Cost-saving travel
When you add up just how much it costs to stay at five-star accommodation, dine on three gourmet meals daily plus snacks and afternoon teas, transport from destination to destination, pay for tour guides, attraction admissions and tips, it makes sense to opt for river cruising.
It’s definitely, the easiest way to see so many of Europe’s highlights and each day brings a new destination and adventure often with daily inclusive and optional tours available.
But the best thing is you just unpack once and sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.
Top-shelf cruise lines are ordering and launching new river boats and offering exciting itineraries as more people discover the wonders of river cruising.
Here’s some of the latest news on the river cruising front.
River cruising in Egypt
Abercrombie and Kent have spent 30 years exploring the waterways of Egypt with their own fleet of small ships and docks. They showcase the very best of the temples and tombs along the Nile with the country’s leading Egyptologists.
A new ultra-luxurious bespoke Nile riverboat, its fifth in Egypt, will launch in late 2025. Set to be one of the finest new craft on the Nile, the boutique boat will herald a new golden age of river cruising in Egypt.
The company already operates four boutique river boats on the Nile: the Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat III, Sun Boat IV, and Zein Nile Chateau.
It will also launch its new Peruvian riverboat, set to embark on its maiden voyage in April 2025.
Uniworld announces a brand-new Super Ship
The new SS Emilie is set to debut in Europe in 2026. The ship will be a new build inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Floge. It will be just in time to celebrate Uniworld’s 50th anniversary.
The SS Emilie joins other new Super Ships including the SS Victoria, debuting on the Rhine and Moselle rivers this year and the SS Elisabeth, debuting on the Rhine next year.
Uniworld has added five other Super Ships to its fleet since 2020, including the Mekong Jewel on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; Aria Amazon on the Maranon and Ucayali rivers in Peru; SS São Gabriel on the Douro in Portugal; S.S. La Venezia on the Venetian Lagoon; and SS Sphinx on the Nile in Egypt.
Scenic’s new ports and Freechoice excursions
The charming port of Krems, nestled along the Danube River in Austria has been introduced for 2025 on Scenic’s Jewels of Europe, Danube in Depth, Christmas Markets and Christmas and New Year itineraries.
It is known for its rich history, medieval fortifications, and renowned wineries.
A range of new included Scenic Freechoice excursions are also new.
New excursions for 2025 include Gottweig Abbey, founded in the sixth century with magnificent frescoes and the largest Baroque Staircase in Austria.
Craft Beer and Chocolate Pairing in Belgium, two of the country’s iconic delicacies.
Dusseldorf’s Altbier, where you will discover the longstanding beer-producing tradition of Dusseldorf as you visit well-known microbreweries and sample delicious Altbier, a traditional top-fermented beer.
E-bike cycle to Klosterneuburg Monastery, hidden amid vineyards and lush nature and just a few kilometres from Vienna. Take in the picturesque landscape along the Danube as you cycle along.
Viking’s hot destinations
Among Viking’s hot river cruise destinations is Portugal with its bustling riverside ports, colourful coastal cities, medieval castles, exquisite mountainous landscapes and rolling vineyards.
Portugal tours start in Lisbon, with its quaint trams and pastel-hued streets, followed by the waterside city of Porto to witness its grand cathedrals and taste its famed port wine. Then set sail down the Douro River, stopping to visit sites such as the exquisite Mateus Palace, the olive oil groves of Alto Douro and a day in Spain to discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca.
With a maximum of 106 guests on Portugal boats, it’s slow travel at its best with all sailings happening during the day so you don’t miss the spectacular scenery.
Looking for a more extensive European cruise? Viking’s 15-day Grand Europe Tour river cruise showcases the most scenic river stretches of Europe’s famous waterways, starting in Budapest and finishing in Amsterdam, weaving through five countries.
There are surprises around every corner of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, stopping at big cities and smaller towns.
Viking also features river cruising in Egypt, Asia and on the mighty Mississippi in the USA.
Top tips for river cruising
- Research the type of boat and the cruise you want to do, well.
- There’s so much on offer, so do your homework to ensure you find what suits you.
- Study the itinerary and discover where you have free time, then plan your days, so time isn’t wasted dilly dallying.
- Consider what you pack – no, you probably don’t need that extra pair of stilettoes but good walking shoes, a wind jacket and umbrella are essential. Also an international adaptor or two.
- Download helpful apps including a currency converter, maps, translations, dining recommendations and top attractions in each port.
- Book ahead for those big attractions so you won’t be disappointed on the day.
- Check out who is performing in a port if you have a free night – you may strike it lucky and see a favourite performer.
