River Cruise Edition 102

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FEATURES: AmaWaterways from Basel • River cruisers are getting younger

RIDING a WAVE

Welcome to our special section on river cruising, brought to you by the River Cruise Collective, our partners in presenting the exciting options on our inland waterways.

As you read these pages, the river season is forging ahead in Europe and heading for a new record. More ships and destinations are joining the rush to the rivers, and Australians are among the most enthusiastic.

What is even more pleasing is how younger travellers are jumping on board. More than 80 per cent of 18–34-year-olds are now interested in river cruising, according to an international survey. It’s a huge reversal from the image river cruising once had.

Younger travellers are not only open to river cruising; they actively see it as a compelling way to experience the world. And the changes made by the industry are becoming part of the appeal.

Here’s what younger travellers like:

Relaxation and mental reset: Nearly half of new-to-cruise travellers and 65 per cent of experienced cruisers view river cruising as an ideal way to relax.

Scenic travel: Half love the ability to visit several places without repacking or organising transport.

Best for solo travel: A quarter see river cruising as a great way to travel alone.

Coupled with river cruising’s value proposition – it’s often cheaper and certainly more convenient – it’s small wonder river cruising is winning new friends.

For Europe’s river cruise lines, 2026 is shaping up not simply as a recovery year – but potentially the strongest season the sector has ever seen.

Sign up for our newsletter at cruisepassenger.com.au for regular news and deals – and join the river cruise revolution! Peter Lynch, Publisher

A STELLAR YEAR

From the Rhine to the Danube, from Bordeaux to the Douro, Europe’s rivers are enjoying one of the strongest seasons in history. Ships are sailing full, with Australians travelling in record numbers.

After years of anxiety about droughts, floods, pandemics and even geopolitical uncertainty, the 2026 season has opened with a high level of confidence in the river sector. Operators say the industry has matured into one of Europe’s most resilient and profitable tourism segments, powered by luxury travellers looking for smaller ships, immersive itineraries and a slower style of travel.

Even the disruption to global aviation routes caused by instability in the Middle East hasn’t stopped the arrival of passengers. Australians are still getting on board in strong numbers.

Joel Katz, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia, says: “River cruising has moved well beyond its

traditional perception as a niche, retireefocused, Europe-only product. It’s now one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving segments in the cruise sector.

“We’re seeing strong growth forecasts drive real innovation, not just in ship design, but in the depth and quality of immersive onshore experiences. New destinations, broader demographics and more diverse itineraries are opening this category up to a much wider audience.”

The strongest performers so far have been the classic Rhine and Danube itineraries, particularly Amsterdam to Basel sailings, tulip cruises through Holland and Belgium, and the ever-popular Vienna-Budapest routes.

Cruise lines such as APT and AmaWaterways are all reporting exceptionally strong demand heading into the peak summer months.

Cruise Passenger previously reported that bookings for 2026 were already outpacing 2025 nearly a year ago, a trend that has now accelerated as travellers rush to secure cabins on premium departures. Industry analysts say river cruising has become one of Europe’s standout tourism sectors because it appeals directly to affluent travellers seeking comfort without the crowds of mega-ocean ships.

Condé Nast Traveller recently described European river cruising as ‘booming’, noting the market could approach US$10 billion in sales by 2030 as luxury travellers increasingly embrace boutique-style ships and culturally immersive itineraries.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this season is how successfully operators are handling Europe’s water levels. Just a few years ago, low water levels on the Rhine and Danube

“RIVER CRUISE PASSENGERS ARE VIEWING THESE HOLIDAYS AS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES.”

More popular than ever

Above: European cruises put iconic sights and experiences within easy reach; AmaWaterways sails on many of Europe’s most scenic rivers.

triggered widespread concern about cancellations and disrupted sailings. But the industry has quietly adapted.

Cruise lines now routinely use advanced forecasting systems, flexible berthing strategies, lighter loading protocols and contingency plans that allow itineraries to continue even during difficult conditions. Ships themselves are increasingly designed with shallower drafts and greater flexibility. Current river reports show the Rhine is in particularly healthy shape after spring rainfall restored many sections to optimal sailing conditions.

“What passengers often don’t realise is how sophisticated the river lines have become,” said one European cruise operations executive. “A

decade ago a low-water event could cripple an itinerary. Today, most guests barely notice the operational adjustments.”

