River cruise lines map out fleet growth as European demand rises
Major operators are planning dozens of new vessels, while an industry study points to infrastructure constraints on inland waterways.
Trade group IG RiverCruise reported that Europe’s river cruise market comprised 386 ships and carried 1.49 million passengers in 2025. Germany and the United States were the largest passenger source markets. Travel agency owner Joe Freeman cited forecasts for 12 percent growth and said demand for river cruising was increasing each year.
Several operators are expanding or entering the sector. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions began its first river cruises in August aboard a chartered ship and plans to add a second vessel in 2027. Celebrity Cruises has ordered four ships for a 2027 river debut and says it intends to develop a 20-ship fleet.
Viking expects to receive 24 additional river ships by 2028 and holds options for 16 more through 2032. AmaWaterways plans to add 15 vessels in Europe while expanding its worldwide fleet beyond 50 ships by 2032. TUI also plans four additions by 2028, bringing its fleet to 10.
Operators have also tested ways to broaden the market. Riviera Travel eliminated its solo-traveler fare supplement. Uniworld introduced U by Uniworld in 2016 and 2017 for travelers in their 20s and 30s, but later wound down the offering after it failed to establish a niche.
Expansion could face infrastructure limitations. A 2025 German Travel Association study called for modernization of inland waterways and identified challenges involving locks, other hydraulic structures, shore-power availability and insufficient berthing capacity.