News

We bring you the latest news on all the latest happenings in the world of river cruising. River Cruise Passenger provides Australian travellers with up-to-date news articles on new cruise ships, exciting destinations, shore excursions, and more. Check our news section regularly to get the scoop on recently launched river cruise ships. Discover details and images of new vessels from lines like Viking, Avalon Waterways, APT and Scenic. Additionally, learn about innovative ship designs and amenities for an unparalleled on-water experience. Moreover, get inspired for your next river cruise vacation by reading our destination spotlights. We cover trending and emerging river ports across the globe – from marquee European cities to lesser-known gems in Asia and South America. In addition, peruse sample itineraries to help plan your perfect cruise. Gain insider tips by browsing our latest excursion features. Read about active walking tours, immersive cultural experiences, once-in-a-lifetime special excursions and more ways to experience ports. Also, see reviews of new shore tour offerings for cruise lines. Furthermore, this site also reports on important industry news like new safety protocols, travel restrictions, deals and more to help you cruise with confidence. Want to stay current on all aspects of river cruising? Bookmark our site for a frequently updated mix of news articles, ship profiles, destination guides and insider advice tailored for Australian travellers. Whether you’re dreaming of a Danube Waltz cruise, sailing the Mekong, or charting the Nile, River Cruise Passenger puts the world of river cruising at your fingertips. Discover the newest ships, itineraries and excursions for an extraordinary river journey.

Image or river cruise hitting a wall at night

11 injured after Bulgarian river cruiser power failure causes crash

A Bulgarian cruise ship ship lost all power and hit a concrete wall, injuring 11 passengers in an eerie echo of the Baltimore Bridge tragedy.

WORDS BY Peter Lynch . Apr 2 2024
Avalon Alegria on the Douro

The joy of the Douro: Onboard Avalon Alegria in Portugal

Not even the rain could dampen the celebrations around Avalon Alegria's launch - the line's newest ship in Portugal.

WORDS BY Bernadette Chua . Mar 28 2024
Paddle steamer Emmylou on the Murray River at Echuca

APT’s 16 seven-night cruises on new riverboat go on sale

The $6.75 million Australian Star which is currently being built will be the largest, wood-fired, luxury paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere when it launches on the iconic Murray River in Victoria. One-third of sailings or 16 seven-night sailings from June 2025 have already sold out.

WORDS BY Teresa Ooi . Feb 26 2024
American Queen Cruising

American Queen Voyages halts but Aussie train operations continue

The American Queen Voyages admitted “unforeseen circumstances and the inability to obtain sufficient capital at a commercially reasonable rate to continue operations,’’ the company said in a statement and notice to employees at its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale.

WORDS BY Teresa Ooi . Feb 21 2024
portugal porto douro river aerial view

APT to debut new ship on the popular Douro River

Douro River is the new hot destination which has experienced a surge of interest from many river cruise lines heading to Portugal.

WORDS BY Teresa Ooi . Feb 20 2024
Uniworld's flash sale offers 2-for-1 fares on select European cruises

Uniworld’s flash sale offers 2-for-1 fares on select European cruises

Luxury boutique river line Uniworld has unveiled a flash Leap Year sale offering 50 per cent off on some popular European itineraries - but hurry you have to book before 29 February.

WORDS BY Teresa Ooi . Feb 13 2024
The Murray River

Save 15 per cent on PS Emmylou sailings on the Murray River

If you are looking to take a genteel sailing on a Murray River paddlewheeler, now is the chance to save 15 per cent on selected three, four and seven-night voyages this year.

WORDS BY Teresa Ooi . Feb 7 2024
River cruising around Paris by Viking River longship

Viking launches 2026 river sales early 

Viking has opened sales for its 2026 European river voyages early after many 2024 dates sold out and the 2025 season selling well.

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Jan 29 2024