Industry professionals might still be unsure how travel will shape up in 2026, but one thing remains decidedly clear: river cruising is all the rage. Powerhouse brands continue to expand their fleets to meet this demand, with new operators wanting in on the action and adding their ships to the water too. The ever-changing river cruise landscape is a lot to keep track of, so we’ve compiled an overview of key trends and new ships to help organize this information — read on for more.
The Current Market
Travel advisors with their finger on the river cruising pulse know that interest in the Danube, Rhine and Douro rivers dominates itinerary offerings. A 2025 Travel Market Report (TMR) study analyzing last year’s trends underscores this prominence, finding Europe was the top-selling river cruise destination at 98%. These tried-and-true locations will continue to captivate thousands of travelers, though the rise in exclusively designed ships for the Mekong and Nile rivers indicates growth in these destinations as well.
Wherever passengers are headed, their motivations for choosing a river cruise remain consistent. Nintey percent of advisors in the TMR report said their clients opted for a river cruise for a less-crowded travel experience, while 72% enjoyed the easy access to city centers. Sixty-four percent identified river cruising to be a more relaxed alternative to ocean itineraries, as the smaller ship sizes and limited on-board activities created a quieter atmosphere.
Advisors thinking about tapping into this sector of the industry should understand they’ll be working closely with affluent travelers. The average per-person spend on a river cruise trip was $9,316, and 50% of advisors report it as their highest-paying segment. Evidently, the demand is there; the industry is lucrative, and there’s no time like the present to explore river cruising clients in 2026.
New Ships Making Their Debut
Amadeus River Cruises
With a reputation for its luxurious and sleek ship designs, immersive experiences and commitment to sustainability, the brand added the stunning Amadeus Aurea to its fleet. The 158-passenger vessel is slated for its maiden voyage this May, sailing itineraries on the classic Rhine and Danube rivers. The new addition continues to reflect the high-end standard guests have come to expect of Amadeus, while also utilizing new technology to reduce its carbon impact.
AmaWaterways
Another major player in river cruising, AmaWaterways’ AmaSofia is setting sail on the Rhine this spring before embarking on the Danube in the summer. The latest vessel features 78 staterooms and suites across nine categories. Also joining the fleet is AmaMaya, making its debut in August on the Mekong River. The ship’s interior reflects the vibrant culture synonymous with Southeast Asia, combining local artistry, woodwork and décor to create the immersive atmosphere.
American Cruise Lines
For the U.S. market, the American Encore is arriving in May. The 180-passenger boat will sail the Columbia and Snake rivers, highlighting the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest. American Cruise Lines is debuting its first-ever Signature Suite room category on the Encore, which measures in at a spacious 1,000 square feet. In addition, American Maverick and American Ranger are scheduled to embark on their inaugural journeys in June and September, respectively. Each boat has a 130-guest capacity and sails itineraries along the East Coast.
Century Cruises
A premier Chinese cruise line known for its presence along the Yangtze River, Century Star is adding its first ship to the European lineup. Century Star will make the brand’s big debut in September when it sails the Danube, before shifting to its Rhine itineraries in November. The 174-passenger ship represents the future of eco-friendly river cruising with its commitment to EU sustainability standards, incorporating a cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system and a hull crafted from recycled steel to minimize its impact.
Trafalgar River Cruises
Advisors might already be familiar with the Trafalgar brand, associating the operator with guided group tours and vacations. While those inland adventures remain consistent, 2026 marks a major pivot for Trafalgar with the reveal of two new river cruise ships, Reverie and Verity. Both vessels are redesigned from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ fleet, each boasting its own distinct personality to represent its destination. Reverie will sail the Danube this August, and guests can expect to find bold colors, eclectic patterns and captivating uses for mirrors and light onboard. Contrarily, Verity possesses a classical elegance, symbolic of the Rhine River it sails on.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld’s latest ship, the S.S. Emilie, will be another staple along the Danube. The boat is featured on the brand’s Rivers of the World cruise this spring, kicking off the 51-day itinerary with a captivating exploration of Belgium and the Netherlands. S.S. Emilie accommodates 154 guests and boasts an elegant interior inspired by Viennese painter Gustav Klimt. Onboard, visitors will find dramatic hues and Art Nouveau elements punctuated by gold accents to create a timeless feel.
Viking
Hard at work to expand its river cruising presence, Viking has numerous vessels making their maiden journeys this year, including longships on the Rhine and Danube rivers. The brand’s longship design accommodates 190 passengers, and itineraries to sail these rivers are available beginning in March — the Viking Dagur, Viking Sjofn and Viking Haki are some of the newest additions to keep an eye out for. The slightly smaller Viking Fjolvar will make its debut on the Seine this spring, and the 82-guest Viking Ptah and Sekhmet are headed for the Nile River.
Viva Cruises
Part of the Viva Boutique premium line — six ships operating year-round on renewable, advanced biofuel — Viva Beyond is the first to make its debut. The boat will sail the Seine beginning in May, with 25 total departures scheduled throughout the year. Viva Beyond accommodates 116 passengers and offers more suites than any other ship in Viva Cruises’ current fleet.
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