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River Cruise Holidays in 2026, 2027 & 2028

RiverVoyages is Europe’s leading expert in river cruise holidays. Our team of river cruise specialists are here to help you plan your perfect cruise along the world’s most scenic waterways. With access to exclusive offers and savings, we’re ready to help you plan every detail of your next river cruise holiday.

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We’re Europe’s leading experts in river cruising. We provide each of our customers with a personalised service and are dedicated to offer you the very best experience from the moment you first enquire to after you returnhome from your holiday.

RiverVoyages.com was one of the first travel agents to specialise in river cruises and we have worked hard to set ourselves aside from the rest through

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Our award-winning team of Cruise Concierge offer the specialist knowledge to help you choose the best river cruise for you

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Our relationship with each river cruise line enables us to access the best discounts, so we can guarantee to beat any price

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The Future of River Cruising: What’s Trending in 2026?

The Future of River Cruising: What’s Trending in 2026?

The Future of River Cruising: What’s Trending in 2026?    Understanding river cruise trends and traveller behaviour can be highly beneficial when planning your future adventures, with a wealth of insight to unlock and trending destinations to be explored. We asked our valued customers to share their river cruising preferences, behaviours and plans for 2026.    Explore 2026 River Cruises   Today’s River Cruisers are Highly Experienced      River cruise travellers come with a wealth of experience, with 50% of our audience having taken six or more sailings and a further 25% boasting four to five experiences. Given this extensive first-hand expertise, it is evident that today’s travellers are confident, knowledgeable and intentional in their booking behaviours – plus, with 83% having also experienced ocean cruising, there is a strong basis for comparison between the two styles of cruise travel.     Popular River Cruise Booking Behaviours    Unlike luxury ocean travel, river cruising tends to be booked within a shorter window from departure, with almost half of our respondents choosing to book within three months or less. Though a further 42% of the audience choose to book within four to six months of departure, longer range bookings beyond seven months from departure are highly unpopular, gaining only 13% of the vote.    Thanks to the wealth of late availability river cruises our leading cruise line partners have to offer, it is no surprise that our experienced customers feel reassured in booking a last-minute river cruise. However, booking further in advance can offer a greater range of itineraries and cabin choices, with many popular destinations selling out quickly.    Seasonal Sailing: When do you Sail?    For river cruising enthusiasts, spring stands out as the winner when it comes to the most popular season to sail. A spring river cruise comes with plenty of appeal – mild weather, charming floral scenery and lighter crowds in popular destinations when compared with the peak summer season.    However, summer remains an attractive time to sail, coming in close second with 37% of the vote, and autumn amassing an impressive 21%. With many destinations to explore in the ever-changing seasons, from the long hot days of summer to bountiful harvest seasons of autumn, a river cruise offers a truly year-round getaway.      Travelling Together: Who do you Sail With?    A river cruise is the perfect shared experience, which is why 75% of our guests choose to travel with a partner. For romantic escapes and bonding adventures alike, a river cruise is an ideal holiday for a couple, with opportunities to discover new hidden gems together and invest in quality time at a relaxed pace.    A smaller yet present segment, river cruising is also popular amongst solo travellers thanks to adventure-packed itineraries and opportunities to connect with likeminded travellers on board.    Your Favourite Things About River Cruising      A highlight of river cruising is the intimate nature of the purpose-built smaller ships, creating an intrinsically personal and relaxed ambience on board. Thanks to fewer guests, travellers enjoy an unhurried and laid-back atmosphere, welcoming them into the rhythm of the journey and fostering genuine connections amongst cruisers.     Convenience and ease are also a standout feature of river cruising, with included shore excursions and docking in central locations. This alleviates the planning stress that comes with exploring a new port, plus allows guest to walk straight off the ship and into an exciting destination – a seamless way to explore multiple cities and destinations that cannot be matched by other styles of travel.    The Perfect River Cruise Itinerary    For over 25% of our river cruisers, scenic natural landscapes are the most important wish-list item when it comes to choosing an itinerary. Thanks to the winding rivers offering unique and immersive views of vineyard-dotted valleys and captivating countryside charm, it is not difficult to see how the ever-changing views are an integral part of any river journey.      Cultural depth plays a defining role in what makes an itinerary stand out, with over half of our audience choosing cultural and historical tours as their preferred river cruise excursion. Thanks to included highly immersive, expert-led tours from many leading river cruise lines, travellers enjoy rich storytelling and a deeper, more authentic experience of popular destinations that bring to life the local flavours, character and storied history of each port.    Making the Most of the Onboard Experience    The intimate nature of river cruising means that socialising plays a key role in the onboard experience, naturally encouraging conversation over evening meals, during excursions or when enjoying a drink in a social space at the end of an unforgettable day. A third of our audience named socialising with likeminded travellers amongst their three favourite ways to spend time on board.     Unsurprisingly, a quarter of those surveyed stressed the appeal of watching the landscapes glide alongside the outdoor decks, whilst a further 12.5% appreciate downtime spent in their cabin or a peaceful onboard space – a necessity both before and after a day filled with adventure.      Top Trending European Destinations    The true cornerstones of European river cruising, the Danube and the Rhine continue to prove a popular choice amongst guests thanks to a wealth of captivating ports to explore. However, travellers are becoming increasingly drawn to charming, more distinctive rivers across the continent, with almost 30% expressing a desire to sail the Douro in 2026 and a further 16% interested in the Dutch Waterways.    Home to rich and indulgent wine regions, a warmer climate and stunning scenery, it’s no surprise that the Douro emerges as a popular choice for the coming year. In the future of river travel, demand remains for iconic cities with captivating cultural identities, whilst smaller rivers begin to trend amongst cruisers seeking new discoveries and unique experiences.    River Cruising Beyond Europe in 2026    Beyond the continent, the iconic Nile and magnificent Mekong attract discerning river cruisers, each gaining interest from more than 25% of our guests. Though Europe’s rivers and cultural capitals prove a popular itinerary choice amongst river cruisers, far-off adventures along rivers beyond the continent promise a unique perspective and alluring discovery of a range of remarkable regions.    However, there is also growing interest surrounding rivers further afield – including the Amazon and the Ganges – reflecting an eagerness to begin enjoying the benefits of the river cruising experience further afield.      How does this Shape the Future?    In all, these findings suggest an ever-growing desire for meaningful moments spent sailing the worlds rivers in 2026, enjoying experiences that prioritise depth and connection with each destination. Experienced travellers looking for a journey that prioritises carefully curated experiences continue to choose river cruising for its cultural immersion, relaxed-pace itineraries and authentic experiences, engaging with each destination with authenticity.    As river cruising evolves, consider the rivers that call to you: revisiting a timeless favourite, such as the Danube or the Rhine, exploring lesser-known destinations closer to home along the Douro, Seine and more, or perhaps venturing further afield to sail the Nile, Mekong, Amazon and more.   