The industry’s improved handling of river conditions has helped restore confidence among repeat guests, many of whom were previously nervous about booking Danube itineraries.

Australians, in particular, are flocking back to Europe’s rivers. APT and Travelmarvel say Europe remains one of their strongest selling destinations, with river cruising at the heart of their luxury programs.

And even with the ongoing instability across parts of the Middle East affecting aviation routes, Australian travellers are still making the journey in significant numbers. Travel agents say most river cruise passengers are simply adapting rather than cancelling.

Many Australians are now travelling via Singapore, Hong Kong or South Africa, while others are taking advantage of non-stop and ultra-long-haul services that bypass traditional Middle Eastern stopovers altogether.

One Melbourne couple currently sailing the Rhine told travel forums they were initially worried about flying through the Gulf but decided to reroute via Singapore rather than postpone their cruise.

“We waited too long for this trip,” the passenger wrote on Cruise Critic. “The cruise itself has been absolutely perfect and Europe feels packed with travellers again.”

That sentiment appears to be widespread across the sector. Travel companies report that river cruise passengers are viewing these holidays as once-in-a-lifetime experiences worth protecting from global uncertainty. The result has been stronger forward bookings, longer cruise seasons and growing demand for higher-end suites and specialty itineraries.

The growth is also fuelling a wave of new ship launches and fleet upgrades. Across Europe, operators are introducing vessels with larger suites, fewer passengers, lower-emission engines and designs specifically intended to cope with fluctuating river conditions. CT

AMAWATERWAYS’ HUGE EXPANSION

AmaWaterways will embark on a major expansion plan to grow its fleet to more than 50 ships by 2032.

Buoyed by strong global demand for river cruising, AmaWaterways’ expansion plans will propel the line to the forefront of the industry. AmaWaterways will have 15 new ships in Europe, adding an additional 60 per cent capacity. There will also be new ships in Africa and Asia.

“Our expansion reflects strong demand across both our established and emerging markets,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “River cruising is on a clear growth trajectory and we are investing with purpose, expanding our global footprint while continuing to elevate the experience for our guests and travel partners.”

Steve Richards, managing director Australia and New Zealand, added: “For our guests in Australia and New Zealand, this growth helps us meet strong demand for some of the world’s most popular river cruise destinations, while opening up even more ways to explore from Europe to the Mekong and Africa – all while enjoying the comfort, space and personalised service that AmaWaterways is known for.”

The line had previously announced three new ships in 2027 to sail the Rhine, Danube and Mekong rivers. There will also be a new ship in Portugal, an additional ship on the Chobe River in Africa and two new ships on the Nile in Egypt, including one to debut this year.

Here’s a summary of some of the new ships:

• AmaNubia, to debut on the Nile in September this year. She will join AmaDahlia and AmaLila

• AmaRudi to debut on the Danube in 2027. She is the second double-width ship with 98 staterooms to accommodate 196 guests.

• AmaMaya to debut on the Mekong in 2027. The 60-stateroom AmaMaya will join AmaDara on the Mekong.

• AmaFlora to debut on the Rhine in 2027 with 76 staterooms.

• AmaClara to debut on the Rhone in 2028 with 76 staterooms.

• AmaGaia to debut on the Douro in 2028 to join AmaVida, AmaDouro and AmaSintra.

• AmaCleo to debut on the Nile in 2028, expanding AmaWaterways presence in Egypt which currently has three ships sailing the region. While on board, guests enjoy spacious accommodation and all meals including specialty dining at The Chef’s Table. Complimentary wine and beer are served during meal times plus free Wi-Fi.

AmaWaterways has also introduced ‘Savor at the Lark’ – a new all-day dining menu served in the ship’s lounges.

AmaWaterways has also upgraded its pre- and post-cruise land packages with hotel stays, transport from the airport, hotel and ship and a wide selection of local tours and experiences. The line has appointed dedicated cruise managers to accompany guests during their pre- and post-cruise stays to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. CT

In demand Clockwise from top: AmaNubia will debut on the Nile; AmaMaya stateroom; main restaurant on AmaMaya.

YOUNGER TRAVELLERS LOVE RIVER CRUISING

SO WHAT’S STOPPING THEM ?

River cruising continues to boom – and attract a new generation. Peter Lynch discovers that while younger travellers are intrigued, many still question whether it offers value for money.

