CLIA highlights river cruise expansion as new ships prepare to launch in 2027

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has highlighted continued investment and expansion across the river cruise sector, with 21 new ships set to enter service in 2027.

The vessels will operate across rivers and waterways around the world, including the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Mekong, Amazon and North America.

The 2027 additions include three ships from AmaWaterways - AmaRudi, AmaFiora and AmaMaya - while Celebrity Cruises will introduce Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker as part of its move into the sector.

Emerald Cruises will add Emerald Lumi on the Seine and Emerald Nova on the Douro, with Uniworld introducing S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael. Other additions include Amadeus River Cruises' AMADEUS Mira; CroisiEurope's RV Brasilian Dream; Century Cruises' Century Diamond; Riviera Travel's Riviera Reflection and Riviera Alba; Saga's Spirit of the Lorelei; Scenic's Scenic Aria; TUI River Cruises' TUI Luzia; and VIVA Cruises' VIVA UNIQUE, alongside new vessels from American Cruise Lines.

The figures were highlighted by Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, at an industry river cruise event.

Andy Harmer said: "River cruise continues to offer an enormous amount of choice, and the investment we're seeing for 2027 demonstrates the incredible breadth of the sector. New ships are being introduced across traditional European rivers, as well as eye-catching, long-haul destinations including Asia, South America and North America.

"For agents, that means even more opportunities to match customers with the river cruise that's right for them."

The fleet expansion comes as CLIA continues to increase its river cruise training and engagement opportunities.

CLIA is hosting 'A Week on the Rivers' webinar series this week. Open to all CLIA member agents, the 40-minute sessions begin at 9.30am every day and feature CLIA and cruise line destination experts.

Each session offers practical insight to help agents build their river destination knowledge and sales know-how.

In addition, next year, CLIA's RiverView conference will take place from March 5-8, 2027. Places for the event sold out shortly after going on sale in September.

Delegates will join a two-night sailing from Budapest to Vienna via Bratislava, hosted onboard AmaSofia, Riviera Radiance or VIVA TWO, followed by an additional overnight in Vienna, where business sessions and guided ship visits will take place.

Bratislava will feature for the first time, hosting a networking trade fair and local excursions, while a new 'Lite' option from March 6-8 will offer a shorter programme including business sessions, supplier networking, ship visits and overnight stays.

VIVA Cruises will additionally offer a two-night pre-conference sailing on VIVA TWO.

Andy Harmer said: "There is clear appetite among the trade to develop their river cruise knowledge, so it's vital we provide different ways for them to engage with the sector. We want all agents to have opportunities to build their knowledge and confidence, whether that's by harnessing the skills of industry experts or experiencing the ships for themselves.

"With so much opportunity in 2027, there will be even more choice for customers and more opportunities for agents to grow their river cruise business."

Earlier this month, CLIA hosted a sold-out River Cruise Forum in Manchester, bringing together travel agents, river cruise operators and associated partners for a full day of business sessions, networking and product training.

River cruise trends

CLIA river cruise members highlighted a number of emerging and continuing trends across the sector:

1) Growing demand for long-haul destinations: Travellers are increasingly looking beyond Europe's traditional rivers to explore destinations in Asia and South America, seeking immersive cultural experiences and the reassurance of travelling with an established operator.

2) Shorter sailings attract new audiences: Three, four and five-night itineraries are providing an alternative to traditional city breaks, appealing to travellers looking to explore multiple destinations without committing to a full week away.

3) Immersive travel: Guests are seeking experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, with greater emphasis on local culture, cuisine, traditions and opportunities to engage with communities.

4) Off-season travel: Interest in shoulder-season and winter departures continues to grow, with travellers attracted by quieter destinations, fewer crowds and opportunities to experience Europe's waterways at different times of year.

5) The rise of the solo river cruiser: Demand from solo travellers has increased, supported by the sociable nature of river cruising, smaller ships, included excursions and a wider range of dedicated solo departures and accommodation options.