20 New River Cruise Ships for 2025
This is the perfect time for planning next year’s river cruise, and for checking out the new kids on the block. It’s going to be a bumper year for river cruising with a host of new luxurious vessels to debut. Here are the details for upcoming river cruise ships launching in 2025:
APT Solara (APT Cruising)
APT is set to launch APT Solara, a luxury river cruise ship designed to navigate Europe’s iconic rivers, providing guests with unparalleled comfort and experiences.
Cruise Line: APT
Dimensions: Length: 135 metres; Passenger Capacity: 164
Shipbuilder: Hecker Guthrie, Australia
Launch Date: March 2025
Maiden Voyage: TBA
Key Features:
Boutique Design: Elegant interiors with spacious suites.
Onboard Wine Cellar: Extensive selection of fine wines.
Multiple Dining Venues: Offering diverse culinary experiences.
Wellness Facilities: Spa, fitness center, and yoga classes.
Sun Deck: With a swimming pool and relaxation areas.
S.S. Elisabeth (Uniworld)
Uniworld’s S.S. Elisabeth. Image: Uniworld
Whilst not exactly “ new” (the vessel was built in 2017 and has sailed under the names Transcend Advance, Riverside Mahler, Crystal Mahler), Uniworld Boutique River Cruises introduces the luxurious S.S. Elisabeth (originally built for Crystal). A stunning ship, SS Elisabeth will bring Uniworld’s signature all-inclusive experience to Portugal’s Douro River in 2025. This vessel will combine elegance with innovative design, providing a fresh perspective on one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways.
Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Dimensions: Approx. 80 metres; Passenger Capacity: 100
Shipbuilder: Douro Azul Shipyard, Portugal
Launch Date: March 2025 (Under Uniworld)
Maiden Voyage: 23 March 2023, Douro River itineraries, Portugal
Key Features:
Boutique Design: Art-deco interiors with custom finishes reflecting Portuguese culture.
All-Inclusive Luxury: Premium dining, unlimited beverages, and curated excursions included.
Spacious Suites: Many with French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Sustainability Features: Equipped with advanced energy-efficient technologies.
Onboard Wellness: Fitness centre, yoga classes, and spa services.
Riviera Rose (Riviera Travel)
Riviera Travel is introducing Riviera Rose, a boutique river cruise ship set to sail Portugal’s Douro River, offering intimate and luxurious experiences.
Cruise Line: Riviera Travel
Dimensions: Length: 80 metres; Passenger Capacity: 114
Shipbuilder: Scylla
Launch Date: April 2025
Maiden Voyage: April 1, 2025; Round-trip from Porto, Portugal
Key Features:
Top-Deck Pool: Outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views.
Spacious Cabins: French or outdoor balconies with tea and coffee-making facilities.
Intimate Atmosphere: Accommodating 114 guests for personalized service.
Gourmet Dining: Restaurant offering regional specialties.
Sun Deck: Ample space for relaxation and sightseeing.
AmaMagdalena (AmaWaterways)
Render of AmaMagdalena. Image: AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways is entering uncharted waters with the launch of two groundbreaking ships designed specifically to explore the scenic and culturally rich Magdalena River in Colombia. The first of these to enter service will be AmaMagdalena. These boutique vessels will offer a new way to experience Colombia’s vibrant history, nature, and traditions in intimate luxury.
Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Dimensions: Approx. 75 metres; Passenger Capacity: 60
Shipbuilder: Stralsund Shipyard, Germany
Launch Date: April 2025
Maiden Voyage: 5 April 2025, Magdalena River itineraries, Colombia
Key Features:
Boutique River Cruising: Intimate ships with just 30 staterooms, all with balconies.
Colombian Cultural Immersion: Local cuisine, performances, and expert-led excursions.
Eco-Friendly Design: Incorporates advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Outdoor Spaces: Open-air lounges and panoramic observation areas for scenic views.
Luxury Amenities: Personalised service, fine dining, and a wellness program onboard.
AmaSintra (AmaWaterways)
AmaWaterways is expanding its presence on Portugal’s Douro River with the launch of the AmaSintra, offering guests an intimate and luxurious cruising experience through the heart of Portugal’s wine country.
Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Dimensions: Length: 80 metres; Passenger Capacity: 102
Shipbuilder: WestSEA Shipyard, Portugal
Launch Date: April 2025
Maiden Voyage: 9 May 2025; specific itinerary details to be announced
Key Features:
Spacious Staterooms: Elegantly appointed with panoramic views.
