River Cruises: What’s New? Top 5 Picks!

What’s new for global river cruises? Want to know our picks for “Five Top River Cruise Developments” as 2025 gets under way? Well, here they are!

1. Celebrity To Launch River Cruises 

Wow! Celebrity Cruises, a premium ocean line, is moving into the river cruise spectrum. Earlier this week, Celebrity’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, announced that the new Celebrity River Cruises will launch in Europe in 2027.

What’s the motivation? It’s pretty simple. The company says half of its ocean cruise guests have either already sailed on a river cruise or intend to vacation on a river cruise. Consumer demand for river cruising is robust.

As a result, Royal Caribbean Group has now placed an initial order for 10 new river vessels. Look for Celebrity to bring the quality and sophistication of its oceangoing Edge-class ships to rivers across the globe.

Starting in 2027!

That said, the launch is two years out, and not many other details have been revealed. “Rest assured that we’ll keep you posted about more details as they’re released, though,” emphasizes Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.

Look for Celebrity River Cruises to begin taking reservations later this year for European river cruises. “At that point, we’ll assist travelers with securing the absolute best pricing, great service from start to finish, and also helpful air concierge service,” she says. So, stay tuned!

(Atop this page, a photo of a European river is combined with Celebrity’s X logo, as the new Celebrity River Cruises will launch in 2027. Photo/rendering by Celebrity Cruises.)

2. Uniworld Adds “Magicial Parisian Holiday”

For the 2025 holiday season, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has introduced a new seven-night “Magical Parisian Holiday” itinerary along France’s Seine River. It’s the latest addition to Uniworld’s popular Holiday Collection.

Sailing roundtrip from Paris aboard the 128-passenger Joie de Vivre, river cruisers will explore the French countryside during a magical time of the year. They’ll enjoy exclusive visits to festively decorated chateaus, stroll through French Christmas markets, and shop ’till they drop on curated shopping experiences. 

“The holidays are such a special time for families and loved ones to come together, and France is truly one of the most spectacular backdrops for a festive getaway,” stresses Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO, Uniworld.

River Cruises: Bonjour Paris!

The “Magical Parisian Holiday“ voyage begins in Paris. Guests will travel to nearby Versailles for a private tour — receiving exclusive entry to secret apartments typically closed to the public.

As the sailing gets under way, guests will visit storied cities throughout the French countryside. Among the many highlights are these activities:

• Walking tour of Rouen, home to Monet’s studio.
• Visit to the Normandy Cider Farm.
• Attendance at a private choral performance in the Gothic-styled Rouen Cathedral.
• Participation in a “Make Travel Matter” experience with a local family working to preserve a traditional broom weaving style.
• Private reception at Château de Bizy.
• Exclusive Uniworld-only event at Château le Vaux le Vicomte, the inspiration for Versailles.

“Of course, no holiday-themed itinerary is complete without visits to Europe’s iconic Christmas Markets,” notes Pavlus’ Steudle. Both within Paris and in the countryside, Uniworld’s guests visiting these markets can sip “vin chaud” (tasty French mulled wine) and browse the colorful Christmas decorations, regional produce and French specialties.”

Lovely Joie de Vivre

On board Joie de Vivre, river cruisers will discover a pampering enclave of luxury. For instance, this Super Ship offers a spa and wellness center, bar and entertainment venue, and Parisian-style “sidewalk cafe.

We’d suggest guests pre-book a time to learn how to prepare a seven-course meal under a chef’s guidance in the ship’s show kitchen. And throughout the river cruise, travelers can look forward to festive holiday decor, cuisine and drinks — creating an idyllic Christmas ambiance.

Starting in November, four different departures will set sail in 2025; more departures are also scheduled starting in November 2026. Fares include all meals, beverages and excursions (except Masterpiece Collection options.)

At press time, pricing started at $4,999 per person, double occupancy. But it’s a great value-saving move to contact your personal travel planner to learn more, secure a reservation at the absolute best price, and receive top-notch service  (with NO service charge).

3. River Cruises: Tauck’s Solo Deals! 

Hats off to Tauck as it celebrates its 100th year in business! This year, the experienced global tour and river cruise operator is also rolling out the carpet for solo travelers.

Bottom line? Look for special savings for solo explorers on its European river cruises and select land tours across the globe.

In fact, “for all 250 river cruise departures in 2025, Tauck is fully waiving the single supplement on all Category 1 riverboat cabins,” says Pavlus’ Steudle. “That’s a huge plus for solo travelers.”

Plus, the company recently reduced its single supplement by $1,000 on certain other cabin categories (typically Categories 4 and 5) on dozens of other departures and itineraries.

Prefer a land tour? It’s also good to know that Tauck has reduced the single supplement by up to $600 on 84 departures of 39 tours visiting five continents.

Top Seller Globally 

Did you know that Pavlus Travel has been the #1 seller of Tauck globally for 20 years? Yes, that’s a fact!

“Our skilled travel professionals can help you ensure that you’re getting everything possible in terms of promotions, amenities and service when booking a Tauck Vacation,” says Pavlus’ Steudle.

“All our Pavlus personal travel planners are Tauck-certified experts so they can answer questions based on knowledge and experience,” she also emphasizes. “Also, be sure to ask us about Pavlus’ exclusive airfare offers and discounts.”

4. Riviera’s New Gastronomy River Cruises 

According to Forbes.com, a top trend driving luxury travel in 2025 is cultural and culinary immersion. So, we’re not surprised when travel suppliers provide some new creative options on that front.

