- Rivers like the Mekong, the Magdalena, as well as the Seine and Douro are increasingly popular.
- Some lines have had to add more river itineraries to meet the demand.
- Our river cruise experts suggest alternatives, which have huge savings at the moment.
Australians are flocking to river cruising, with a number of regions selling out for 2025. Even some itineraries in 2026 are already under pressure.
Places like France and Portugal are set for record seasons, with some lines adding more itineraries to meet the demand.
Uniworld and Avalon Waterways, for instance, have added more itineraries to their Portugal sailings, and AmaWaterways and APT have just launched more vessels on the Douro River. Tauck has reported strong bookings for its French offerings, which include a cruise, as well as luxury hotel stays in between.
As a result, Australians are also looking further afield to places like Egypt, which has seen a big uplift in bookings despite the shadow of the Middle East troubles. Viking has just launched another ship there, and Abercrombie and Kent reports strong demand.
Even Colombia, where AmaWaterways has just launched its first ship on the Magdalena River, is getting interest.
“We are about to see a succession of new ships making their debut, not only on the most popular rivers like the Rhine and Danube, but also in areas of growing interest such as Portugal, Egypt, and Colombia,” said Joel Katz, the Managing Director of CLIA Australasia.
“River cruising has always had natural attributes that give it a strong appeal – exploring whole regions or countries easily, sailing into the heart of villages and cities. But now river cruise lines are offering so much more in terms of the experiences they offer, both onboard and onshore, and I think this is creating enormous potential in the Australian market.”
But there is still a plethora of itineraries that river lines suggest as alternatives to beat the crowds. Here is what our experts suggest you should consider instead.
What to do instead: The Yangtze River
With the weak Australian dollar and an interest in Asia increasing exponentially, Abercrombie & Kent’s Yangtze River cruise includes not only a sailing but also land options.
“River cruising is not always front of mind for travellers when planning a trip to China; however, the opportunity to explore the storied Yangtze River in comfort aboard an all-balcony river cruiser is music to the ears,” she said.
“China’s more than 5,000 years of history both inform and contrast with its modern incarnation as one of the most rapidly evolving nations on earth. On this far-reaching journey that melds China’s past and present, discover historic Beijing as well as the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Behold the iconic Terra Cotta Warriors, go up close to giant pandas, and explore the storied Yangtze River.”
She also tips that the cruises on the Yangtze River will increase in popularity as more Australians look for alternative holiday destinations and options.
“As interest in cruising increases, river cruising continues to be a growth area for Australian travellers. Once guests have experienced the benefits of River cruise-style travel, they tend to look for new destinations where they can enjoy a similar experience,” said Michelle Micken, the Head of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent.
Abercrombie & Kent currently has 50 per cent off on the single supplement on select departures.
What to do instead: The Moselle River
Responding to strong client demand, Avalon Waterways has launched comprehensive French itineraries that focus on Bordeaux. Guests can explore the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and then extend their journeys on the Seine, Saône, Rhône, and Rhine rivers.
The line earlier this year revealed it had seen a 33 per cent increase in demand for French itineraries this year and anticipates strong growth for 2026.
“In terms of the hottest destinations for 2025, the post-Olympics afterglow continues, with 37 per cent of travellers we recently surveyed globally naming France top of their list. This ongoing demand inspired a 33 per cent increase in Avalon Waterways’ cruises throughout various French regions in 2025,” said Pam Hoffe, the President of Avalon Waterways.
However, Chris Fundell, the Head of Marketing for the Globus family of brands, suggests that if guests are looking for something quieter, they might consider the Moselle River.
“We know that the Rhine, Rhône, or Danube are firm favourites, for something a little more laid back, the Moselle River is a great option,” he said.
“Winding its way through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle – sometimes called the ‘serene sister’ of the Rhine – has plenty to offer. We currently offer six itineraries on the Moselle, one standout option is The Rhine & Moselle (Northbound).
“Over 11 days, this journey takes guests through not one, not two, but five countries, covering the very best of both rivers. Starting and finishing on the Rhine, the cruise visits a range of destinations, including Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, and Amsterdam, among many more.
“Along the way, guests will stop at Koblenz – right at the meeting point of the two rivers, before heading along the Moselle where they’ll visit the charming wine village of Bernkastel, enjoy excursions in Trier – Germany’s oldest city, as well as exploring the picturesque town of Cochem.
“After soaking up the sights of the Moselle Valley, the cruise rejoins the Rhine, then heads on to the Rhineland capital of Cologne, before rounding off the trip in Amsterdam.”
What to do instead: Holland and Belgium
France has been a big driver for lots of river cruise lines, including Tauck, which has seen a significant demand.
David Clark, the Managing Director of Tauck in Australia, said that the company’s French itineraries are extremely popular.
“France remains a standout destination for 2025 and 2026, prompting us to add two new ships to that region in 2026. There’s also significant demand for cruises that include pre- and post-land stays, for example, our Paris, Bordeaux and the Seine itinerary,” he said.
“Guest feedback consistently highlights the appeal of exclusive access to destinations included as part of the trip, rather than optional extras sold during the journey — an approach that reflects our commitment to offering a truly inclusive product.
“What’s quite unique about our itineraries is that we don’t do pre and post extensions, but our tour itself will include two nights in a city as part of the experience,” he said.
“I would suggest doing a Netherlands and Belgium Tauck tour, which takes in the beautiful tulip time. And on the plus side, a lot of our tours include more than just a river cruise, but also stays at five-star luxury hotels, all meals and excursions included.
What to do instead: The Rhine and Moselle Delights
AmaWaterways has seen a huge interest in its Portugal itineraries on the Douro as well as its newest venture into Colombia in South America with the AmaMagdalena.
“We’ve seen strong bookings for Colombia coming out of Australia and New Zealand this year, with travel advisors telling us this has been very appealing to their well-travelled clients who have been everywhere and done everything,” said Steve Richards, the Managing Director of AmaWaterways.
“They’re looking for new stories and experiences, and to travel off the beaten track. That’s what a Colombian river cruise will offer them”.
In Europe, AmaWaterways’ Lower Danube is also extremely popular, especially for those who have experienced the quintessential Amsterdam to Budapest sailing.
But he suggests trying the line’s Rhine and Moselle Delights itinerary, which sails between Basel to Amsterdam.
“This itinerary is for travellers who feel they’ve ‘done’ Europe, there’s another side waiting to be uncovered. One that flows far from the crowds and into the heart of the continent’s most storied and romantic corners.
“More people are discovering it, but there are restrictions on how many ships can cruise along the Moselle, and so it will remain a more exclusive offering.
“The Moselle is one of the most picturesque landscapes anywhere in the world. From our website: Though “Father Rhine” is magnificent on his own, his siren-like German tributary, the Moselle, is impossible to ignore as she meanders past dramatic vineyard-clad landscapes and picturesque medieval villages.
“Veering off to the east, another Rhine tributary awaits: the Main River, a knight in shining armor with half-timbered German towns where fairytales were born. Together, these waterways are the perfect royal trilogy for creating your own ‘once upon a time’.”
The line has a Triple Savings offer is available on the November 2, 2025 sailing of this itinerary. Save $3,000 per stateroom, complimentary stateroom upgrade, and US$100 onboard credit.