An astonishing 84 per cent of 18 to 34-year-olds are now interested in river cruising and 80 per cent say the destinations are spot on. The British survey by influential trade publication Cruise Trade News mirrors the growing interest among younger Australians. Among 18 to 34-year-olds, 84 per cent say river cruising appeals to them, while 80 per cent say the itineraries on offer visit destinations they want to explore.

This overturns the long-held assumption that river cruising is irrelevant to younger travellers. Instead, it suggests the product already aligns well with their travel aspirations – particularly their desire for immersive, multi-destination experiences without the logistical complexity of independent travel. Younger travellers are not only open to river cruising, they actively see it as a compelling way to experience the world.

The report highlights several key motivations behind this growing appeal. These insights align closely with broader travel trends among

younger demographics, particularly around wellness, flexibility and meaningful experiences.

/ Why younger travellers love river cruising

According to the survey, key drivers include: Relaxation and mental reset: Nearly half of new-to-cruise travellers (47 per cent) and 65 per cent of experienced cruisers view river cruising as an ideal way to relax.

Scenic travel: 53 per cent of respondents are drawn to the constantly changing scenery.

Multiple destinations: 52 per cent value the ability to visit several places without repacking or organising transport.

Solo travel appeal: 26 per cent see river cruising as well-suited to solo travellers.

Perceived value vs land travel: 25 per cent recognise its potential value compared with traditional land-based holidays.

In addition, there is a strong connection with the growing wellness travel movement. Younger travellers, so often feeling burnt out, are seeking holidays that allow them to switch off and recharge. River cruising, with its slower pace, natural surroundings and structured-yetflexible itineraries, fits neatly into this trend.

The ability to combine cultural exploration, food, scenery and downtime in a single, seamless experience is particularly attractive to this cohort.

/ New products appealing to younger market River cruise lines are adapting their products to appeal to younger guests. Greater flexibility, such as choosing when and where to dine, or whether to join guided excursions, is helping to break down the perception that river cruising is rigid or overly structured.

More inclusive pricing models are also evolving. Some operators now emphasise

‘all-inclusive’ experiences with fewer hidden costs, while others offer optional excursions to give travellers greater control over how they spend their time and money. This move towards personalisation aligns strongly with younger travellers’ expectations.

/ The value gap

Despite this strong appeal, a significant barrier remains: many younger travellers simply do not understand the value of a river cruise.

The report reveals that only nine per cent of new-to-cruise respondents believe a river cruise offers good value compared with a land-based holiday.

This is the core issue facing the sector. While younger audiences are interested, they often perceive river cruising as expensive.

However, this perception changes dramatically with experience. Among travellers who have already taken a river cruise, 36 per cent say it represents good value. This suggests

a clear disconnect: the product delivers value, but that value is not being effectively communicated before purchase.

/ A generational divide

The report also highlights notable differences between younger travellers and those aged over 46. Older travellers show lower overall enthusiasm for river cruising. For example, among those aged 55 to 64, 27 per cent say they would not enjoy a river cruise at all, one of the highest levels of disinterest across age groups.

There are also contrasting attitudes towards price. Interestingly, younger travellers appear more tolerant of higher pricing thresholds, with under-45s indicating they would only be priced out at around $9766 per person, compared with $5176 for over-45s.

This suggests that younger travellers are not necessarily unwilling to spend, but they require stronger justification for the cost.

/ What younger travellers want

Overall, the findings point to a clear shift in how river cruising is perceived by younger audiences:

- They see it as experiential rather than traditional

- They value ease, convenience and multidestination travel

- They are drawn to wellness, scenery and cultural immersion

- They appreciate flexibility and personal choice. However, they are also more likely to question pricing and compare options closely with land-based alternatives.

The river cruise sector is in a strong position for future growth. The audience is there and interest is high, particularly among younger travellers who are redefining what a cruise holiday looks like. But unless the industry communicates value more effectively, many potential customers will continue to ‘self-select out’ before fully understanding the product.

Youthful appeal

Clockwise from left: Cruising ticks a lot of travel boxes for younger people; at ease on an Avalon Waterways ship; river cruising offers a chance to slow down.

