The surge in river cruise popularity has created a vibrant market, with demand reaching unprecedented levels.
In the heart of this boom is Cruise & Travel Specialists, where owner Beth Schulberg reports a constant influx of inquiries from potential passengers eager to experience the allure of river cruising.
This year alone, approximately 20 new river cruise ships have set sail, with an equal number anticipated to launch in 2024. Looking further ahead, the river cruise sector is gearing up for a blockbuster year in 2027, projected to see the debut of at least 25 new vessels, as well as the introduction of at least one new cruise line.
Celebrity River Cruises is set to make waves in 2027 with the launch of its two new ships, the Celebrity Compass and the Celebrity Seeker, with more vessels on the drawing board. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises plans its largest expansion to date, featuring three new builds and one chartered ship. Moreover, Tauck is poised for significant growth with two new builds and revised itineraries that mark a pivotal moment in its history.
AmaWaterways will also contribute to this expansion, adding three new ships in 2027, while other lines such as Amadeus River Cruises, Viva Cruises, and Emerald Cruises & Tours will each add one new vessel. Additionally, Viking plans to introduce eight new ships, while American Cruise Lines is also set to unveil three new ships, with more planned for 2028.
Rising Demand in River Cruising
Despite the rapid growth in the river cruise sector, industry experts are not sounding alarms about oversaturation. “If you look at the numbers for ocean cruising, river cruising doesn’t even scratch the surface,” says Michelle Wiseman Kredi from Krusin with Kredi in Fort Lauderdale. “This form of travel is becoming recognized as a sustainable and immersive way to experience new cultures.” As more travelers recognize the unique benefits of river cruising, the potential for growth appears limitless.
Expanding Destinations and Itineraries
In addition to increasing capacity, river cruise lines are also broadening their offerings. For instance, Viking is planning to create new opportunities on the Brahmaputra River in India, while Viva Cruises will introduce a new itinerary on Italy’s Po River. Riviera Travel will also expand into Asia by navigating the Mekong River for the first time.
The debut of Celebrity River Cruises is expected to propel the river cruise sector further. Their priority-access bookings sold out in record time, largely attracting customers from within the Royal Caribbean Group eager to explore river cruising.
Docking Challenges Ahead
While the influx of new vessels is a positive indicator for the industry, Schulberg raises a valid concern: the availability of dock space poses challenges. The website CruiseMapper tracks 687 river cruise ports across Europe, resulting in fierce competition for prime docking locations. Often, vessels may have to be tethered together, presenting logistical challenges for disembarking passengers.
An anecdote from Viking’s CEO, Torstein Hagen, illustrates this dilemma: his team spent seven years negotiating for docking rights at a prime location near the Eiffel Tower.
Potential Solutions for Docking Space
To address docking challenges, cruise lines may explore smaller, lesser-known ports or commit to developing new docking facilities in riverside communities. However, with growing concerns regarding overtourism, certain destinations may be hesitant to accommodate more cruise tourism infrastructure. Kredi notes the necessity of expanding docking locations, but advocates for a broader geographical focus to address the limited space in Europe.
Latin America presents an exciting frontier for river cruising. With Amazon river cruises gaining momentum and new options emerging, AmaWaterways has recently initiated river cruises in Colombia, suggesting a robust growth trajectory for this emerging market.
“I know the guests are interested,” Kredi shares. “I think global expansion is genius, and it diversifies our offerings in river cruising.”