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The Most Magical Christmas Markets to Visit on a River Cruise

The Most Magical Christmas Markets to Visit on a River Cruise

The Most Magical Christmas Markets to Visit on a River Cruise   There is no feeling more quintessentially festive than strolling amongst charming market stalls with the alluring scent of spiced mulled wine filling the air against backdrop of twinkling lights. A river cruise is an opportunity to explore a new enchanting Christmas market each day, sailing from one of Europe’s historic towns and cities to the next in search of festive charm, medieval streets and the ultimate winder wonderlands.   Discover the most sought after Christmas market itineraries sailing Europe’s waterways to truly bring your festive season to life.   Christmas Market River Cruises   Christmas on the Danube     For Europe’s grandest cities and imperial architecture, a journey along the Danube is guaranteed to delight as you wander gothic streets, revel in magnificent city squares and enjoy the authentic regional flavours amongst charming Christmas markets.   Vienna is home to one of the continents largest and most impressive markets, including an ice rink pulled from the scenes of a Christmas film to captivating festive performances. For more intimate seasonal delights, Bratislava hosts a cosy market in the Old Town showcasing handmade crafts whilst Budapest features artisan stalls and Hungarian cuisine in Vörösmarty Square.       Festive Charm Along the Rhine   A Christmas setting pulled from the pages of a storybook, the medieval towns and enchanting castles along the Rhine are the perfect backdrop for your winter river cruise.     In Rudesheim, meander the famous Drosselgasse alley as it twinkles with festive lights and comes alive with live music and the scent of traditional German winter cuisine. Cologne is home to a must-visit Christmas market experience, with a plethora of stalls and magical festive decorations adorning the magnificent cathedral square.   The Magic of the Main   Christmas is timeless along the Main as you sail through half-timbered towns and medieval streets, decorated with charming lights and beautiful traditional fare.   Enjoy Christmas carollers in Würzburg, intimate markets in Bamberg and of course the iconic Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany’s most highly-renowned Christmas market. Centuries-old traditions come alive here, with mulled wine, smoked sausages and roasted almonds to delight your tastebuds whilst gingerbread and nutcrackers warm your soul – there is truly no better destination to embrace the magic of the season.     The Magnificent Moselle   Intimate, quaint markets await in the Moselle Valley, home to charming medieval towns and beautiful vineyards that come to life during the festive season.   Trier, Germany’s oldest city, hosts a Christmas market that echoes the traditions of centuries, whilst Cochem enchants with its beautiful decorations and castle overlooking the river, offering captivating views from your river cruise ship. A cosy yet soul-stirring festive experience, a Christmas cruise along the Moselle is guaranteed to ignite a sense of warmth despite the crisp winter chill in the air.   Discover Christmas Market River Cruises   Sailing the rivers in the festive season is an experience that cannot be matched, sipping mulled wine from the deck of your river cruise ship as you sail alongside beautiful cities adorned with twinkling lights and charming décor, after a day spent savouring Europe’s premier, most authentic Christmas markets. Explore a range of fairytale itineraries and Christmas market experiences with leading river cruise lines and look forward to an unforgettable festive adventure.      from 2026-11-25 to 2025-12-24  

