The world of river cruising just got a lot more exciting — and a little more crowded. Three powerhouse brands have officially announced their entries into the river cruise market, each offering something unique. If you’ve ever thought about booking a river cruise (or returning for another), now’s the time to take action — because this industry is heating up fast.
🌍 National Geographic/Lindblad Expands to Europe
This is a big one. National Geographic, in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, will bring its legendary storytelling, scientific focus, and deep destination immersion to European rivers in 2026. While Lindblad has long been known for expedition cruising, this new venture into Europe offers a brainy, curious, and culturally rich alternative for those who want more than wine and castles — think deeper conversations, exclusive access, and National Geographic-caliber experiences.
Known for its world-class expedition cruises, National Geographic Expeditions (in partnership with Lindblad) is bringing its storytelling and scientific spirit to the rivers of Europe in 2026. Expect immersive experiences guided by naturalists, historians, and Nat Geo experts — with a focus on cultural depth and environmental insight. A game-changer for the intellectually curious traveler.
🏨 Waldorf Astoria’s Luxe Leap on the Nile
Luxury is getting a serious upgrade on the Nile. Waldorf Astoria is launching a new ultra-premium river cruise product in Egypt with their own ship, the Waldorf Astoria Nile. Guests can expect what the brand is famous for — flawless service, stunning design, and elevated gastronomy — all while cruising past some of the oldest wonders of the world. This may be the most elegant way to explore ancient Egypt yet.
Waldorf Astoria is redefining luxury on the Nile. Set to launch in 2027, their all-suite ship will offer elevated design, fine dining, and a true five-star hotel experience — all while gliding past ancient temples and pyramids. If the Nile has been on your list, this may be the most glamorous way to experience it yet.
🚢 Trafalgar Enters River Cruising with ‘Real Connections’ (NOW BOOKING)
Well-known for their escorted land tours, Trafalgar is making a bold move into small ship river cruising. Their brand promise? Real connections and culturally immersive storytelling onboard and ashore. If you're the type of traveler who values guided exploration without feeling like you're “on a tour,” Trafalgar’s river program might be a perfect fit.
Trafalgar, a sister brand to Uniworld, and long known for escorted land tours, is entering river cruising with a new focus: small ships, deep storytelling, and connections with locals. Their trips aim to feel less like a tour and more like shared discovery — perfect for travelers who want hosted experiences with personal connection. These are charters of the famed Uniworld ships.
The two new itineraries will be an eight-day Danube River cruise on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Reverie and a 10-day Rhine River cruise on the 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity. Both ships are full charters of Uniworld vessels being operated as Trafalgar ships.
▪ Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam: 10 days of postcard-perfect scenery through Germany, France, and Switzerland, including visits to Cologne and Strasbourg – plus an unforgettable farm-to-table lunch with a local German family.
▪ Best of the Danube: 8 days exploring Central Europe’s historic gems like Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, with exclusive experiences like lunch at Austria’s oldest winery hosted by the winemaking family themselves.
These brand-new cruises officially go on sale next week – but as one of my VIP clients, you have early access to secure your spot before the rest of the world hears about it.
These new entries follow Celebrity’s announcement earlier this year — proving that river cruising is no longer a niche, but a movement. And with more travelers (especially first-timers) discovering river cruising every day, prime 2025 and 2026 sailings are booking up fast.