I’m a rivercruiseoholic – here’s what you should choose for your river cruise in 2025 and why

• Our Editor in Chief Peter Lynch is a confirmed rivercruiseoholic so when he tells us what’s new in river cruise for 2025 you should listen.
• He believes 2025 is going to be a BIG year for river cruising – but many lines have few suites left.
• His advice: choose quickly and take advantage of early bird bookings.

If Cruise Passenger’s River Cruise Collective was anything to go by – we reached three million Australians – 2025 sees river cruise executives are anticipating a strong year of growth.

Viking, for instance, runs the biggest river cruise fleet in the world and is already almost 70 booked for 2025. Because the company is now stock market listed in the US, it discloses its forward business.  It has taken $2 billion of river bookings – 22% ahead of where Viking was a year ago.

Tauck has racked up double-digit growth over last year’s passenger levels.

Now I don’t want Cruise Passenger to claim all the credit. We were riding a wave we could see was reaching a crest. But there is no doubt river cruising has captured the attention of cruisers looking for a better, more authentic way to see Europe. And one which offered better value that small group tours.

One area of huge demand is the Seine, thanks to the French Olympics and the reopening of the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

The result is an armada of ships. According to a run down in Travel Weekly, Viking is adding the Viking Hermod in 2025 to its fleet of five; Scenic has seven vessels plying the river, Avalon Waterways has four, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has three and AmaWaterways two.

That’s, well, inSeine! But that’s not the only place experiencing a boom. The Nile and Asia are also seeing strong demand.

Here’s what’s in store for 2025:

Fleet Expansion & Enhancements

The river cruising landscape is transforming with exciting fleet expansions designed to enhance the travel experience.

• APT is launching new ships equipped with luxurious amenities and innovative designs that are set to enhance passengers’ journeys. Personally, I can’t wait to see these ground-breaking vessels produced from an Aussie design studio for one of Australia’s best loved brands.
• AmaWaterways is debuting the AmaSintra in Portugal, purpose-built for captivating Douro River sailings. They are also redeploying the AmaStella, AmaVenita, and AmaReina to popular Danube and Rhine itineraries, expanding the variety of experiences available. This is the year AmaWaterways comes into its own after working with APT for decades.
• Emerald Cruises is elevating onboard spaces with a redesign of the Horizon Bar & Lounge across their Rhine-Main-Danube, Douro, and Rhône ships, featuring stylish touches like Missoni textiles and yacht-inspired art installations.
• Riviera River Cruises is adding the Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose to their already impressive fleet, promising even more options for those who crave river adventures.
• Amadeus River Cruises will introduce the 164-passenger Amadeus Amara, opening up more ways for guests to explore Europe’s charming waterways.

New Horizons & Itineraries

While the established rivers of Europe continue to be popular, new horizons are emerging in river cruising.

• Scenic has refreshed its fleet to elevate its remarkable standards of comfort and luxury further.
• AmaWaterways is expanding into South America with two ships sailing the Magdalena River, Colombia’s longest waterway, providing a fresh perspective on this vibrant region.
• Pandaw River Cruises is venturing into the serene backwaters of India with captivating seven-night cruises through Kerala, showcasing the beauty of this tranquil destination.
• American Cruise Lines continues its expansion with the 130-passenger American Patriot, offering a two-week Grand New England itinerary that promises picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures.
• Victory Cruise Lines is breathing new life into classic cruising with Great Lakes itineraries aboard two refurbished coastal cruisers, the Victory I and Victory II, promising an authentic cruising experience.

Trends & Themes

Cruising trends in 2025 also reflect a shift toward more comprehensive and thematic experiences. Travelers can look forward to:

• Year-round cruising options, with Viking and AmaWaterways expanding their winter offerings in Europe, sailing on the Rhine and Danube even in February—a fantastic way to escape the heat Down Under.
• Women-only cruises from Uniworld will test demand for this market
• Culinary cruises, where gourmet cuisine and exquisite wine tastings take center stage, allowing guests to indulge in the local flavours of each region.
• A focus on history and culture, providing guests with opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Europe’s past and present.
• Active adventures that combine cruising with cycling, hiking, and other exciting activities, appealing to those looking for more than just sightseeing.
• The enchantment of Christmas markets, with festive-themed sailings that capture the magic of European markets during the holiday season.

River Cruise Lines Favoured by Australians

Australians have a variety of preferred river cruise lines that cater to their desire for quality and experience in 2025:

• Viking is renowned for its modern ships, destination-focused itineraries, and exceptional value. With 2025 bookings already at nearly 70%, it’s clear why they’re a favourite.
• AmaWaterways offers a diverse range of itineraries with an emphasis on personalized service and exquisite dining experiences.
• Avalon Waterways features spacious staterooms with panoramic views and active excursions, making it a popular choice for active travelers.
• Scenic has been a luxury favourite for decades and has been sailing Europe with its fleet of “space ships”, which set a new standard of luxury
• Tauck provides all-inclusive luxury cruises with small group sizes and exclusive experiences, experiencing strong demand with double-digit growth in early bookings for 2025.
• Riviera is committed to offering great value cruises focused on captivating European destinations, appealing to budget-conscious travellers.
• Uniworld is known for its boutique ships with elegant décor and personalized service that create a luxury experience.