There are well-known river routes — such as the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone, and the Nile — available for booking with the leading cruise lines for those who enjoy the convenience and social aspects of river cruising. However, these are not your only choices.
The most thrilling river cruises to reserve this year include new options that venture off the usual routes, explore lesser-known rivers, or combine a traditional seven-night voyage with an innovative land tour.
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Nine new itineraries for 2024 and 2025 are introducing river cruising to new horizons, with several featuring recently launched or soon-to-launch river vessels.
AmaWaterways’ 7-night Wonders of Colombia and Enchantment of Colombia
Adore South America but have already explored the Amazon by cruise? Think about AmaWaterways’ latest vessel, AmaMagdalena. Launching in January 2025, this 60-passenger ship will offer two different seven-night itineraries throughout the year on Colombia’s Magdalena River, journeying from Cartagena to Barranquilla and back.
The Wonders of Colombia itinerary offers an opportunity to embark on the AmaMagdalena in the coastal city of Cartagena, a well-known Caribbean port for Panama Canal transits now accessible via river cruise. Consider arriving a day in advance or adding a two-night pre-cruise package to explore attractions like the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, and the Gold Museum.
After a sunset sail, dive into the vibrant culture of Colombia with a local music performance in Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas following a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown that liberated its inhabitants from slavery. Additionally, explore 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and experience the jazz music and local handicrafts in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.
The list of port stops concludes with El Banco and Magangue, followed by a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the coastal city of Barranquilla before the cruise ends.
Opt for the Magic of Colombia itinerary, which routes from Barranquilla to Cartagena, allowing you to visit the same ports in a different sequence. Instead of concluding your journey with the Carnival celebration, you’ll enjoy this vibrant event on your first day. Additionally, you can book various land tours before or after your cruise, such as a three-night stay in Medellin before the cruise, a three-night stay in Panama after the cruise, or both.
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In June 2025, AmaMelodia, a 64-passenger vessel, will join AmaMagdalena. These ships will feature large staterooms and suites ranging from 237 to 516 square feet, along with a heated pool on the sun deck. Guests will have two dining options: a main restaurant offering Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.
Related: Top river cruise lines globally
American Cruise Lines’ 15-night journey through National Parks and Legendary Rivers
American Cruise Lines’ routes along the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already draw travelers who admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. However, the cruise line now offers a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that elevates the scenic experience even further.
The journey offers an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers paired with a seven-night land tour covering three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton. The schedule includes stops in five states and starts or finishes in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, based on your choice of beginning with the land or the cruise segment.
What can you expect on this cruise? Beginning in Portland, you will have an overnight stay before embarking on one of the company’s contemporary river vessels that accommodate 180 passengers: American Jazz, American Harmony, or American Song. On your first day, you will delight in picturesque cruising along the Columbia River, with the stunning Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens in the background, as you make your way to Astoria, Oregon. This historic coastal city is renowned for its charming Victorian homes and iconic red trolleys.
Geology enthusiasts and those who recall the catastrophic May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be captivated by the stopover in Kalama, Washington, accompanied by a guided tour of the National Volcanic Monument. The next day offers a scenic cruise through the Columbia River Gorge, leading to Stevenson, Washington, where the breathtaking 620-foot Multnomah Falls awaits. The journey concludes with two days showcasing the spectacular landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington, with a visit to Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.
The guided tour of national parks starts with a trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where you’ll enjoy a lake cruise, followed by a night in Kalispell, Montana. In Glacier National Park, you’ll travel along Going-to-the-Sun Road and have dinner at the renowned Lake McDonald Lodge.
The journey proceeds to Yellowstone National Park, where your guides will provide insights while you discover Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall, and Old Faithful, among other attractions. A trip to Grand Teton National Park comes next, featuring a stay at Jackson Lake Lodge, and concludes with a day spent appreciating the park’s stunning mountain views and diverse wildlife.
Related: Top US River Cruises
American Cruise Lines’ 50-night journey, The Great United States
If 15 nights don’t quench your travel desire, American Cruise Lines has a 50-night edition of The Great United States program available for 2025.
The 2025 voyage consists of three cruises. It starts with the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary mentioned earlier and includes a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, on the 180-passenger American Serenade, stopping at 21 ports across six states. Along the Mississippi River, you will have opportunities to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain’s childhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Additionally, you can experience renowned blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.
