- The River Cruise Collective returns this week with an expanded membership, more news, reviews and deals than ever
- We’ll be sending you fortnightly news from the rivers of the world – as well as keeping you updated on the latest in ships and destinations
- We will also feature some amazing competitions for prizes on some of the most luxurious ships sailing the world’s inland waterways
Welcome to the River Cruise Collective 2025 – we’re back this year with more members and an expanded mission to convince Australians to try taking holidays on inland waterways.
As you can see from our first 2025 story list, a lot is going on, with new ships, more destinations and more people heading for the rivers of the world.
We will be bringing you news, reviews, deals and competitions from our members – the very best lines in Australia. Plus we will be giving you the chance to meet them in person at a gala event where you will be able to chat with the lines and book special prices exclusive to the collective.
We are Australia’s only dedicated river cruise site, with more than 80,000 members on our database.
Our members this year:
Abercrombie and Kent – one of the world’s great travel companies which specialises in small group tours and river cruising in exotic locations.
AmaWaterways – One of the biggest cruise lines with 30 vessels across the world, and expanding its offering in South America and Asia.
APT – One of Australia’s most respected travel companies is launching a fleet of new ships this year with revolutionary designs.
Avalon Waterways – An Australian favourite with luxury ships – a perpetual winner of Cruise Passenger awards.
Tauck – A century-old tour company with a massive heritage in luxury cruising and tours
Uniworld – Fabulously over-the-top decor and luxury are the hallmarks of Uniworld’s fleet of ships around the world, with service and pampering to the fore.
What’s happening in river cruising
The world’s top lines are meeting in Europe as we write, and the big news is that river cruising is no longer regarded as a niche product. Lines like Celebrity Cruise, one of the ocean brands at Royla Caribbean, have indicated they will be launching ten new ships on the waterways of Europe. That means a massive expansion of choice for consumers.
Better entertainment, food tours and ship designs are all on the cards, and activities for a new younger audience are being offered by all the lines.
The operators dealt smartly with suggestions that the rivers of Europe might be overcrowded, pointing out that 80 per cent of maritime traffic is freight.
Last year, the collective launched new research showing an astonishingly high number of Australians want to try river cruising.
We reached more than three million people with the message that this form of travel is relaxing, adventurous and full of cultural experiences you won’t get anywhere else.
We estimated that river cruising will be worth $10 billion by 2030.
The research, produced by MyTravelResearch and presented at Cruise360, showed 4 in five of Australians wanted to try river cruising.
“River Cruising has huge potential in Australia with more than 4 out of 5 Australians open to the concept,” MyTravelResearch project lead Carolyn Childs said after releasing the exclusive findings.
Where are Aussies sailing?
The traditionally popular Rhine, Mosel and Main rivers are where around 60 per cent of Australians are currently cruising, closely followed with around 40 per cent taking to the Danube. Asia’s Mekong and even Australia’s own Murray River are spiking interest, with the Nile making a comeback.
Europe is expected to continue to lead for all segments of travellers in future, but the Douro river particularly shows it appeals to Exploration and Immersion travellers. The Seine River was notably popular with those Australians seeking to relax and indulge.