/ Seasonal shore excursions

IMAMIE’S the word

• AmaWaterways is introducing a new program with a touch of grandmotherly wisdom. Launching on both the AmaDante and AmaLyra ships as part of the Paris and Normandy itineraries, ‘Cooking with Mamie’ invites guests to engage with French culture. Developed in partnership with Paris-based cooking and cultural space Atelier des Mamies, the program connects guests with women who have spent decades perfecting traditional recipes, turning what could be a standard

onboard activity into something far more personal. On board, smallgroup sessions (capped at around 10 guests) see a mamie join the ship in Paris to host hands-on classes. Expect the kind of desserts that define French home baking – think tarte tatin and delicate madeleines – but with an added layer of storytelling. And it doesn’t stop there. The experience extends ashore for those taking part in Parisian pre- or post-cruise stays. For example, in Montmartre, guests can opt for a macaronmaking workshop held at Atelier des Mamies’ intimate Paris studio.

n a bold new move, Avalon Waterways is launching new excursions based around seasonal activities – all designed to connect guests more closely with the regions they visit. The new seasonal excursions will be launched in 2027 and may even influence guests when choosing where and when they want to cruise, with specific activities designed to match. Highlights from the new 2027 line-up will include moments in the South of France with hands-on apricot picking and tastings, fields of purple in bloom with lavender visits, and distillery experiences timed to the season. Autumn in Normandy includes apple picking and cider tastings as orchards come to life. In the summer, there will be strawberry harvesting and tastings as well as flower picking and essential oil workshops.

/ Trafalgar launches

Trafalgar River Cruises has officially entered the booming river cruise market, launching two custom-designed ships in Europe and signalling bold expansion plans. Less than a year after Trafalgar announced it was expanding to include a cruise arm, Trafalgar Verity set sail on the Rhine on 10 April 26, while Trafalgar Reverie embarked on its first eight-day itinerary on the Danube. Both ships, repurposed from sister brand Uniworld, were given a ‘light’ refurbishment, including new carpeting

NEW KID on the block

in cabins and public areas, new fixtures in the bathrooms and new mattresses.

Another Uniworld ship, River Duchess, will join the fleet as the Trafalgar Harmonie in 2027. By 2028, Trafalgar will launch two 180-passenger new builds, which vice president of river cruises at Trafalgar Damien O’Connor said will “have their own story”. By 2030, this newcomer to the market plans to have a 10-strong fleet and were scoping waterways throughout the Americas and Asia as potential destinations. Trafalgar’s entry signals a fresh wave of competition for established names such as Emerald, Avalon, Scenic and Viking.

• A new contender is entering Australia’s booming luxury river cruise market – but Riverside Luxury Cruises isn’t trying to compete with the local big names. It is aiming even higher. Positioning itself at the ‘apex’ of European river cruising, Riverside is targeting affluent Australian travellers with a distinctly different proposition: fewer passengers, larger suites and a hotel-style experience inspired by its parent company, the Seaside Collection. “If you looked at the pyramid of European river cruising… we’re at the very top of that pyramid,” says Stewart Williams, Riverside’s Australian representative. “We have affluent travellers seeking ultra-luxury experiences – and they’re prepared to pay for it.”

CENTENARY celebrations

• APT Luxury Travel has announced its 100 Day World Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime itinerary created to mark APT’s centenary year in 2027. It is one of the first announcements tied to APT’s 100-year celebrations and a statement of everything the brand has built: a legacy of expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and an enduring passion for travel. The journey, which blends 4WD remote exploration, classic coach touring and luxury river cruising, departs Melbourne on 19 July 2027 and returns to Melbourne on 27 October 2027. From the Victorian capital, guests head to the Kimberley for one of APT’s most celebrated wilderness experiences. The journey continues to Europe for river cruising through Budapest, Amsterdam, Madrid and Lisbon, then west to North America for an iconic Rockies adventure. From there, guests travel to Southeast Asia for an unforgettable Mekong River cruise, continue on to New Zealand’s South Island and finally, return back to Australia for a Murray River experience before concluding in Melbourne. Guests can cruise the full 100 days or join selected segments of the journey.

VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA HIGHLIGHTS SIEM REAP TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Incredible Experiences

• Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

• Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam.

• Enjoy VIP seats at Phare Circus in Siem Reap and take in an unforgettable performance that combines captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling.

Inclusions

• Seven-night cruise aboard APT’s custom-designed, boutique Mekong Serenity river ship and five nights in luxury accommodation.

