included canal cruise, and free time in Market Square.
“Disorganized and too expensive for what’s included. Guides acted as if this was the first time they’d dealt with a group-everything from keeping a count to handing out headphones was a challenge. Commentary was disjointed and difficult to understand.”
A private shore excursion to Puerto Princesa Underground River: UNESCO caving boat ride, included lunch, permits, guide, and transfers from town.
“An interesting experience. Just be prepared for a long drive as there will be no time to see anything else. Lunch was average and unnecessary but the canoe ride through the cave was worth it.”
Pick a canal city, a famous river, or the kind of cruise you want to be on.
