Where We Once Sailed: Rivers That Have Drifted from the Map – and What Might Be Next

If you’ve been following river cruising for a while, you may have noticed that some rivers that once hosted elegant river ships and curious travelers are no longer on the menu. Whether it’s due to shifting water levels, politics, or practical logistics, several once-promising rivers have quietly slipped off itineraries. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of spectacular waterways to explore, and even a few new ones coming online soon. Let’s take a little journey down memory lane — and then look ahead to what’s next.

Let’s start with the Elbe. Winding through the heart of central Europe, this river once had a small crowd of river cruise companies offering trips between Prague and Berlin. But today? Viking is pretty much the last one standing. Why? The Elbe is a bit of a diva. She’s beautiful, historic, and packed with storybook towns, but she’s also unpredictable. With no locks and dams to regulate her mood, the water levels swing wildly. Some seasons she’s too shallow to sail. Others, too high. That kind of uncertainty led most lines to pull out. But Viking has stuck it out, offering guests a chance to see places like Dresden and Wittenberg — if the water cooperates.

Italy’s Po River has also gone quiet. At one time, this northern Italian waterway held promise for full-length river cruises. But again, water levels proved challenging — especially in the heat of the Italian summer. Today, Uniworld includes the Po in its Venice itineraries, but in practice, the river portion is limited. You’ll spend more time docked in Venice and visiting nearby cities by coach. It’s still a lovely trip (Venice never disappoints), but it’s more of a hybrid than a true river cruise.

If you ever ask Rudi Schreiner, co-founder of AmaWaterways, about his favorite river cruise destinations, Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River often comes up. Once a jewel of exotic cruising, the Irrawaddy offered a chance to explore gilded temples, peaceful villages, and golden sunsets. Several river cruise lines, including AmaWaterways, had ships operating there. But due to ongoing political unrest and safety concerns, the river is currently off-limits to tourism. Most lines have paused operations indefinitely — but with hope that they’ll return one day when the time is right.

The Ganges River in India (often called the "Ganga") once had great promise as a river cruise destination, offering insight into Indian culture and sacred traditions. But like many Asian rivers, the infrastructure for consistent cruising is limited, and many cruise lines have pulled back. There are still some boutique local options, but you won’t find most of the big brands there anymore.

Similarly, river cruising in Russia, particularly routes near St. Petersburg and between Moscow and the Volga, has all but disappeared. Political tensions and travel restrictions have made it nearly impossible for most lines to operate there today.

Don’t worry — the world of river cruising is far from shrinking. In fact, it’s expanding in new and exciting ways. In Part Two of this article, we’ll dive into the rivers that continue to thrive — and even some new ones on the horizon.

AmaWaterways recently launched cruises on Colombia’s Magdalena River, opening up a whole new region of South America to river cruising, from Barranquilla to Cartagena. Other lines are exploring or actively sailing the Amazon, offering deeply immersive jungle experiences.

In Europe, perennial favorites like the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Douro, and Bordeaux’s Garonne remain strong, with more themed cruises and seasonal departures than ever before.

The Nile in Egypt continues to enchant travelers, and don’t overlook the Chobe River in Africa or the Mekong in Southeast Asia — both full of wildlife, culture, and natural beauty.

Even here in the U.S., river cruising is getting a second wind with classic routes on the Mississippi, Ohio, and Columbia Rivers gaining interest, especially from those who want to explore closer to home.

So while some rivers have taken a pause, the spirit of river cruising is alive and well. And who knows? Maybe someday we’ll sail the Irrawaddy again, or see new itineraries on the rivers of South America, India, or even Central Asia.

Every river has a story — and the next chapter is just beginning.

If you’re curious about which rivers are right for your next adventure, let’s chat. There’s a perfect river out there waiting for you to discover it.