Exclusive: Trafalgar promises “accessible, authentic fun” on Europe’s rivers with new fleet

• River cruisers are now spoilt for choice, as Trafalgar joins brands like Celebrity in turning to Europe’s inland waterways.
• The new line has given Cruise Passenger a sneak peek at what the plans are for sailings next year.
• Here’s what you can expect when Trafalgar sets sail – and they are currently on sale with a saving of $2,300 per couple.

Europe’s rivers are about to get even busier — and travellers, particularly Australians, are the winners. With the boom in river cruising showing no signs of slowing, another major player is joining the flotilla.

Former touring giant Trafalgar is dipping its toes into the water, launching its first river cruises in 2026 with two vessels chartered from sister brand Uniworld Boutique River Cruises — and promising a brand-new class of purpose-built ships by 2028.

The move signals a fresh wave of competition for established names such as Emerald, Avalon, Scenic, and Viking, giving travellers a richer range of choices — from five-star luxury to contemporary, family-friendly adventure.

A Contemporary Take on River Cruising

Trafalgar’s new ships won’t mimic the plush opulence of Uniworld’s gilded salons. Instead, as Interim CEO Touring Melissa DaSilva explains to Cruise Passenger, they will capture Trafalgar’s long-held ethos of “accessible, authentic, and fun travel.”

“Our ships will be more contemporary in nature,” she says. “Think natural textures, pops of colour, flexible spaces that transform from reading rooms by day to speakeasies at night.

“We’re including multiple dining venues, interconnecting cabins for families, and even expanding our self-service laundry — perfect for travellers spending more than a week on board.”

Each of the two new-build vessels will sail the Rhine and Danube, while a third chartered Uniworld ship joins the fleet in 2027 on the Seine, sailing from Paris.

DaSilva teased that a “new class of vessel reflecting Trafalgar’s spirit” will follow in 2028.

Lightly Refurbished but Rich in Character

For its debut season, Trafalgar will operate the Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity, two boutique ships previously part of Uniworld’s collection.

“They’ve been lightly refreshed,” says DaSilva. “They were already beautiful floating hotels, so we didn’t want to over-tamper. A full renovation isn’t off the table — we’ll see how guests respond once the new builds arrive.”

The ships, each accommodating around 128 guests, offer floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies on most decks, stylish dining rooms, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.

From Guided Land Tours to Immersive River Journeys

DaSilva believes Trafalgar’s touring heritage gives it a powerful edge. “Over 74 per cent of our past guests told us they’d travel with Trafalgar again if we offered river cruising — and with over five million happy past travellers, that’s a big opportunity,” she says.

Rather than competing head-to-head with luxury players, Trafalgar aims to bring its experience-led travel philosophy afloat.

Expect on-board baking demonstrations, regional performances, and the brand’s signature Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences woven into daily itineraries.

“Travellers are looking for more immersive and interactive experiences,” DaSilva notes.

“Our itineraries will include local connections — from dining at a family-owned winery in Austria to hearing Cold War stories from a Bratislava nonprofit. It’s about leaving the cruise with a deeper understanding of the region.”

Choice, Flexibility – and a Familiar Face

The line’s approach mirrors a broader shift across the industry. “Travellers want the convenience of a fully planned journey but the freedom to choose what fits their interests,” says DaSilva.

Trafalgar will offer optional excursions alongside inclusive highlights, allowing guests to tailor their own pace of exploration — or simply enjoy the ship’s evolving social spaces.

Boom Times on the Rivers

River cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, and brands are expanding rapidly to meet demand. Lines such as Emerald, Viking, and Scenic have already diversified their offerings to attract younger, multi-generational audiences with flexible pricing and active excursions.

Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity River brand will launch ten ships aimed at the luxury end of the market.

Trafalgar’s entry adds another dynamic layer — marrying its decades of touring expertise with the intimacy of river travel.

For Australians, who make up a significant share of Europe’s river-cruise market, Trafalgar’s trusted name and contemporary ships could be an enticing combination. With more brands, styles, and price points than ever before, river cruising is no longer a one-size-fits-all experience — it’s a kaleidoscope of choice on Europe’s great waterways.

Find out more here.