- Cruise Passenger attended Trafalgar’s official Asia launch of its new river cruise ships.
- Two new boutique river ships—Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity—will sail the Danube and Rhine from Spring 2026.
- Each ship hosts just 128 guests with a 1:3 crew-to-guest ratio, offering exclusive, queue-free travel, a focus on sustainability and curated local experiences.
Trafalgar River Cruising has been launched in Singapore with fresh details of the ships – and an expectation that the fleet may well quickly grow as demand picks up.
The Trafalgar fleet will contain two ships—Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity— borrowed from sister brand Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. They will set sail from spring 2026, offering immersive journeys along the Danube and Rhine rivers.
The launch event was held at Asian Civilisations Museum’s Empress Restaurant, with local journalists, travel agents and other guests in attendance.
Nick Lim, CEO, Asia of The Travel Corporation, said: “Rivers are a life source for many countries, and we are pleased to launch our two new cruise ships.”
He continued: “We’ve always been about making it easy for travellers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we’re bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience to Europe’s iconic rivers. Our strategy is simple: unlock the best of Europe’s rivers through trusted Trafalgar touchpoints including our much-loved ‘Be My Guest’ and ‘Make Travel Matter’ Experiences, giving travellers a fun, new way to river cruise that is as enriching as it is
responsible.”
In an earlier interview with Cruise Passenger, Lim said demand had been good – perhaps foreshadowing a swift increase in fleet size.
The launch, which leverages the legacy and infrastructure of TTC’s luxury river cruise brand Uniworld, is aimed at creating a fresh, mid-market product that retains Trafalgar’s hallmarks—authentic local experiences, expert guides, and seamless travel—while tapping into the growing demand for more accessible river cruising.
He said the launch was a response to the broadening demographic appeal of river cruising in Asia and elsewhere and the strategy behind offering a differentiated product. “We’re seeing increasing interest not just from retirees, but from senior executives and younger travellers. There’s a sense of novelty and growing awareness around river cruising.”
Both ships accommodate just 128 guests across 64 cabins, making these journeys some of the most exclusive in the market. With a 1:3 crew-to-guest ratio, service promises to be highly personalised. Staff are not outsourced but employed by The Travel Corporation, ensuring consistency across service standards for cruise passengers.
Signature voyages
Trafalgar begins with two new journeys, an 8-day cruise along the Danube on the Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day cruise along the Rhine on the Trafalgar Verity. Among the many highlights of these two routes, Lim mentioned how Arnhem (part of the 10-day Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam) stands out as a cultural gem, thanks to its rich WWII history.
Guests also visit stunning locales like Rheinstein Castle, perched 90 metres above the Rhine; Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet; Strasbourg’s Old Town, and the Wachau Valley, home to Austria’s oldest vineyard.
Thoughtful design and onboard amenities
The Trafalgar Reverie is designed with multiple lounges for gathering, a massage room and fitness centre and seven cabin categories. Trafalgar Verity features a charming 1930s vibe, rich blue and white fabrics, marble-accented bathrooms and boutique hotel elegance.
There are seven cabin categories on both ships, including suites, deluxe rooms, classic rooms and French balconies. Guests can also burn those calories away at the fitness centre, indulge in a massage or shop onboard at a boutique featuring curated products from around the region.
Both itineraries showcase Trafalgar’s signature experiences:
● Be My Guest: In the 10-day cruise aboard Trafalgar Verity, interact with locals like the Bohrer family, who serve up a fresh, organic lunch from their own farm. They also offer seasonal produce like white asparagus.
On the 8-day cruise aboard Trafalgar Reverie, enjoy an exclusive dining experience at Austria’s oldest winery, Weingut Nikolaihof, hosted by the Saahs family; and discover Bratislava’s Cold War history during ‘Life Beyond the Iron Curtain,’
● Sail With Stories: A narrative-rich experience that aims to connect travellers deeply to the people and places visited. Share stories over regional wines, and unwind by Europe’s only riverside fireplace.
● Make Travel Matter Experiences: From tasting artisanal vinegar at Weinessiggut Doktorenhof to exploring Bratislava’s Cold War legacy during “Life Beyond the Iron Curtain.”
Onboard, guests will enjoy no-queue check-ins, a 24-hour reception, and a tap-in/tap-out system that makes disembarking seamless.
Dining features buffet-style lunches and à la carte dinners, with wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee all included. The Trafalgar Verity is also home to the only authorised fireplace on European rivers—ideal for warming up after a chilly day at the Christmas markets.
A commitment to sustainability
Trafalgar’s approach to sustainability goes beyond eliminating single-use plastics and offering filtered water onboard.
According to Lim: “On our voyages, we don’t stock up the whole kitchen with food in advance. In each town and city, our chefs go to the local market, buy local produce and make your dinner.
He added, “Sustainability means engaging with the communities that we are involved in. We hear a lot about over-tourism, we are avoiding that and giving back to local communities across all our brands.”
Launch offers
Traflagar is pricing its first cruises keenly.
Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam, which goes from Amsterdam to Basel in 10 days, visiting four countries and eight destinations, including Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg and Basel, costs from $5,399.
Best of the Danube, which goes from Budapest to Passau in eight days, visits four countries and six destinations, including Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau, costs from $4,399.
For more information and to book cruises, Trafalgar River Cruises.
