The landscape of river cruising has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a niche European holiday to a global phenomenon offering unparalleled choice for Australian travellers. What was once dominated by classic routes between Amsterdam and Budapest has expanded to include exotic destinations across Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The New World of River Cruising
European river cruising remains the cornerstone of the industry, with over 400 river cruise ships now operating across the continent's waterways. This year alone has seen approximately 20 new vessels join European fleets, including four new Viking ships launched in October for the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. The demand has become so significant that companies like Tauck are releasing their 2027 itineraries earlier than ever in company history, driven by exceptional booking pressure.
The traditional European routes still form the backbone of river cruising, with the Amsterdam to Budapest journey remaining the "original and best" according to experts. This 14-15 day voyage along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers passes vineyards, castles and historic cities including Cologne, Nuremberg, Passau and Vienna. Prices typically range from $6000 to $11,000 per person, though this varies significantly based on inclusions and deals.
Beyond Europe: Global River Cruising Expands
River cruising has exploded beyond European borders, with several destinations now considered mainstream options. The Mekong River in South-East Asia has transitioned from an "outsider" option to a popular choice, with companies like APT offering 11-day itineraries between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City from $6795 per person. Viking recently launched its second Mekong vessel, Viking Tonle, in October 2025.
Egypt has emerged as a major river cruising destination thanks to purpose-built ships and growing demand. Viking Cruises' Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary (12 days from $10,595) takes travellers to key Egyptian sites including Luxor, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings. Similarly, India's Ganges River has become accessible through operators like Uniworld, with 13-day combinations including Delhi, Agra and Jaipur starting from $11,599.
Newer destinations continue to emerge, with AMA Waterways launching its second ship on Colombia's Magdalena River and Viking operating purpose-built vessels on the Mississippi Delta in the United States.
Choosing Your Perfect River Cruise
With increased choice comes more complex decisions. Experts recommend considering three key factors: the region you want to visit, the number of days available, and your budget. The level of inclusions varies significantly between operators, from basic accommodation to all-inclusive packages covering tours, drinks and gratuities.
Australian travellers should pay particular attention to inclusion details. Companies like Emerald Cruises include "all gratuities on board and onshore," removing the tipping question that many Australian travellers find confusing. Similarly, look for phrases like "signature experiences," "exclusive experiences" and "locally inspired dining" as indicators of comprehensive packages.
Ship sizes vary considerably, from Viking's Longships carrying up to 190 passengers to Uniworld's more intimate SS Joie de Vivre in France accommodating just 128 guests. New models like Transcend Cruises offer full ship charters for travel companies, featuring identical staterooms and customisable experiences.
For first-time river cruisers, the Amsterdam to Budapest route remains the top recommendation, with operators like Viking, APT, Scenic, Emerald and Avalon providing reliable options. The best months for European river cruising are from May to October, and with current demand, early booking is strongly advised.