• Locally inspired dining with a total of 31 meals and a wide range of beverages on board your Mekong River cruise.

13-DAY LAND TOUR AND RIVER CRUISE

From $5,495 pp, twin share*

Save up to $7,400 per couple

VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA DISCOVERY

HANOI TO SIEM REAP

Incredible Experiences

• Discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay during a three-day luxury cruise.

• Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at an Oudong monastery.

• Dine on a specially curated multi-course fusion meal at the award-winning Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City.

Inclusions

• Seven-night cruise aboard APT’s boutique Mekong Serenity river ship, two-night cruise aboard the Lyra Grandeur, and seven nights in luxury accommodation.

• Locally inspired dining with a total of 43 meals and a wide range of beverages on board your Mekong River cruise.

17-DAY LAND TOUR AND RIVER CRUISE

From $8,395 pp, twin share* Save

to $7,800 per couple*

/ Second for the Seine

Avalon

Waterways will reposition Avalon

Artistry II in 2027 in response to growing demand for cruises on the Seine. The river continues to gain popularity for the line, and Artistry II will become Avalon’s second vessel operating there. After completing its 2026

FLY-CRUISE booking ease

season in Bordeaux, Avalon Artistry II’s relocation to the Seine will help Avalon meet growing demand for Paris and Normandy itineraries. The Seine has become one of the line’s most sought-after rivers in recent years, with itineraries combining iconic French cities, countryside and history in a single voyage. Artistry II’s arrival will give passengers more opportunities to explore northern France while

• AmaWaterways has unveiled a new Cruise & Fly offering for guests in Australia and New Zealand, making it easier than ever to book a complete river cruise journey in one place. Guests can now book international flights directly through AmaWaterways’ Sydney-based reservations team alongside their river cruise, benefiting from competitive airfares, expert support and a fully integrated booking experience. The new AmaAir offering reflects AmaWaterways’ commitment to simplifying the travel experience while providing greater value and flexibility for both guests and advisors. “With the introduction of our local air services, we’re making it much easier for our guests and travel partners to plan and book a complete journey with confidence,” said Steve Richards, managing director Australia & New Zealand, AmaWaterways.

strengthening Avalon’s presence on the waterway. The vessel’s stay in Bordeaux will be relatively brief, having been introduced there only last year. Once Artistry II repositions, Avalon says it has no plans to continue operating cruise itineraries in the Bordeaux region. Avalon Waterways sails on many of Europe’s most popular rivers, including the Rhine, Danube and Douro, along with waterways in Asia, South America and Africa.

Travelmarvel RIGEL launches

• Travelmarvel Rigel has launched, making it the fourth to the line’s fleet of modern, custom-built sister ships operating across Europe’s waterways. The ship joins Travelmarvel Capella, Vega and Polaris. The space and facilities on board the Rigel will remain the same as those of its sister ships, with an enhanced interior. The ship accommodates up to 178 guests across 89 cabins, with a crew of 44. Three suite categories are available: Window Staterooms, French-style Balcony Suites, and spacious Owner’s Suites. Public spaces are designed for comfort and sociability, with panoramic dining venues, a sundeck with whirlpool, a walking track, fitness room and complimentary bikes for shore excursions.

CELEBRITY doubles down

• Celebrity River Cruises is already showing off its revolutionary new river ships – and the line has confirmed that its new river cruise program is already gaining strong traction locally.

Australians are among the first to commit to upcoming sailings, Tim Jones, vice president and managing director Australia and APAC for Celebrity Cruises, told Cruise Passenger. “River’s going exceptionally well for us in Australia,” Jones told us on board the recently refitted Celebrity Solstice in Sydney. Celebrity is expanding into a space long dominated by

established European operators. But with its premium positioning and strong brand loyalty, Celebrity appears to be carving out a distinctive niche, particularly among Australian travellers.

Australians have long been avid river cruisers, and Jones says he believes that natural affinity is translating directly into demand for Celebrity’s new offering. Celebrity is not treating river cruising as a small side venture. Instead, it is on a mission to scale aggressively, with a fleet plan that signals its long-term commitment. “We’ve announced now that we’re going to have 20 river ships by 2031 – double the size of the initial order,” Jones said.