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The Best Winter River Cruise Destinations

The Best Winter River Cruise Destinations

The Best Winter River Cruise Destinations   A river cruise is an ideal year-round escape, thanks to a varied and diverse array of waterways across the globe, each winding through cities and villages with an enchanting story to uncover. During the winter months, a European river cruise is the perfect way to bring to life the magic and wonder of the festive season, whilst river cruises further afield in far-flung destinations can offer a welcome escape from the bitter cold of home.   See Winter River Cruise Deals   The Danube     Watch the iconic landmarks of Budapest and Vienna glow in the moonlight as you sail into frost-covered cities along the Danube. Savour the spellbinding aromas of warm, spiced mulled wine and seasonal pastries that immerse you into a winter wonderland as you explore charmingly decorated cities and charming festive markets across Europe’s premier cities.   See Danube River Cruise Deals   The Rhine     Mulled wine that warms your soul, cinnamon pastries that ignite your spirit and Christmas lights that twinkle and dance along the riverbanks await when you sail the romantic Rhine during the winter. Snow-dusted castles and vineyards line the Rhine Gorge, and half-timbered streets pulled from the pages of a winter fairytale await in port.   Discover the nighttime glow of cathedrals in Basel and Cologne, festive decorations in Strasbourg and traditional German Christmas lining the streets of Rüdesheim and Koblenz, bringing every moment of festive magic to life.   See Rhine River Cruise Deals   The Seine     Experience the enchantment of the festive season along the Seine, welcoming and magical with fewer tourists crowding iconic sites so you can explore at your own pace. See the sparkling lights of Paris, the still winter landscape of Normandy and the delightful half-timbered streets of Rouen as you immerse yourself in the rich, cultural delights of the region. On board, savour seasonal delights, from delicious regional cheeses and wines to roasted chestnuts, truffles and mulled cider, each scent and flavour transporting you into a winter fairytale.   See Seine River Cruise Deals   The Mekong     Escape the European winter and venture to the magnificent Mekong, for pleasant climes and lively floating markets. Immerse yourself in a contrasting festive culture and experience a Christmas season that is altogether different.   See Mekong River Cruise Deals   Winter River Cruises for Every Traveller   For the perfect winter river cruise for you, call our expert Cruise Concierge who will be happy to guide you through the range of options available.   See Winter River Cruise Deals

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Celebrity Cruises Unveils NEW Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity Cruises Unveils NEW Celebrity River Cruises

Celebrity Cruises Unveils NEW Celebrity River Cruises   Priority access for Celebrity Cruises’ highly anticipated and remarkably innovative new river cruise line, Celebrity River Cruises, opened this afternoon, closing within less than an hour due to unprecedented demand. This monumental new offering will see Celebrity Cruises bring their renowned excellence to Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Danube and the Rhine. Guests will now prepare for general sale to be in with an opportunity to secure a space on board.   Find Out More   Two breath-taking new ships, Celebrity Compass℠ and Celebrity Seeker℠, feature the signature Celebrity Cruises intuitive design, allowing guests to remain connected to the world around them with innovative open spaces that remain accessible throughout the entire journey.      Guests can look forward to included drinks, Wi-Fi, onboard experiences, one shore excursion per day and the most dining variety on the rivers, including a groundbreaking new 24-hour dining option. Choose from eight spectacular restaurants and bars, featuring Celebrity-favourite venues from their incredibly popular ocean cruises: The Martini Bar, Sunset Bar and Café Al Bacio.   A first for river cruising, Celebrity River Cruises will offer the chance to dine suspended above the river on the spectacular Magic Edge – never-before-seen cantilevered dining pods – whilst savouring the flavours of destination-inspired culinary delights. Each ship showcases a commitment to maximising guests’ time outdoors, with transformative shade structures, a top deck bar and grill and zones for every mood. Plus, an incredible infinity-edge plunge pool offers a unique opportunity to cool off whilst taking in the sights.     Offering an inaugural season of 33 seven-night itineraries along the Rhine and the Danube, Celebrity River Cruises will sail intimate journeys through Europe’s cultural and historic heart, complemented by personalised, friendly service, world-class onboard amenities and thoughtfully crafted excursions at each port of call. Every moment is designed to immerse guests deeper into their destination.   General sale is expected to open soon and will likely sell out incredibly quickly, following the incredible popularity of the Priority Access window. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary new chapter for Celebrity Cruises!   If you'd prefer not to wait, why not explore our fantastic selection of river cruise itineraries and book your journey along the world's waterways today.    See All River Cruise Deals

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