Multiple Dining Venues: Including a main restaurant and an al fresco dining option.
Sun Deck Pool: Featuring a heated swimming pool with a swim-up bar.
Wellness Programme: Offering a fitness room, massage services, and wellness activities.
Exclusive Excursions: Curated shore experiences tailored for guests.
AmaMelodia (AmaWaterways)
The second of AmaWaterways groundbreaking ships designed specifically to explore the scenic and culturally rich Magdalena River in Colombia. These boutique vessels will offer a new way to experience Colombia’s vibrant history, nature, and traditions in intimate luxury.
Cruise Line: AmaWaterways
Dimensions: Approx. 75 metres; Passenger Capacity: 60
Shipbuilder: Stralsund Shipyard, Germany
Launch Date: June 2025
Maiden Voyage: 4 June 2025, Magdalena River itineraries, Colombia
Key Features:
Boutique River Cruising: Intimate ships with just 30 staterooms, all with balconies.
Colombian Cultural Immersion: Local cuisine, performances, and expert-led excursions.
Eco-Friendly Design: Incorporates advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact.
Outdoor Spaces: Open-air lounges and panoramic observation areas for scenic views.
Luxury Amenities: Personalised service, fine dining, and a wellness program onboard.
APT Ostara (APT Cruising)
Joining APT’s fleet, the APT Ostara is a sister ship to Solara, offering luxury river cruising experiences across Europe’s renowned waterways.
Cruise Line: APT
Dimensions: Length: 135 metres; Passenger Capacity: 164
Shipbuilder: Hecker Guthrie, Melbourne
Launch Date: June 2025
Maiden Voyage: Details to be announced
Key Features:
Luxurious Suites: Spacious accommodations with private balconies.
Gastronomic Excellence: Multiple dining options featuring local and international cuisine.
Wellness Spa: Comprehensive wellness facilities including a spa and fitness centre.
Sun Deck Pool: Outdoor pool with panoramic views.
Exclusive Excursions: Curated shore experiences tailored for guests.
Pure Amazon (Abercrombie & Kent)
Render of Pure Amazon
Abercrombie & Kent are introducing new ship Pure Amazon, offering an exclusive way to explore the Amazon River in Peru. This small, eco-conscious vessel is tailored for immersive adventure and luxury in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Carrying just 22 guests, this truly is an exclusive experience. Pure Amazon will have 10 suites and two solo cabins
Cruise Line: Abercrombie & Kent
Dimensions: Approx. 50 metres; Passenger Capacity: 40 (carries just 22 guests)
Shipbuilder: Shipyard in Iquitos, Peru
Launch Date: Summer 2025
Maiden Voyage: Amazon River itineraries, Peru
Key Features:
Eco-Luxury Design: Crafted for minimal environmental impact while offering high-end comfort.
Local Immersion: Daily excursions led by naturalists and cultural experts.
Luxury Accommodations: 12 Spacious suites with panoramic windows for Amazon views.
Fine Dining: Featuring regional cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
Expedition Equipment: Kayaks, skiffs, and hiking gear for active exploration.
Riviera Radiance (Riviera Travel)
Riviera Travel is set to introduce Riviera Radiance, a luxurious river cruise ship designed to navigate Europe’s iconic waterways, offering guests an intimate and elegant cruising experience.
Cruise Line: Riviera Travel
Dimensions: Length: 135 metres; Beam: 11.4 metres
Shipbuilder: Scylla
Launch Date: March 2025
Maiden Voyage: March 2025; specific itinerary details to be announced
Key Features:
Spacious Suites: Featuring the line’s largest suites at 32 square metres, including separate lounges and balconies.
Multiple Dining Options: Three distinct dining venues offering a variety of culinary experiences.
Sun Deck with Pool: A heated swimming pool and ample lounging areas for relaxation.
Fitness Facilities: Onboard fitness room equipped with modern amenities.
Guest Capacity: Accommodating 178 guests for a personalised cruising experience.
MV Aretis (Cruise Croatia)
MV Aretis is an upcoming luxury small cruise ship set to join Cruise Croatia’s fleet in early spring 2025. Designed to provide an intimate and elegant cruising experience along the stunning Dalmatian coast, the vessel will offer unparalleled access to Croatia’s picturesque islands and coastal towns.
Cruise Line: Cruise Croatia
Dimensions: Length: 48.4 metres, Width: 8.6 metres (28 feet), Passenger Capacity: 36 guests
Shipbuilder: Radež Shipyard, Korčula, Croatia
Launch Date: Spring 2025
Maiden Voyage: Scheduled for 7 June 2025
Key Features:
Spacious En-Suite Cabins: Eighteen cabins, each up to 14.9 square metres, offering modern amenities and comfort.