Scenic’s NEW SHIPS

• Scenic Group has announced three new luxury river ships across its Scenic River Cruises and Emerald Cruises brands: Emerald Nova, Scenic Aria and Scenic Spirit II. The additions join other vessels already on the way, including Emerald Astra, which will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube from May 2026, and Emerald Lumi, launching on the Seine in 2027. Scenic Aria and Emerald Nova will operate on Portugal’s Douro River alongside Emerald Radiance, offering 11-day itineraries, with Scenic Aria also featuring a shorter eight-day option. Emerald Nova will debut in June 2027, followed by Scenic Aria in September. Scenic is also expanding on the Mekong River, with Scenic Spirit II set to launch in early 2028, sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia.

/ More on the Mississippi

Viking River Cruises will debut two new itineraries on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers in 2027, including a 15-day journey called Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass. The line is introducing the new itineraries alongside the existing eight-day and 22-day Mississippi itineraries, indicating increased demand. These existing itineraries are named Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer and are a shortened version of the 15-day cruise. The new 15-day sailing from New Orleans to Louisville will be on board the aptly named Viking Mississippi and includes four destinations in Louisiana: New Orleans, Darrow, St. Francisville and Baton Rouge. The sailing then heads to Mississippi with stops in Natchez, Vicksburg and Greenville before reaching Memphis, Tennessee. From there, it will then branch off onto the Ohio River, and the final five days are in Kentucky, where guests can visit Paducah, Henderson, Owensboro and Louisville. Bookings for the voyages have now opened.

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RINGING in the CHANGES

Jane Archer gets a feel for the new-look AmaWaterways on a celebratory cruise on the Rhine.

Let’s celebrate Crew members on the

contribute to the festive mood.

“I’m sure this is the right place but that doesn’t look like it,” my husband says, looking anxiously at the river ship ahead of us. I’ll be honest. Panic is setting in. We’ve dragged our suitcases all the way (the map said 20 minutes, but it’s been at least twice that) from Basel railway station to an unusual out-of-town dock to join our AmaWaterways river ship and I do not want to have to walk back.

And then the penny drops. We’re looking for AmaWaterways’ familiar blue-and-white colours but they are so last year. These days, its river ships sport a rust-like colour that Catherine Powell, who joined the company as CEO last year, calls ‘vivace’.

“It’s a crowded market out there so we needed to stand out,” she tells me. The new look, which she describes as a warm blush, certainly does that (as long as you remember what you are looking for).

We’re joining AmaViola for a seven-night Enchanting Rhine New Year’s cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Or at least that’s what we thought. More on that later. It’s a classic river cruise itinerary, taking us from Switzerland into France, Germany and the Netherlands, calling into Breisach, Strasbourg,

On the water Above: The AmaViola lobby exudes elegance. Below: Shore excursions in Strasbourg are a cruise highlight.

“THINGS MIGHT BE CHANGING BUT... PASSENGERS ARE GETTING MORE BANG FOR THEIR BUCK.”

Ludwigshafen, Rüdesheim and Düsseldorf en route.

Along the way we’ll sail through the Rhine Gorge, past numerous castles that once governed trade on the river, go wine tasting with the vintner who made them, and explore what must be the most fought over territory in the world, switching between France and Germany five times in the past 400 years.

“We still have a dialect that is a mixture of French and German that other French and Germans can’t understand,” laughs Francois, our guide on a walking tour of the medieval town of Colmar. I suspect that is apocryphal, but it’s a fun thought.

Colmar, reached from Breisach, is in France now, but its fairy-tale looks – think cobbled streets and full- and halftimbered houses – bear testimony to its German roots back in the days of the Holy Roman Empire. The French took it in 1648, the Germans grabbed it back in 1871 and it went back and forth between the two during the world wars. “My grandmother woke up one day to find she was German and no longer allowed to speak French,” he says.

Joining us on this journey are plenty of AmaWaterways’ stalwarts who have notched up five, six or more of the company’s river cruises but were feeling unsure about the new management, wondering what changes might be made to the brand they loved. “It usually means cost-cutting is on the way,” one American whispered to me during the pre-dinner Sip and

Expert tips

• Favourite meal: Crispy chicken poke bowl with roasted nuts, mango, couscous, carrot and pineapple cubes. Both tasty and healthy!

• What to pack: Life on board is very casual with no dress codes, so there’s no need to overpack. Some like to make an effort on gala evenings, but feel free to wear what you are comfortable in. For days ashore, pack for the season. Winter in Europe is cold, springs can be a bit rainy, summers get quite toasty.

