River cruise lines had a strong showing in 2023 as more travelers returned to Europe, Egypt and other international destinations.

There were a number of new river cruise developments throughout the year, including continued expansion in Egypt and destinations farther afield, lines making more investments in sustainability initiatives, and Eastern Europe river cruises rebounding following the start of the war in Ukraine.

In 2024, we can look forward to more expansion from river cruise suppliers, including new destinations, itineraries, and ships.

• Some of the most exciting developments include:
  • AmaWaterways launching its first river cruise itineraries in South America on Colombia’s Magdalena River.
  • Avalon Waterways entering the popular Portugal river cruise market with a new ship and itinerary on the Douro River.
  • Top-Rated Viking River Cruises is expanding its fleet of ships on the Nile with the addition of Viking Hathor.
  • AmaWaterways is also putting ia new ship on the Nile River, the AmaLilia.
  • European Waterways introducing a new luxury canal barge in France’s Champagne region.