River Cruising: What’s New and Exciting
One of my favorite ways to travel is by river cruise, and it seems I’m not alone. The industry has been growing steadily—between 10–15% every year for the last decade—and more travelers are discovering how special it is to sail right into the heart of historic cities and charming villages.
This year and beyond, there are even more options for travelers as new brands enter the market and expand what’s possible on the rivers. Let me share some of the highlights with you.
Most people know Viking, and with all the advertising they do, it’s often the first name that comes to mind for river cruising. They offer a solid premium experience, but Viking is just one of many choices. If you’re curious about other options, there are plenty of wonderful lines that offer unique experiences, some more luxurious, others more intimate.
Luxury River Cruise Lines
If you’re looking for something extra special, here are some standout names:
AmaWaterways – Wellness-focused, carrying around 156 guests.
Avalon Waterways – 128–166 guests, known for their “suite ships” with open-air balconies.
Tauck – Max 130 guests, all-inclusive, with rich cultural programming.
Uniworld – Boutique-style décor, immersive itineraries, and a focus on all-inclusive service.
Riverside Luxury Cruises – 140–176 guests with an emphasis on Michelin-level dining.
Each of these lines delivers a small-ship experience where every detail feels tailored. Pricing for these journeys in some cases are competitive with Viking and their lower cost counter parts but can also cost up to thousands of dollars more per person.
New Players Making Waves
Here’s where things get especially exciting—big names are stepping into the river market with fresh ideas.
Celebrity Cruises
Launching their river brand in 2027 with 10 ships ordered.
First ships: Celebrity Compass (Aug 2027, 5 itineraries) and Celebrity Seeker (Oct 2027, 7 itineraries).
Itineraries include the Rhine and Danube.
Pricing starts at $2,999 (river view) and $6,899 (balcony suite).
Suites come with butler service, laundry, exclusive dining, and premium drinks.
Trafalgar
Beginning river sailings in 2026 using Uniworld ships.
Pricing is lower, starting at $2,700, with a less inclusive model.
First focus: Best of the Danube.
Lindblad Expeditions
Famous for adventure cruises, Lindblad is now on the Rhine.
Two itineraries (8 days each) with just 120 passengers.
National Geographic experts onboard make this ideal for travelers who want to truly explore.
Riviera River Cruises
New to the U.S. market and very solo-friendly.
Waives single supplements.
Launching the world’s first solo-only river ship in 2027.
Destinations Beyond the Classics
Of course, Europe’s Rhine, Danube, Seine, and Douro remain the most popular rivers, but there are some exciting destinations around the world:
Mekong in Vietnam & Cambodia
Nile in Egypt
Magdalena in Colombia
And starting in 2027, Viking will begin sailing in India
Why I Love River Cruises (and Think You Will Too)
River cruises offer something truly unique:
Small ships for a more personal feel
The ability to dock right in the center of towns and cities
A balance of guided excursions and time to explore on your own
Choices for every style of traveler—luxury, adventurous, cultural, or solo
I’ve seen firsthand how river cruising combines the ease of unpacking just once with the thrill of discovering somewhere new every day.
Ready to Explore the Rivers?
With more ships and brands entering the market, there’s truly a river cruise for everyone. Whether you want to sip wine on the Douro, admire castles along the Rhine, explore temples on the Mekong, or even set sail on a solo adventure—your options have never been better.
If you’re curious about which river cruise might be right for you, I’d love to help you sort through the choices and find the perfect fit. 🌍✨
