From Vineyards to Castles: How Riviera Travel’s New Ships Will Transform River Cruising on the Rhine, Danube, and Moselle

Published on November 27, 2025

River cruising in Europe is about to get even more exciting. Riviera Travel has confirmed the construction of two additional European river cruise ships, scheduled to launch in 2027 and 2028. These new vessels will expand the company’s fleet to 16 ships, giving travellers more flexibility, more routes, and more opportunities to explore Europe in slow-travel style.

For global tourists, this expansion signals a rising demand for scenic, cultural, and relaxed travel across Europe’s historic waterways. The new ships are expected to follow the footsteps of Riviera Radiance and Riviera Resplendence, both part of the line’s modern “Radiance class,” known for updated cabin design, comfortable layouts and an emphasis on guest experience.

Company leadership noted that the next generation of vessels will allow them to rethink everything from interior layouts to onboard programs. The aim is to offer an even more enjoyable journey for travellers who want easy access to Europe’s great rivers without the rush of land-based touring.

Where These New Ships Will Sail

The new European river cruise ships are expected to operate on some of the continent’s most beloved waterways:

The Rhine

Flowing through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, the Rhine is a favourite among travellers who love castles, vineyard landscapes, and historic villages. Its riverbanks offer UNESCO-listed regions, medieval towns and dramatic scenery.

The Danube

The Danube connects major cultural capitals—including Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. Travellers enjoy a blend of music, architecture and history, making it one of Europe’s most multicultural river routes.

The Moselle

The Moselle, known for its winding bends and hillside vineyards, offers quieter landscapes ideal for slow, peaceful travel. Its towns are perfect for travellers who enjoy wine, small-town charm and scenic walking routes.

The arrival of new ships often introduces improved itineraries, fresh overnight stops, and enhanced excursion programs—giving travellers more immersive options.

Why This Matters for Global Travellers

More Availability and More Choices

By 2028, with 16 ships sailing, travellers will find more departure dates, shorter and longer voyages, and more opportunities to sail during peak seasons and shoulder seasons. This flexibility is helpful for tourists planning around school holidays, work schedules or long-haul travel.

Travel in Comfort

Modern river cruise ships typically include enhanced eco-friendly technologies, upgraded guest cabins and larger social spaces. It is likely that Riviera Travel will incorporate these improvements to meet modern travel expectations. Travellers can expect quieter sailing, better air-quality systems, and contemporary interior design.

Smooth, Stress-Free Travel

For first-time visitors to Europe, river cruising offers a gentle introduction. Travellers unpack once, enjoy comfortable transfers between cities, and explore historic places without the exhaustion of constant hotel changes. It is an ideal alternative for people who want a relaxed pace while still visiting multiple countries.

A Sustainable Way to Explore

Government tourism boards across Europe encourage low-impact travel methods. River cruising supports this goal by offering energy-efficient travel while reducing road traffic in historic city centres. Many ships also support local economies through guided tours, cultural activities and small-group visits to local businesses.

A Traveller’s Guide: Tips for Planning a Future River Cruise

Although the new ships will not be available until 2027 and 2028, here are helpful planning tips for travellers considering a river cruise:

Book Early

New ships attract high interest. Travellers who plan early can choose the best cabins and secure their preferred dates.

Match the River to Your Travel Style

• Choose the Rhine if you love castles, medieval villages, and dramatic landscapes.
• Choose the Danube if you want to explore European capitals, music history and world-class museums.
• Choose the Moselle if you prefer quiet river towns, vineyards, and photography-friendly scenery.

Pack Light

River cruises often involve excursions on foot. Comfortable shoes, weather-ready layers and a light day bag make sightseeing easier.

Learn Local Customs

Many countries along the rivers promote respectful tourism. Simple actions like learning a few local phrases or following local etiquette help create positive travel experiences.

Looking Ahead: A Fresh Reason to Cruise Europe

The addition of new European river cruise ships shows that river travel is becoming one of the world’s most appealing ways to explore Europe. With thoughtful design, improved itineraries and increased availability, global travellers will soon have more opportunities than ever to discover Europe’s rivers at a comfortable, relaxing pace.

For those who dream of drifting past vineyards, exploring historic river cities or waking up each day to new scenery, the next few years will bring exciting possibilities on Europe’s waterways.