River cruising shifts into high gear

River cruising’s popularity continues to grow as holidaymakers seek the small-ship experience to explore Europe and more exotic locations in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimates that the market has grown at an annual rate of 10-15% over the last decade. To match the travelling public’s almost insatiable appetite, ship operators are adding tonnage at a record pace.

“River cruise continues to offer an enormous amount of choice, and the investment we’re seeing for 2027 demonstrates the incredible breadth of the sector,” said Andy Harmer, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland managing director. “New ships are being introduced across traditional European rivers, as well as eye-catching, long-haul destinations including Asia, South America and North America,” he said.

At least 27 new river cruise vessels are scheduled to join the fleet in 2027, operating across rivers and waterways, including European favourites like the Rhine, Danube, Douro, and Seine and more exotic locales like Mekong, Amazon and Brahmaputra.

Among the sector’s well-established players, Viking will initiate its voyages to India with the delivery of Viking Brahmaputra, the first of two 80-passenger newbuilds targeted for the Sub-continent. In October, Neptun Werft delivered Viking Haki, one of the company’s distinctive Longship class ships, with Scandinavian design and accommodations for 190 guests in 95 staterooms. The vessel has Viking’s patented square bow, the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, and an asymmetric corridor layout that allows for two-room suites.

It will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube on popular itineraries, Rhine Getaway, Grand European Tour, Danube Waltz, Tulips & Windmills, and Christmas market cruises.

Firm orders for newbuilds will grow the Big Board-listed cruise company’s river fleet to 114 vessels by 2028.

AmaWaterways, which has grown its capacity 60% in recent years to meet demand, will add AmaRudi (196 passengers), AmaFiora (156) and AmaMaya (120) next year. It has plans to grow its river cruise fleet from 31 to 50 vessels by 2031.

Celebrity enters the market

The sector’s strong demand has not escaped the notice of cruise industry heavyweights. After launching its river cruise division with an order for 10 vessels in January 2025, Celebrity Cruise is embarking on further expansion. This year, Celebrity River Cruises ordered 10 more new ships, which will expand its European river cruise fleet to 20 vessels by 2031.