Upper Deck Restaurant and Bar: Providing panoramic views and a delightful dining experience featuring local and international cuisine.
Expansive Sundeck: Equipped with sun loungers, a covered outdoor lounge area, and a Jacuzzi for relaxation.
Water Sports Equipment: Including stand-up paddleboards, a sea kayak, snorkelling gear, and inflatable water toys for guest enjoyment during swim stops.
Complimentary Amenities: Offering free Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, and filtered water throughout the voyage.
American Patriot (American Cruise Line)
American Patriot
American Cruise Lines is introducing the American Patriot, a modern riverboat designed to offer luxurious cruises along the U.S. East Coast, providing guests with spacious accommodations and contemporary amenities.
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Dimensions: Length 74 m; 3000 gt, Passenger Capacity: 125
Shipbuilder: Chesapeake Shipbuilding
Launch Date: June 2025
Maiden Voyage: June 2025; specific itinerary details to be announced
Key Features:
Spacious Staterooms: With private balconies.
Multiple Lounges: Offering panoramic views.
Open Seating Dining: Featuring regionally inspired cuisine.
Fitness Centre: Equipped with modern equipment.
Elevator Access: To all decks for guest convenience.
Amadeus Amara (Amadeus River Cruises)
Amadeus River Cruises is set to launch Amadeus Amara, a premium river cruise ship designed to offer luxurious experiences along Europe’s renowned waterways.
Cruise Line: Amadeus River Cruises
Dimensions: Length: 135 metres; Passenger Capacity: 164
Shipbuilder: TeamCo Shipyard BV (Heusden, Holland)
Launch Date: July 2025
Maiden Voyage: 30 August 2025; specific itinerary details to be announced
Key Features:
Luxurious Suites: Spacious accommodations with panoramic windows.
Gourmet Dining: Offering regional and international cuisine.
Sun Deck: With a lounge area and shuffleboard.
Wellness Area: Including a fitness room and massage services.
Bicycles: Available for guests to explore ports of call.
Viking Amun (Viking River Cruises)
Viking Amun
Viking River Cruises is introducing Viking Amun, a state-of-the-art river cruise ship purpose-built to navigate the Nile River, offering guests an immersive experience into Egypt’s rich history and culture.
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Dimensions: Length: 72 metres; Passenger Capacity: 82
Shipbuilder: Maasara Shipyard, Cairo, Egypt
Launch Date: August 2025
Maiden Voyage: 4 September 2025; sailing from Luxor to Aswan
Key Features:
All-Veranda Staterooms: Providing panoramic views of the Nile.
Onboard Pool: Featuring a sun deck pool for relaxation.
Cultural Enrichment Programmes: Including lectures and performances.
Regional Cuisine: Offering authentic Egyptian dishes.
Excursion Packages: Guided tours to historic sites along the Nile.
Viking Tonle (Viking River Cruises)
Viking Tonle
Another Viking River Cruises newbie is Viking Tonle, a state-of-the-art river cruise ship purpose-built to navigate the Mekong River, offering guests an immersive experience into Southeast Asia’s rich history and culture.
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Dimensions: Length: 75 metres; Passenger Capacity: 80
Shipbuilder: Hai Minh Shipyard / Saigon Shipyards Co Ltd
Launch Date: September 2025
Maiden Voyage: September 2025; sailing from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh
Key Features:
Spacious Staterooms: With floor-to-ceiling windows.
Infinity Pool: Located on the sun deck.
Cultural Enrichment Programmes: Including lectures and performances.
Regional Cuisine: Offering authentic Southeast Asian dishes.
Excursion Packages: Guided tours to historic sites along the Mekong.
Kochi Pandaw (Pandaw Cruises)
Pandaw Cruises is set to launch Kochi Pandaw, a boutique river cruise vessel designed to explore the serene backwaters of Kerala, India, providing guests with an intimate and culturally rich experience.
Cruise Line: Pandaw Cruises
Dimensions: Length: 131 metres, Tonnage: 440 tonsCapacity: 28 people
Shipbuilder: Not publicly disclosed
Launch Date: October 2025
Maiden Voyage: October 2025; itineraries exploring Kerala’s backwaters
Key Features:
Classic Pandaw Design: Featuring wraparound promenade decks.
