A New Era of River Cruising

River cruising is entering one of its most exciting phases in decades. It’s incredible to see such a huge rise in demand for river cruising and a lot (we’re talking a LOT) of brand-new ships have been announced which will be launching through 2026, 2027 and 2028. Here’s a quick guide of which ships to keep an eye out for!

Ultra-All-Inclusive River Cruises

Uniworld

• S.S. Emilie (2026) – Uniworld’s newest Super Ship, which has just recently launched on the Danube. A 154‑guest newbuild inspired by Gustav Klimt, marking the line’s first brand‑new vessel since 2021.

• S.S. Audrey (2027) – A stunning Audrey Hepburn-inspired vessel which will embark on voyages along the Rhine and Moselle.

• S.S. Marlene (2027) – Once again taking inspiration from a notorious figure, this ship – named for actress and singer Marlene Dietrich – will showcase old-style Hollywood along the River Danube.

• S.S. São Rafael (2027) – Sister ship to S.S. São Gabriel, this ship will celebrate Portuguese maritime heritage as she sails along the Douro.

Scenic

• Scenic Aria (2027) – Purpose‑built ultra‑luxury Space‑Ship for the Douro River, carrying 96 guests. 

• Scenic Spirit II (2028) – A new Mekong River vessel expanding Scenic’s Southeast Asia operations.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

• Riverside Mahler (2028) – Former Crystal Mahler, returning after an extensive refit to sail under the Riverside banner alongside Debussy, Ravel and Mozart on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers.

Viking River Cruises

• Viking Eldir (2026) – Delivered in March 2026, the first of many new Viking Longships launching by the end of the year.

• Additional Longships (2026) – Including Viking Dagur, Viking Haki, Viking Rota, Viking Sjöfn, Viking Fjölvar and Viking Halogi, expanding Viking’s Rhine, Main, Danube and Seine capacity.

• Viking Sekhmet (2026) – This vessel will join the Egyptian fleet and host just 82 guests on immersive Nile River cruises.

• Viking Brahmaputra (2027) – Marking Viking’s debut into India river cruising, this unique vessel will sail the Assam and Brahmaputra Rivers in 2027.

• Viking Ganges (2028) – This ship will join her sister ship in India, sailing the Ganges in 2028.

• Viking Sol (2028) – Joining the Douro River fleet with a maximum capacity of 106 guests.

All-Inclusive River Cruises

AmaWaterways

• AmaSofia (2026) – New European river ship sailing the Rhine and Danube, unveiled with AmaWaterways’ refreshed brand aesthetic. 

• AmaKaia (2026) – Joining AmaDara on the Mekong River, expanding AmaWaterways’ Asia portfolio.

• AmaNubia (2026) – Joining the Egypt fleet on the River Nile, this 38-cabin ship will be beautifully designed to blend with her destination.

• AmaRudi (2027) – Another double width river ship to join the AmaMagna class on the Danube.

• AmaFiora (2027) – Sister ship to AmaSofia with 76 staterooms, sailing the Rhine River.

• AmaMaya (2027) – Beautiful Indochine-inspired vessel which will join AmaDara and AmaKaia on the River Mekong.

• AmaClara (2028) – Sister ship to AmaKristina, the AmaClara will sail the Rhône in France and have a focus on French wine and culinary experiences.

• AmaGaia (2028) – Expanding the Portuguese fleet along the Douro as this destination rises significantly in popularity.

• AmaCleo (2028) – Yet another addition to the Nile fleet, the AmaCleo will be a sister ship to the AmaNubia.

Emerald Cruises

• Emerald Astra (2026) – A 180‑guest Star‑Ship debuting in May 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube, featuring an updated yacht‑inspired design. 

• Emerald Lumi (2027) – Custom-built for the Seine and Normandy region, Emerald Lumi will host 130 guests and focus on French history, culture and heritage.

• Emerald Nova (2027) – Purpose‑built for the Douro River, scheduled to launch in June 2027.

Riviera Travel

• Riviera Resplendence (2026) – A new Radiance‑class ship welcoming 178 guests, with Riviera’s largest-ever suites and enhanced dining venues, sailing Europe’s major rivers. 

• Riviera Reflection (2027) – Joining the Radiance-class fleet, this vessel will feature three fantastic dining venues and Grand Suites measuring up to 344 sq ft, as she sails the Danube.

• Riviera Alba (2027) – Riviera Travel’s first sojourn into Asia, Riviera Alba will carry just 48 guests on intimate voyages along the River Mekong.

Travelmarvel

• Travelmarvel Sirius (2026) – Marking Travelmarvel’s return to Egypt after more than a decade, Sirius will launch in September 2026.

• Travelmarvel Rigel (2027) – Launching in April 2026, the fourth contemporary Travelmarvel river ship, and sister to Polaris, Capella and Vega, debuting on the Rhine and Moselle. 

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Compass (2027) – The first of Celebrity Cruises’ river ships will make her debut on the Rhine and Danube in 2027.

• Celebrity Seeker (2027) – Sister ship to Celebrity Compass, Seeker will share similar itineraries. The two ships will introduce Edge‑inspired design features to Europe’s rivers.

• Celebrity Wanderer (2028) – This ship will allow Celebrity Cruises to extend deeper into Eastern Europe, including scenic Lower Danube routes such as the Iron Gates gorge.

• Celebrity Roamer (2028) – Expanding the Rhine operations, this ship will combine the Main River in its roster of itineraries.

• Celebrity Boundless (2028) – Further supporting Celebrity Cruises’ river cruise endeavour, this will be the fifth of twenty ships ordered by the cruise line.

Intrigued by any of these ships and the destinations they’ll be sailing to? Some are already on sale so don’t wait! Check out our luxury river cruise deals here or call our river experts for more information.