For example, Riviera Travel, the United Kingdom’s largest river cruise and tour operator, has recently introduced several new gastronomically focused itineraries. All we can say is “yum, yum.”

Here’s a sneak peek!

“Gastronomy of the Blue Danube“

This eight-day Riviera itinerary will provide many opportunities for travelers to savor the unique flavors of cuisine found along Europe’s most cultured river. Guests will take a “deep dive” into experiencing local gastronomic specialties in Hungary, Slovakia and Austria.

Offering 15 immersive land experiences, guests can meet the master bakers at Schonbrunn Palace. They can also sample fresh apple strudel, taste the wines of Austria’s Wachau Valley, explore the markets of Budapest, Hungary, and more.

“Starting at just $3,399 per person, this cruise departs on multiple dates between April 2026 and October 2026,” says Steudle.

“Pavlus Travel offers guests on all Riviera cruises several value-added perks including a complimentary alcohol beverage package, shipboard credit and other amenities,” she adds. “Why not give us a call at (800) 528-9300 to chat.”

“Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle“

Travelers sailing on this eight-day “Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle” itinerary will discover 11 “included experiences” that showcase German heritage and culture.

For example, foodies and wine enthusiasts can sip on crisp, refreshing wine in Bernkastel, Rudesheim and at the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum. Starting at $3,649 per person, this cruise departs on multiple dates between April 2026 and August 2026.

“Gastronomy of the Seine“

For breathtaking views of the Seine’s historic landscapes and Normandy’s culinary immersions, check out “Gastronomy of the Seine.” This is a new Riviera itinerary that includes 13 immersive experiences.

For instance, you might head out to taste macarons in the Latin Quarter of Paris, or on another day, visit Bizy Chateau to sample expertly paired wines and cheeses.

Or just relax onboard your Riviera river vessel and attend an onboard tarte tarin cooking demonstration?

Sound good? “Talk with your Pavlus personal travel planner today,” suggests Steudle. Starting at $2,799 per person, this cruise departs on multiple dates between April 2026 through October 2026.

5. AmaWaterways’ Wellness River Cruises

In late January 2025, AmaWaterways announced an elevated focus on wellness. We’re particularly excited about this upscale line’s new “Celebration of Wellness River Cruises.

“As an advocate for a healthy lifestyle, I am passionate about offering our guests a vacation that nurtures their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being’’ stresses Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ co-founder and executive vice president.

She continues: “We’ve been pioneers in the active river cruise sector for many years, and today more travelers are seeking experiences that promote health and wellness, even while on vacation.”

So, these specially designed wellness cruise itineraries will offer many excursions tailored for active travelers. Those include hiking, biking and guided runs. Those activities are included within the river cruise fare.

Wellness Enrichment and Classes

Onboard these designated “Celebration of Wellness River Cruises,” wellness enrichment talks will also provide insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Another perk is two dedicated wellness hosts will sail and offer personalized support to guests. 

For instance, they’ll lead at least six daily wellness classes — everything from core strengthening to Champagne yoga, from circuit training to dance and resistance band stretching.

Travelers will also discover a morning juice bar, and wellness-curated menus brimming with healthy, fresh cuisine. 

Initial “Celebration of Wellness” Options

So, when can you go? AmaWaterways says that its first “Celebration of Wellness River Cruises” will be offered on its “Melodies of the Danube” itinerary between Budapest, Hungary, and Vilshofen, Germany on August 2-9, 2025.

Another AmaWaterways wellness offering is its August 9-16, 2025, sailing of the seven-night “Paris & Normandy” itinerary. The voyage is roundtrip from Paris, France.

Guests sailing on the “Paris and Normandy” itinerary might head out for a hike along Normandy’s scenic coastal paths, take an invigorating bike ride to Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and enjoy long walks along the historic D-Day beaches.

For more information about “Celebration of Wellness River Cruises,” contact your personal travel planner. Fitness and wellness activities are just around the next river bend on an AmaWaterways’ vacation.

More River News

In addition, other luxurious river lines too have new options. For instance, Scenic‘s popular eight-day “Gems of the Danube” has been adjusted for 2025. This voyage will now sail between Regensburg, Germany, and Budapest.

As a result, guests will have more time to explore ashore in destinations along the route.

One top new highlight is a day in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. We’d suggest a walk through the city’s medieval old town, a lovely area that dates to the 9th century.

Another option is a tour that visits the historic Komuth Bakerai to enjoy coffee and cake with friendly “locals.” One top draw is that this bakery’s decor includes Renaissance-style paintings and frescos.

Forty-two departures of this revised “Gems of the Danube” itinerary are planned for 2025. At press time, all-inclusive fares started at $4,757 per person, double occupancy, but contact your personal travel planner for the latest on the pricing front.

Separately, check out these new options:

• Avalon Waterways is offering a slew of value-added perks for its cruises, if booked by February 28, 2025.
• Viking River Cruises just launched two new Nile River vessels.
• American Cruise Lines’ (ACL) has added a new, 12-Day “Mississippi Explorer Cruise” between Memphis, TN, and New Orleans, LA.

“To discuss the range of river cruise options, secure the ultimate in value and service, contact us for all the details, says Pavlus‘ Steudle. “We’ll discuss all the accommodations choices, get you the best deal, and do that with absolutely no service fee!”

Important Information from Pavlus Travel