The next part of the journey is a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the New England coastline on the 125-passenger vessel, American Pioneer, set to debut in 2025. Departing round-trip from Boston, the ship will call at picturesque coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, including the classic New England islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
The tour selections will feature trips to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV excursion along the Provincetown dunes on Cape Cod, and a visit to the opulent mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.
During this river cruise, you’ll be able to check off 15 states from your must-visit list. That’s quite an impressive number of destinations to cover in just one trip.
Avalon Waterways offers a 7-night Vida Portugal cruise: Exploring Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro.
The Douro River Valley in Portugal is highly regarded by wine enthusiasts. In recent years, it has also drawn river cruise travelers who are looking for a leisurely schedule filled with visits to charming, tranquil towns and the chance to savor local cuisine and wine daily.
In March 2024, Avalon Waterways expanded its destinations by introducing the Douro River to its portfolio with the launch of the 102-passenger Avalon Alegria. The ship offers a journey titled Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro. This seven-night cruise starts and ends in Porto, allowing time at both the beginning and conclusion to explore the vibrant city’s historic port-wine cellars, churches, and bridges (among them the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1877).
Significant destinations include an afternoon visit to Porto Antigo, featuring excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes. Another highlight is a stop at Peso de Regua, where you can enjoy both sightseeing and wine tasting. Additionally, there is an optional trip from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace, Casa de Mateus, known for its rose wine.
Also allocate some time for the onboard activities. Following a full-day trip from Barca d’Alva to Salamanca, Spain — renowned for its blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture — you can either participate in a class on painting azulejos (Portugal’s renowned blue-hued handmade tiles) or attend a pastry-making demonstration aboard the ship the following morning.
Related: Top river cruises in Europe.
CroisiEurope’s 7-night Journey Through Four Stunning European Valleys
Germany is famous for its picturesque river valleys, and a new route from the French river cruise company CroisiEurope highlights these stunning views. Named A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys, the seven-night round-trip voyage begins in Strasbourg, France, and explores the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle, and Saar river valleys.
The vessel designated for this route, the 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is among CroisiEurope’s trio of paddle riverboats. Typically, it sails the Elbe River connecting Berlin and Prague. Nonetheless, from July to October 2025, the ship will be navigating the Rhine and its branches.
This river cruise begins on the Saar River, renowned for the Great Bend at Mettlach, which is similar to a hairpin turn, and includes an overnight stay in Saarburg, Germany. Following a morning scenic journey onto the Moselle River, you’ll explore Trier, Germany, famed for its ancient Roman architecture and picturesque medieval buildings. The cruise then proceeds to Cochem, Germany, where you can spend the afternoon visiting the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.
Bigger cities such as Koblenz, Germany—situated where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and boasting the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress—are also part of the schedule. The journey also includes a visit to the wine-focused town of Rudesheim, Germany, allowing you to taste some wine and take a picturesque train ride in the Rhine Valley.
The last day features stops at three German ports along the Neckar River. In the morning, you’ll arrive in Mannheim and transfer by coach to Heidelberg, known for its pink-tinted Heidelberg Castle, historic churches, and lively beer halls. Afterwards, you’ll return to the Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and continue sailing to Eberbach, a medieval town filled with half-timbered houses and old fountains. The ship will stay overnight, allowing you to enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the following morning.
Riverside Luxury Cruises’ 11-night journey of discovery along the Danube and Main Rivers
In March 2024, Riverside Luxury Cruises, a new Europe-based company, will launch the 110-passenger Riverside Debussy. This addition brings over half a dozen new itineraries ranging from three to 21 nights, offering trips on the Rhine, Main, Moselle, and Danube rivers. By October 2024, the ship will offer an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery journey from Budapest to Frankfurt. This route features the highlights of two rivers and stops in four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany.
You will board the Riverside Debussy in Budapest, Hungary, and begin your journey by sailing past the brightly lit Hungarian Parliament Building, heading towards Bratislava. Slovakia’s capital features a castle atop a hill, a pedestrian-friendly zone, and pubs offering local beers.
The following day, delve into Vienna’s rich history and artistic heritage by touring its Habsburg-era palaces, the 16th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and various museums. The picturesque town of Durnstein, Austria, is famed for its medieval castle and a riverside abbey adorned with a lovely blue-and-white spire. Meanwhile, the nearby town of Melk, Austria, is home to a golden-hued abbey renowned for its apricot-flavored preserves and liquors.