Intimate Cabin Layout: Four cabins on the upper deck and six on the main deck.
Open-Air Dining: Offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
Shallow Draft: Allowing navigation through narrow waterways.
Cultural Excursions: Guided visits to local villages and landmarks.
Viking Thoth (Viking River Cruises)
Viking Thoth
Viking River Cruises is expanding its Nile River fleet further with Viking Thoth, offering guests an elegant and culturally immersive experience through Egypt’s ancient landscapes.
Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises
Dimensions: Length: 72 metres; Passenger Capacity: 82
Shipbuilder: Maasara Shipyard, Cairo, Egypt
Launch Date: October 2025
Maiden Voyage: October 2025; sailing from Luxor to Aswan
Key Features:
All-Veranda Staterooms: Providing panoramic views of the Nile.
Onboard Pool: Featuring a sun deck pool for relaxation.
Cultural Enrichment Programmes: Including lectures and performances.
Regional Cuisine: Offering authentic Egyptian dishes.
Excursion Packages: Guided tours to historic sites
American Pioneer (American Cruise Line)
American Cruise Lines is set to launch the American Pioneer, a sister ship to the American Patriot, offering modern river cruising experiences along the U.S. East Coast with enhanced amenities and comfort.
Cruise Line: American Cruise Lines
Dimensions: Length 74 m; 3000 gt, Passenger Capacity: 125
Shipbuilder: Chesapeake Shipbuilding
Launch Date: November 2025
Maiden Voyage: November 2025; specific itinerary details to be announced
Key Features:
Luxurious Grand Suites: Offering premium accommodations.
Bow Terrace: For unobstructed views.
Multiple Lounges: Providing varied relaxation spaces.
Fitness Centre: With state-of-the-art equipment.
Elevator Access: To all decks for guest convenience.
Spirit of the Moselle (Saga Cruises)
Spirit of the Moselle
Saga Cruises is introducing the Spirit of the Moselle, a river cruise ship meticulously designed for exploring the picturesque Moselle River, offering guests an intimate and culturally enriching experience.
Cruise Line: Saga Cruises
Dimensions: Length: Not publicly disclosed; Passenger Capacity: 182
Shipbuilder: Vahali Shipyards Zasavica (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia)
Launch Date: July 2025
Maiden Voyage: July 2025; itineraries focusing on the Moselle River
Key Features:
Panoramic Lounge and Bar: Providing expansive views of the river.
Small Library: Offering a curated selection of books for leisurely reading.
Fitness Area: Equipped with modern exercise equipment.
Shaded Sun Deck: Perfect for relaxation and sightseeing.
All Cabins with River Views: Ensuring every guest enjoys scenic vistas.
Douglas Mawson (Aurora Expeditions)
Aurora Expeditions is set to launch the Douglas Mawson, an advanced expedition vessel named after the renowned Antarctic explorer, designed to provide unparalleled access to polar regions with a focus on safety and passenger comfort.
Cruise Line: Aurora Expeditions
Dimensions: Length: Not publicly disclosed; Passenger Capacity: 198; Crew: 102
Shipbuilder: Ulstein Verft (Norway)
Launch Date: 2025
Maiden Voyage: 2025; polar expedition itinerary to be announced
Key Features:
X-Bow Design: Enhancing stability and fuel efficiency in rough seas.
Ice Class 1A Certification: Enabling navigation in polar waters.
High Comfort Class: Ensuring passenger well-being during voyages.
Safe Return to Port Certification: Meeting stringent safety standards.
Fleet of Zodiacs: Facilitating frequent shore excursions and landings.
TUI Bahareya (TUI River Cruises)
TUI River Cruises is introducing the TUI Bahareya, a river cruise ship refurbished to offer modern amenities and comfortable accommodations for explorations along the Nile River.
Cruise Line: TUI River Cruises
Dimensions: Length: 100 metres, 1,600 GT, Passenger Capacity: 136, Cabins: 68
Shipbuilder: Maasara Shipyard (Cairo, Egypt)
Launch Date: Originally built in 2003; refurbished in 2025
Maiden Voyage: 2025; itineraries along the Nile River
Key Features:
All Outside Cabins: Each with river views and French balconies.
Superior Cabins: Measuring 19m², offering modern amenities.
Five Decks: Providing ample space for relaxation and activities.
Refurbished Interiors: Featuring contemporary design and comfort.
Diverse Dining Options: Serving a variety of local and international cuisines.
These vessels represent the latest advancements in river and expedition cruising, offering passengers unique experiences tailored to their respective regions.