- Many major river cruise lines are bringing new ships to Europe’s river in 2026.
- There are also lines expanding across Asia and Egypt.
- River cruise lines are also heavily investing in refurbishing their ships.
Demand for river cruising is growing, and cruise lines are heavily investing in new vessels while others are refurbishing their current fleet.
AmaWaterways just this week announced it is set to exceed 50 vessels by 2032. It already confirmed eight new builds for Europe last year, and now has a further seven ships in its order book.
Lines like Tauck and Travelmarvel are bringing new ships to the rivers, whereas lines like Avalon Waterways are focusing on refreshing their current fleets.
Almost all lines are reporting increased demand and forward bookings as river cruises continue to surge in popularity as people’s first choice for a way to explore Europe.
The river cruise marketing is expected to increase by 11.1 per cent between 2024 and 2029, with North America and Australia at the forefront of passenger bookings.
AmaWaterways CEO Catherine Powell said: “Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets.
“River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners
Here is a guide on which lines are launching new vessels and refurbishing their old ships.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways has been focusing on refurbishing its fleet, with the Avalon Expression and Avalon Visionary undergoing a refit.
All Avalon ships have been receiving upgrades on a schedule since 2024.
“Over recent years, a key priority has been refreshing our existing fleet, bringing older ships in line with newer models to ensure consistency across the board. This means Australian guests can expect Avalon’s signature elevated experience, no matter which ship or itinerary they choose,” said an Avalon Waterways spokesperson.
“For Aussie cruisers, who will have travelled a long way for what is often a bucket list European experience, these ships are designed to maximise every moment. Our award-winning Open-Air Balconies which open a full seven feet wide, bring the outside in, delivering uninterrupted picture-perfect views of Europe’s storied rivers.”
This will involve new decor across the ship, increased internet strength, an upgraded fitness centre, and new bikes and e-bikes for guests.
These two ships will be the last to receive these upgrades, bringing them in line with the rest of the fleet.
Travelmarvel
Travelmarvel will see the arrival of Sirius to the Nile, a purpose-built ship that will offer itineraries from 11 to 18 days. The popularity of Nile cruises continues to grow, and Travelmarvel Sirius marks a return to Egypt for Travelmarvel.
“Travelmarvel is returning to Egypt in 2026 with a new ship and an expanded program of premium itineraries, marking one of the most significant developments for the brand in recent years. Travelmarvel Sirius is purpose-built for the Nile and will launch as part of a new Egypt and Jordan program, featuring three itineraries ranging from 11 to 18 days,” said David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group.
“Egypt is hot, vast and immersive, with guests spending their days exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary ancient sites. The ship has been conceived as a sanctuary, calm, spacious and restorative, with a generous sun deck, pool and open-air lounging at its centre. With just 124 guests across 62 cabins, it delivers the intimacy of a boutique hotel alongside ever-changing Nile scenery. Dining also reflects a strong sense of place, ensuring the destination experience continues onboard.”
The ship takes in 124 guests, with a sanctuary-esque design made to mirror the scenery around it.
There are also plenty of pre and post-cruise extensions for those who want to explore Jordan as well.
Meanwhile in Europe, Travelmarvel Rigel will be a new 178-passenger ship coming to Europe’s waterways. The new ship will feature 91 large suites with French balconies, a sun deck with a whirlpool and various dining options. She’ll sail across the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle.
“Travelmarvel continues to invest in its European river fleet, with Travelmarvel Rigel set to launch in 2026. Rigel is the fourth ship in Travelmarvel’s line-up of modern, custom-built sister ships operating across Europe’s waterways, reinforcing the brand’s focus on contemporary design, elevated onboard experiences and exceptional value.
“In Europe, Travelmarvel Rigel will join the existing fleet on key rivers including the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle, operating popular itineraries such as Amsterdam to Budapest and seasonal sailings including new Christmas markets cruises between Amsterdam and Basel.”
Tauck
Tauck has two new ships that have recently debuted on Europe’s rivers, MS Lumiere and MS Serene. Lumiere takes in 130 guests at a time and Serene 124.
Both are purpose-built for France, with Lumiere dedicated to the Rhone and Serene to the Seine. They’re crafted around the idea of providing bigger cabins and suites, as well as a cozy feel onboard in the ship’s lounges.
There’s also a strong focus on Wellness with the new ‘Retreat’, which includes a fitness room, complete with exercise bikes, a massage room and a lounge serving fresh drinks and snacks.
AmaWaterways
At this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference, AmaWaterways is set to unveil an ambitious expansion that will increase its fleet to more than 50 vessels by 2032. Last year, the line confirmed eight newbuilds for Europe and is adding more seven more vessels to its orderbook including ships in Africa and Asia.
“Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets,” AmaWaterways CEO Catherine Powell said.
“River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory, and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and our travel partners.”
AmaWaterways is set to launch AmaSofia in Europe and AmaNubia in Egypt in 2026. AmaMaya in Mekong will launch in 2027 while an unnamed Nile vessel, and two European ships, the AmaFlora and the AmaRudi (the brother ship of AmaMagna), will also join the fleet.
AmaSofia will be finding a home on the Rhine and Danube rivers, taking up to 156 guests at a time, kicking things off with a special two-week sailing that goes from Amsterdam to Budapest.
AmaMaya meanwhile will be far on the other side of the world in Vietnam and Cambodia, sailing on the Mekong. She’ll aim to blend luxury with authenticity, sailing alongside her sister ship AmaDara.
In 2028, the line will launch the AmaClara on the Rhone, AmaGaia on the Douro River and the AmaCleo on the Nile. AmaWaterways is also planning a second vessel on Africa’s Chobe River.
APT
APT doesn’t currently have any new ships or ship refreshments officially announced. Its most recent ships were APT Solara and APT Ostara, which began sailing in 2025.
These new 154-passenger ships were designed by Hecker Guthrie, an Australian designer who mapped out the ships with their special “twin window suites”, an expansive sun deck and pool, owner’s cellar and more.
