River Cruise Pool Comparison: Which Lines Offer a Place to Swim?

When you imagine a vacation on the water, you might think about having something to drink and then relaxing by a pool. It is important to note that if you are planning a European river cruise, that a pool is not a standard feature on every ship. Because these vessels must fit through narrow locks and under low bridges, the river cruise ships are limited in size, and every square inch of space is calculated. Each line will maximize that precious space a bit differently.

If having a place to swim or soak is non-negotiable for your travel style, let me know during our cruise consultation so I can make sure we have the perfect ship and itinerary picked out for you and your travel party. To help aid in your pre consultation research, I have analyzed the major river cruise brands to help you understand which ones offer a true pool experience and which ones focus their space elsewhere.

AmaWaterways Pools

AmaWaterways is widely known for having some of the most social pool areas on the rivers. Most of their ships feature a heated pool on the sun deck. This is a fantastic option if you enjoy meeting fellow travelers while cooling off as the European countryside passes by.

On the flip side, if you are traveling during the shoulder season or for the Christmas Markets, the heated pool may be a fun way to warm up after enjoying some mulled wine. The location on the top deck provides really pretty views. And yes, there are pool towels right there so you can dry off quickly.

Do note that if you have mobility challenges, there is not an elevator that goes to the top deck. In addition, these pools are not meant for lap swimming and instead are more for relaxation and hanging out. Also there may be times the top deck is closed off while going under a bridge depending on river water levels

Emerald Cruises Pools

Indoor pool onboard Emerald Luna

Emerald Cruises offers a very clever architectural solution for travelers who value a pool. Many of their Star Ships feature an indoor heated pool with a retractable roof at the back of the ship. When I sailed the Danube river onboard Emerald Luna this was part of the pool design. During the early morning hours this area was where yoga classes were. Later in the day, the cover would retract so you could use the pool. Much later in the day, it would be covered again so the area could be used as a movie theater or other activities.

Riverside Luxury Cruises Pools

Indoor pool and hot tub onboard Riverside Mozart

If a high end spa atmosphere is your priority, Riverside Luxury Cruises is a top contender when it is comes to a pool. And yes, I did go swimming while I cruised onboard the Riverside Mozart. This ship has a much wider pool because the vessel itself is twice the width of a standard river ship. Pro tip: The lounges are very relaxing too after a nice swim. When I toured Riverside's regular size ship, Riverside Debussy, it also had an indoor pool.

Avalon Waterways Pools

Avalon Waterways ships feature a heated whirlpool on the Sky Deck rather than a full pool. This is perfect for a soak while watching the scenery but is not intended for swimming. It is located near the Sky Grill.

Riviera Travel Pools

Most Riviera Travel vessels feature a splash pool or a whirlpool on the sun deck. It is also heated for cruising during the colder months. During my recent time onboard, I was able to see how these areas offer a perfect spot to cool off without taking up too much of the precious deck space. Some of their newest ships, like the MS Riviera Rose, even feature a swimming pool which is a bit larger than a standard plunge pool. I recorded this video while I was onboard to show you exactly what the pool area looks like in person onboard MS Geoffrey Chaucer.

Tauck Pools 

Most Tauck riverboats feature a Jacuzzi or a plunge pool located on the sun deck. They are meant for a relaxing soak, rather than swimming. As a luxury line, Tauck carries fewer passengers than many other lines, which means that these pool areas rarely feel crowded.

Viking Pools

Viking takes a different approach to how they maximize space on their vessels. They call their ships Longships and they all share the same layout.  They choose to omit pools on their standard Longships to prioritize larger public lounges and staterooms. While they are a great river cruise line, if a pool is a requirement for your vacation, Viking might not be the right fit, though they do offer small plunge pools on some of their specialty ships in other regions.

Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right river cruise is about more than just the destination. It is about ensuring the amenities on board match your daily lifestyle. Some travelers find that they never use a pool and would rather have a larger cabin or a bigger lounge. Others find that a daily swim is the only way they truly relax.

I look into these specific technical details and deck plans for my clients to ensure there are no surprises once they step on board. My goal is to match you with a ship that feels like a perfect fit from the moment you embark. When you are ready to start planning your next European river cruise adventure, click here.

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