River fleets to grow as demand soars for 2026 sailings – here’s where people are booking right now

• The river cruise industry continues to grow, with more travellers looking towards river cruise.
• River cruise lines are rapidly expanding their fleets, with new ships set to enter service in 2026.
• They are set to start sailing across Europe, the Mekong and Egypt.

Leading cruise lines are reporting that many sailings are already close to selling out for 2026 as demand for river cruising continues to grow.

Companies including APT, Viking, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Avalon Waterways, Scenic and Tauck say demand for their 2026 river cruise itineraries is significantly higher than in previous years, with some departures fully booked already. Tauck has indicated that much of its 2026 river cruise season is nearly sold out, while other operators are reporting strong early booking trends driven by repeat guests and new-to-river cruisers alike.

The growth is being fueled by travellers seeking slower, more immersive travel experiences that combine comfort, convenience and cultural exploration. River cruising’s smaller ships, city-centre docking and inclusive shore excursions continue to appeal to travellers looking for a hassle-free way to explore multiple destinations.

Europe remains the most popular region, with the Danube, Rhin,e and Douro rivers topping traveller wish lists.

Classic routes through Austria, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal are in especially high demand, along with seasonal sailings that focus on Christmas markets and spring tulip blooms. Interest is also growing in river cruises beyond Europe, including itineraries on the Nile and Mekong, as river cruising continues its strong expansion into 2026. The river cruise industry has moved from niche to mainstream – and 2026 will see the industry surge ahead. A whole range of new ships are set to arrive in 2026 as companies continue to invest in river cruise hardware.

As a result, existing river lines and new ones are launching ships to cope with demand. Here are some of the new offerings:  

Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity

Trafalgar River Cruises is a new line set to start sailing in 2026, with the line set to have one ship on the Danube and one on the Rhine. The line will take what were two Uniworld ships and refresh them for life on the European rivers. The ships hold 128 guests each and pack in plenty of luxury, with massage rooms, fitness centres, marble-accented bathrooms and more to be found onboard. The new ships will target Asian cruisers and bring a fresh new personality to Europe’s rivers.

AmaSofia

Come spring 2026, AmaSofia will be sailing across the Rhine and Danube rivers, with up to 156 guests on board at a time. The inaugural cruise will be a special two-week sailing that goes all the way from Amsterdam to Budapest, for a classic European experience with AmaWaterways.

AmaMaya

AmaMaya will enter service in 2026, sailing on the Mekong River across Vietnam and Cambodia. The luxury vessel has room for 124 guests with twin balcony suites. The ship sails two different Mekong itineraries, offering peeks into local life in a unique part of the world.

Emerald Astra

Emerald Astra will stay sailing from this May with a sailing from Budapest to Bucharest to inaugurate the new ship. The ship will feature classic Emerald amenities, including the indoor pool that becomes a cinema by night, the panoramic sun deck and tinted exteriors. 

Travelmarvel Sirius 

Travelmarvel is adding to their fleet with this exciting new ship on the Nile that can pack in 124 guests. The luxurious fittings include a sun deck pool, lounges, restaurants and more. The new ship will sail seven-day voyages on the Nile, stopping in Dendera, Karnak, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Voyages even include a special charter flight to Abu Simbel.

MS Lumiere 

MS Lumiere will sail on the Rhone River starting from 2026, spoiling its 130 guests with French balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, wellness facilities, luxury amenities and more. The ship’s name takes inspiration from the French city of Lyon, known as the city of lights. 

Ms Serene

Another new ship for Tauck, MS Serene will sail on the Seine as Lumiere’s sister, also with a focus on large staterooms and wellness. The ship’s capacity of 124 guests gives it an emphasis on a more intimate experience, with more personalised service. 

S.S Emilie 

Uniworld’s new ship S.S Emilie is a new luxury ship that will sail on the Danube River, with space for 154 guests. The ship’s design is especially inspired by Viennese painter Gustav Klimt, with gold details spread throughout.

Viking Rota/Viking Dagur/Viking Sjofn/Viking Haki/Viking Halogi

Such is Viking’s desire to grow its European river fleet that a massive five identical ships will debut together in 2026. These five ships accommodate 190 guests each and will debut across different European rivers. Viking isn’t shy about sticking to standardised designs and continuing to focus on perfecting its service experience and these five new ships serve as evidence of that. 

Viking Fjolvar 

This new longship will sail on the Seine, accommodating 168 guests at a time. Classic Viking luxury extends even to amenities like heated bathroom floors and private balconies in each suite. The ship will sail seven-night Seine itineraries for a classic European river experience. 

Viking Sekhmet and Viking Ptah

Viking will be upping its presence in Egypt as well, with two new sister ships set to join their fleet on the Nile. The ship accommodates 82 guests each and is purpose built for the Nile, with viewing opportunities maximised throughout the typical Scandinavian design.

Nile Seray

For a slightly more intimate experience on the Nile, Nile Seray is the new ship of Abercrombie and Kent, which will launch at the end of this year. The ship fits in just 64 guests, but still has two restaurants, a pool, spa and gym, offering a luxurious way to experience Egypt.