Travelers are looking for new ways to explore the world, but one mode of travel is taking the industry by storm – river cruising. The world’s waterways have captured the hearts of travelers, offering them the chance to travel in style and take the scenic route, while also getting closer to each destination than ever before.
When we say river cruising is one of travel’s fastest-growing trends, we mean it. The river cruise industry is expected to grow by 11.2% by 2036 to reach a value of $9 billion USD according to Future Market Insights, whose report stated that its popularity is thanks to “growing demand for experiential and immersive travel, driven by changing consumer preferences for scenic, culturally rich, and intimate vacation options”. Catering to more niche experiences compared with ocean cruises, river cruises are able to forge local partnerships along the waterways to offer travelers a deeper connection with the destinations they visit.
Why is river cruising so popular?
Imagine a vacation where you could travel through multiple countries without getting in a car, train or plane, stay in a stylish hotel every night, and only unpack once. Sounds pretty good? That’s exactly what a river cruise offers – no wonder it’s such a popular way to travel.
Not only that, but compared to ocean cruising it offers a more boutique experience with fewer guests (on a Trafalgar River Cruise, we have fewer than 130 guests onboard and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3). River cruise journeys are scenic and relaxed, and travelers arrive straight at the heart of key cities offering both flexibility and deep cultural connection.
“Travelers are increasingly seeking more intimate and immersive ways to experience a destination,” says Rita Kelly, Senior VP Marketing & Communications for Trafalgar. “That same desire for meaningful connection is fueling the rapid growth of river cruising, where travelers can step straight into the heart of a destination each day while enjoying slow-travel accommodations that reduce travel time, yet still feel intrinsically tied to the destination.”
In short, river cruising is so popular because it’s the best of both worlds: all the excitement of land adventures with the convenience, scenery and relaxation of going with the flow of the river.
River cruising with Trafalgar
Our eight decades of land touring experience (and excellence) have helped up take to the river like a duck to water. We’ve incorporated all the best bits of our land tours – the local connections, authentic dining and iconic sites – with the added benefits of river cruising.
So, what are those benefits? The main draw is that you get to visit multiple cities and countries, all while only unpacking once – and traveling between each place in style on your floating hotel. But beyond convenience, there’s all the added extras and cultural connections.
All your onboard meals are included where you’ll enjoy fresh, local food with wine, beer and soft drinks included with dinner. But our ships are more than places to rest and dine; start the morning with a yoga session led by our onboard wellness coach, step inside the wheelhouse for a chat with the Captain, or keep yourself entertained in the game room. Or even make use of the bicycles and Nordic walking sticks if you’re raring to see even more of your destination.
“For Trafalgar, river cruises feel like a natural addition to the brand’s variety of touring options, allowing travelers to explore iconic destinations in different ways,” says Rita.
Even if you’ve already been to a destination on our river cruise itineraries, you’ll see it in a completely different way.
Every itinerary includes guided walking tours and orientations wherever you dock, with Local Specialists who love to show you their hometown. Hand-selected Optional Experiences invite you to delve deeper, from cycling through vineyards or along riverside paths to guided hikes, and culinary experiences from craft beer tastings to specialty food tours in select destinations.
Our itineraries
We launched our very first river cruise itineraries in 2025 spanning the Rhine and Danube, and we’re not slowing down in 2026 – our offering is expanding even further with our Seine itinerary.
Best of the Seine with Paris & Normandy
The newest addition to our river cruise lineup, this route starts and ends in Paris, taking you through Normandy’s cultural and historic heart along the way. From Monet’s picture-perfect house and gardens in Giverny to the moving D-Day landing beaches, and the medieval city of Rouen, each day is distinctly different. Your Be My Guest experience is with a local cider-making family where you’ll discover what it takes to brew this delicious drink, shared over stories of life in northern France.
Best of the Danube
Culture and history-rich cities dot the Danube, as you stop off at Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau. Our Danube River Cruise blends old-world elegance with countryside scenery, digging deeper as you learn about life under Communism with stories of escapes, Soviet rule and the Velvet Revolution in Bratislava. Thought wine was just for the Rhine? Your Be My Guest experience takes you to the Saahs family at Weingut Nikolaihof, Austria’s oldest winery, where a crisp glass of Riesling will be waiting.
There’s also ample time to explore delicious local snacks, from Viennese coffee and sachertorte to freshly-baked pretzels in Bavaria, with the option to take a foodie tour in Budapest.
Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam
Castles, vineyards and fairytale towns often headline river cruising through the Rhine, but it’s so much more than that. This journey takes you through the romantic Middle Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and past the half-timbered town of Rüdesheim and the cobbled streets of Breisach, but you’ll also discover larger cities including Strasbourg, Amsterdam and Cologne.
Don’t forget to pack your appetite – your Be My Guest experience takes you for a homegrown meal at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm in the Rhine plain, while your MTM Experience will enlighten you on the methods and history behind producing artisanal vinegar (with a tasting, of course).
Danube Christmas Markets
Some of Europe’s most enchanting Christmas markets sit along the Danube, and you’ll visit six of them with dedicated tours around the markets of Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems an der Donau, Linz and Passau, learning about the rich history, culture and local traditions of these cities. Return to your ship to share stories of your discoveries each evening over a glass of regional wine.
Rhine Christmas Markets
This is the Rhine: Christmas edition. Journey straight through the heart of Europe at its most magical time for the ultimate festive vacation. We’re talking storybook towns, twinkling Christmas markets and festive local traditions unique to each place, from Basel to Düsseldorf. Guided walks will take you through each city and around its Christmas market, with plenty of seasonal specialities to tuck into to keep you warm. Glühwein, anyone?
Discover more about river cruising with Trafalgar here.