• Secret tip: Everyone has the chance to eat in the Chef’s Table once per cruise but if there’s space, you might be able to sneak in another time.

Sail hour, a daily gathering open to all when a limited selection of beer, wine and cocktails are complimentary. They needn’t have worried (unless they really don’t like the vivace, as the new brand colour is everywhere). Things might be changing but rather than facing cuts, passengers are getting more bang for their buck.

/ A new era for AmaWaterways

An Italian lunch menu is now served in the Chef’s Table, a restaurant at the back of the ship that was previously only open in the evenings. There is also a new all-day dining menu in the lounge, which has been renamed The Lark, while the restaurant

Sail away From top: AmaViola on the move; Chef’s Table now has an Italian lunch menu; chefs at work on board.

becomes Journeys, giving both venues more of a personality. The new dining options were added after the winter season, so sadly we didn’t get to try them. On the other hand, it’s a perfect excuse to get on another cruise.

Launched in 2016, AmaViola is one of AmaWaterways’ older ships but don’t let that worry you. It has all the line’s signature features, including cabins with split all-weather balconies – one half outside, the other inside – and colourful furnishings that give the vessel a cheery vibe. There is also a pool on the top deck, which would be great in summer but was never going to get any takers on our winter cruise.

With temperatures not far off freezing some days, this is not

the cruise to skimp on jumpers, gloves and scarves, but as it is the festive season we can at least warm up with a glass or two of glühwein, German’s hot mulled wine, or vin chaud, the French, less spicy, version.

Strasbourg, another Franco-German hybrid, is a gorgeous city with a stunning cathedral (be there at 12.30pm to see the astronomical clock swing into action) and a predilection for choucroute – the French name for sauerkraut – if the number of times we saw it on menus is anything to go by.

“Strasbourg is where French finesse meets German e ciency, giving us the best of both worlds,” says Layla, our guide, as we drive into the city past monumental buildings and grand squares in the stately German quarter.

Ludwigshafen, our next stop, has the dubious honour of being voted Germany’s ugliest city so we were happy to hear we were switching to Mannheim. The latter is not going to win any beauty contests either, but at least it has a better claim to fame – namely, it is where Karl Benz built the world’s first car in 1886. If that doesn’t get your motor running, do like us and join an excursion into pretty Heidelberg instead.

/ Countdown to 2026

AmaWaterways includes a variety of tours in the cost of the cruise, which is handy because you can dip in and out of what you fancy without worrying about the budget. We like the guided walking tours as they are a useful way to get your bearings before exploring alone, but in Rüdesheim, I opted for a

Joyful journey

From top: Bike tours are a fun way to explore Europe; the library on AmaViola; vineyards rise above the Rhine at Rüdesheim.

tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. “Do I have to go?” the hubbie pleaded, but even he fell for the charms of Onkey, our guide, as she sang and bopped along to the big band and orchestral sounds coaxed out of the museum’s vast collection of restored mechanical musical instruments that would have graced homes and dance halls back in the day.

From Rüdesheim, we continued north, sailing through the Rhine Gorge and racing to reach our next stop, Düsseldorf, before the clock struck midnight on December 31. We just made it, and wow. As we sailed into the city, both banks of the river exploded in a frenzy of colour to welcome in 2026. A magical sight I know none of us will ever forget.

And so to Amsterdam. Or so we thought. It turned out we were actually going to Zaandam, about 18 kilometres away. It’s where most of AmaWaterways’ Rhine cruises now start and end, I was told. A case of jumping – and staking its claim elsewhere – before being pushed by the city, which is reducing river cruise berths due to overcrowding.

We joined a tour of Zaandam and were fascinated to discover the French impressionist painter, Claude Monet, lived here in 1871. He painted 25 pictures but left after four months because the locals didn’t like them.

Fast forward to today and fans can follow a trail of murals of his works on buildings around the town. It’s not quite up there with Amsterdam, I know, but the city is only 20 minutes away by train so adding a few hotel nights there before or after a cruise nets you the best of both worlds. CT

AU$1465.

AU$2240.

AMI patch

AU$400.

AU$3355.

Chic style

Trunk show

AMI

Ford AU$310.

AU$690.

AU$2040. AU$2425.