Upon arriving in Passau, Germany, a city located at the junction of three rivers, you’ll find yourself in Bavaria. This pedestrian-friendly city features a 17th-century Baroque cathedral with a distinctive dome. The following day, you’ll continue along the Main River, a tributary of the Rhine, to visit Regensburg, Germany. Here, you’ll explore the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed center. Afterwards, you’ll spend two days in Nuremberg, Germany, delving into its notably intricate history.
The cruise itinerary also includes stops in Bamberg, Würzburg, and Wertheim, Germany, with Frankfurt — a city where medieval history intersects with contemporary skyscrapers — as the departure port.
Related: Packing list for a river cruise: Essentials for a riverboat trip
Tauck’s 13-Night Journey Through Romantic Capitals: From Prague to Paris
Tauck’s latest European river cruise for 2025 is a 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This trip, which includes both river and land experiences, is available from April to October on the Tauck ships Joy and Savor.
Your adventure begins with a two-night stay at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel, providing plenty of opportunities to explore landmarks like Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. Following this, you’ll head to Regensburg, Germany, to embark on a nine-day cruise to Trier. This journey will take you along the Main, Rhine, Moselle, and upper Danube rivers, including the Main-Danube Canal.
The ports and cities visited during excursions encompass Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, and Boppard in Germany. Tauck guests can partake in exclusive experiences such as a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt, as well as a visit to the famous Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.
Your journey will carry on overland with a brief pause in Luxembourg, where you’ll take a walking tour of the capital. Following this, you will catch a train to Paris, culminating your travels with a two-night stay at L’Hotel du Collectionneur.
Uniworld’s 14-night Enchanting Danube & Transylvania’s Castles
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is introducing a new 14-night cruise-and-rail itinerary called “Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania” for 2024 and 2025, which will visit six countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, and Germany.
In Istanbul, your journey begins where you will have a day to explore several of the city’s main attractions, including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern Museum. Following this, you’ll board the private Golden Eagle Danube Express for a four-night train trip through Bulgaria and Romania. During the journey, you’ll stop at Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and traverse the rugged mountain landscapes of Romania’s Transylvania region, which also features landmarks that inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” novel.
Before concluding your train journey in Budapest, you’ll experience a traditional Hungarian puszta horse show and spend two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. This hotel provides an excellent starting point for exploring local attractions such as the Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River, the neo-Gothic Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Castle District on the hillside, which includes a palace and the 14th-century Matthias Church.
Your Danube cruise begins as you board the 130-passenger River Duchess by Uniworld and sail north through Austria. You will visit Vienna, where you can immerse yourself in imperial and artistic experiences at palaces and museums, and Krems, where you can tour a castle nestled in the scenic Wachau Valley. Your journey will also take you to Passau, Germany, a city situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz, and the Danube. It’s an ideal spot for a walking tour or a bike ride along the river. Next, you’ll proceed to Regensburg, Germany, known for its enchanting medieval Old Town. You will then transit the Main-Danube Canal and dock in Nuremberg for a special nighttime celebration before disembarking.
Viking’s 10-night Rhine & Main Journey from Nuremberg to Basel
Viking’s latest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer, which sails between Nuremberg and Basel (or the reverse) from May to November, stopping in cities across Germany, France, and Switzerland. This route introduces a fresh combination of ports for Viking, featuring some lesser-known historic towns in Germany’s Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.
You’ll embark on a Viking Longship, part of the cruise line’s fleet that accommodates 190 passengers, in Nuremberg. The overnight stay there provides an opportunity to explore the city’s medieval architecture and its history as a site for Nazi rallies. In Bamberg, you’ll find more medieval structures, including the Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) that spans the river, and you can try the local rauchbier (smoked beer). Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Wurzburg, located in Germany’s Franken wine region, is also included in the itinerary.
While you continue your cruise, you’ll encounter the colorful half-timbered houses and savor the robust Bavarian cuisine, such as bratwurst and pork knuckle, in Marktheidenfeld, Germany. Following an afternoon of sailing past the Main River’s castle-crowned hillsides, a trip to the lively city of Frankfurt is recommended, where the blend of historic and contemporary Germany can be observed.
The Alsace region in France is highlighted with a visit to Strasbourg, famous for its well-preserved Old Town surrounded by the Ill River. The trip also features a visit across the Rhine River to Breisach, Germany, which serves as the entrance to the Black Forest and is filled with vineyards. Your adventure concludes with a day spent exploring the charming Marktplatz with its guild houses, historically significant streets, and over 40 museums in Basel.
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