Main River Cruises
The Main river flows through the heart of Germany from modern, densely populated Mainz to more traditional medieval Bavarian towns lined with lovely forests and small towns and dotted with hilltop castles and churches. Choose from 1,570 river cruises along the Main river travelling with Europe's leading river cruise lines.
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Search 1,570 river cruise departures along the Main
Popular River Cruises
6 Days Frankfurt to Nuremberg
Operator: Avalon River Cruises
From
2,804pp
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360pp
8 Days Nuremberg to Frankfurt
Operator: Uniworld River Cruises
From
6,249pp
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292pp
8 Days Prague to Frankfurt
Operator: Avalon River Cruises
From
3,345pp
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508pp
6 Days Nuremberg to Frankfurt
Operator: Avalon River Cruises
From
3,107pp
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372pp
The Main River
Where does the Main River start & finish?
The Main River originates from two sources: the Red Main and the White Main, which merge near the town of Kulmbach in Germany. The river flows westward, ultimately joining the Rhine River at the city of Mainz. The Main spans a total length of approximately 525 km's (326 miles).
Architectural Timeline
Cruising the Main River offers a journey through architectural history. From the medieval structures in Bamberg to the modern skyscrapers of Frankfurt, you'll witness an evolving skyline as you sail along.
Beer & Smoked Fish
The Main passes through Bamberg, known for its smoked beer (Rauchbier) and smoked fish. Many cruises offer culinary excursions that give you a taste of these local specialities, something some of us might pass on!
Art & Culture in Würzburg
This city along the Main is home to the Würzburg Residenz, a baroque palace with the world's largest ceiling fresco. An excursion here is often a highlight, offering a glimpse into the opulence of 18th-century German nobility.
From the North Sea to the Black Sea
The Main River is that it is part of the Main-Danube Canal system, which makes it possible to travel by river from the North Sea to the Black Sea. What's surprising is that this ambitious idea dates back to Charlemagne in the early 9th century. The modern canal was only completed in 1992, fulfilling a concept that was over a thousand years in the making.
River Cruise Operators on the Main River Featured Operators
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, more you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
From the moment you step aboard AmaWaterways award-winning ships you'll be welcomed by a dedicated crew committed to making your voyage unforgettable. more Sail through the heart of Europe, Asia, or Africa and explore enchanting destinations while indulging in exquisite, locally inspired cuisine and world-class amenities. AmaWaterways thoughtfully designed excursions immerse you in the rich culture and history of each port with every detail of your itinerary crafted to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From culture-rich cities to world-famous wine regions, Emerald Cruises represents a new chapter in the world of river cruising. Our deluxe fleet of revolutionary more Star-Ships promise contemporary comfort and unique on-board innovations, while our generous offering combines affordability with great dining, exceptional service and immersive itineraries across Europe and Asia.
With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
With return flights, transfers, all on-board meals, complimentary drinks, tips and much more included in the price of an Emerald Cruises river cruise, we’ve taken care of everything. Our attentive team of crew, sommeliers and personal butlers are available day and night to ensure every minute on-board the Emerald Cruises fleet is as enriching, enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
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Must Do Experiences and Highlights
Miltenberg 
Würzburg 
Rothenburg 
Bamberg 
Nuremberg Latest Reviews
What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Main
European Gems
European Gems
Keith & Cheryl, NSW, Australia, Dec 2025
Have travelled with several other cruises lines and whilst Travelmarvel was very nice, we found it at the lower end of the scale. But it was very well priced in comparison so I guess you get what you pay for. We felt the cruise director was was hard to understand whenever she held a microphone and at times tried to give out too much information at once read more which had the guest bored and not listening. The meals were excellent but the tours only basic.
Lasting memories
European Gems
Sue and Trevor, QLD, Australia, Dec 2025
We cruised from Amsterdam to Budapest during the Christmas season. The cruise and the included guided tours were great. We learned so much about the history of these lovely cities, towns and areas that we visited. The standard and quantity of meals provided was amazing and the onboard service faultless. The only change I would make is to not go to read more as many Christmas markets as they all became a bit same same and most had food and drinks that we just didn't need. Next time we would spend more time exploring more than just the old town and market squares.
Amazing experience
Christmas Markets of Europe
Terri and Lyell, SA, Australia, Dec 2025
We have just finished the Budapest to Amsterdam Christmas Market Cruise. Wow!! What an unforgettable experience. The whole crew were amazing - from our cabin Steward, Rendi, to the Cruise director, Armin, and the Entertainment director, James, the serving staff and bar staff..... I cannot fault one of them. The food was delicious. The markets and tours read more were fun, informative and memorable. We will definitely be doing another cruise with Emerald.
Cruised with Amadeus from Strasbourg to Nuremberg. My cabin was great and all of the crew were friendly and took the time to get to know me. The food was wonderful. The itinerary could use some tweaking as we often got to a town either before or after the Christmas markets had closed. Sometimes we only had an hour in a town before we had to get back read more to the ship. Nina at Global Journeys was very good to deal with.
Amazing Christmas Markets and Magnificent Europe Tour with APT
Festive Christmas Markets with Magnificent Europe
Michael and Elise Smith , WA, Australia, Nov 2025
This is the 5th time we have used Hannah at Global Journeys for a travel booking, and it won’t be our last. She is responsive, efficient, and very easy to deal with. Same with APT. Luxury accommodation, great food, free-flowing drink and amazing staff. A well organised tour with excellent information provided by our Tour Director and Cruise Director read more which was outstanding. Excellent selection of Christmas markets for us to visit and there was something in the Christmas markets for everyone, be it hot food and drinks or any one of a thousand Christmas mementos or ornaments. Loved the Christmas markets in Venna, and we were very lucky with weather, no snow unfortunately but still a fantastic itinerary. Highly recommended. We have booked another APT adventure next year!
Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Wayne and Cass, NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
Rachael was a fantastic agent. Thanks, Rachael - brilliant. We did the two week cruise with Travelmarvel, and because it’s an Australian company, it was loaded only with Australians and Brits. This was perfect. Staff fabulous. Boat fabulous. We had the cheapest of the rooms and it was fine. Oh, and the food was really great. Thanks Travelmarvel, and thanks Rachael.
