The River Cruise Ships and Itineraries We’re Most Thrilled About This Year

The start of a new year brings the opportunity to set fresh objectives, and for river cruise lines, this means placing a greater emphasis on creating more eco-friendly vessels and offerings for the coming year.

River cruise operators are becoming part of a growing industry initiative to lower carbon emissions through the adoption of new sustainable practices. As the demand for environmentally-friendly travel rises, companies are striving to keep up.

From vessels featuring cleaner, more energy-efficient engines to new plant-based menus and voyages that highlight areas rich in biodiversity, here are five innovative river cruise ships, routes, and initiatives prioritizing sustainability in 2024.

“Amadeus Nova,” a benchmark for more sustainable river cruising in Europe

In April, the Illinois-based river cruise line with Austrian heritage, Amadeus River Cruises, will unveil the new Amadeus Nova, featuring innovative energy-efficient technologies designed to reduce the line’s carbon footprint on Europe’s inland waterways. This 158-passenger ship will include a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, a robust battery, and enhanced engines equipped with filters and catalysts to minimize emissions and eliminate pollutants. Solar panels will power the onboard electricity, while heat recovery systems and insulated glass will improve energy efficiency. These advancements will also contribute to a quieter sailing experience, with less vibration felt due to an upgraded propeller system.

Alongside its eco-friendly features, Amadeus Nova will offer the line’s signature onboard amenities, including a spa and fitness center, a heated pool on the sun deck, and the renowned Café Vienna, a coffeehouse inspired by Vienna, serving a variety of hot drinks and pastries.

Starting in April, the Amadeus Nova will cruise the Danube River, featuring five itineraries that span 8 to 11 days, with prices beginning at $1,926 per person. The journeys will highlight stops in the Wachau Valley, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest.

Antara introduces catamarans in India’s Bhitarkanika National Park

What could be a better way to unveil a new river cruise destination in one of India’s most ecologically diverse national parks than with an exclusive fleet of intimate ships, carefully crafted to minimize their impact on the environment?

Introducing the new catamarans from Antara River Cruises, a duo of pioneering vessels for the luxury Indian river cruise company, marking a significant shift from their usual larger 56-passenger river boats operating on the Ganges River, often between Varanasi and Kolkata. Antara’s catamarans boast a sleek design and compact size, featuring just two identical suites that can host up to four guests; each suite includes queen beds and private bathrooms, along with a lounge, dining area, and sun deck.

Like the rest of Antara’s fleet, the catamarans emphasize sustainability. They are custom-designed to operate on a hybrid system combining solar electric and fuel power and come equipped with biochemical toilets and onboard water purifiers. The vessels navigate deep into the intricate network of the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Mahanadi rivers within the Bhitarkanika National Park in eastern India, which is home to saltwater crocodiles, over 320 bird species, and the largest mangrove system in India.

There are two itineraries offered on the two vessels: the three-night “Cruising in Bhitarkanika” adventure and the four-night “Amazon of the East” journey, both of which operate roundtrip from Gupti in Odisha. Departures commenced this month, with prices starting at $1,080 per person for either itinerary.

AmaWaterway’s “AmaMagdalena” delves into the biodiversity of Colombia’s Magdalena River

Luxury cruisers will soon have the opportunity to navigate a new river as AmaWaterways introduces its first of two vessels on Colombia’s Magdalena River. The 60-passenger AmaMagdalena, set to launch in November 2024, will offer travelers an immersive experience into the diverse cultures, populations, and musical traditions along this historic waterway that facilitated trade and communication between the Andes and the Caribbean. Presently, the river basin supports nearly 80 percent of Colombia’s population, comprising a rich mix of Indigenous, European, and African heritage.

Colombia boasts incredible biodiversity, with over 1,900 bird species and 150 mammal types. AmaWaterways is committed to sustainability in its ship design, aiming to minimize environmental impact. The AmaMagdalena will feature 30 staterooms, each equipped with balconies, alongside a main dining venue, fitness center, three spa treatment rooms, and a sun deck complete with a whirlpool. AmaWaterways will be the first significant river cruise line to operate in Colombia, but it likely won’t be the only one for long. Abercrombie & Kent, having acquired the luxury Crystal Cruises brand, is also planning to introduce one or two ships to the river.

An eight-day voyage from Baranquilla to Cartagena will include stops in Palenque, Colombia’s first free town, bird-watching in Magangue, and a visit to Nueva Venecia, a stilt-house village, with prices starting at $3,599 per person.

“Avalon Alegria” introduces more eco-friendly sailing options in Portugal’s Douro River Valley.

In April 2024, river cruise line Avalon Waterways will set sail for the first time in Portugal’s Douro River Valley, introducing a new ship along with two unique itineraries. The Avalon Alegria will accommodate 102 guests in 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, all featuring beds that face the expansive windows and doors, offering stunning views of the rolling hills and vineyards.

Guests aboard the Alegria can expect the signature features of Avalon’s Suite Ships, showcasing a blend of relaxed luxury and sustainable practices. These ships incorporate advanced technology to minimize energy use and emissions, while maintaining a paper-free environment, utilizing the AvalonGo app for digital communication related to shore excursions, cruise updates, and menu selections. The line is committed to using locally sourced ingredients to further decrease its carbon footprint and support local agricultural communities during their voyages.

Itineraries offered on the Avalon Alegria feature the 8-day “Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro”, which embarks on a roundtrip journey from Porto, exploring sites such as the birthplace of Mateus Rosé in Amarante and the artisanal markets in Pinhão. An extended 11-day version of this itinerary includes a three-night stay in Lisbon before beginning the 7-night cruise from Porto.

Prices for the 8-day “Vida Portugal” itinerary start at $3,299, whereas the 11-day version begins at $4,248.

AmaWaterways Offers Vegan-Friendly Choices

The river cruise line AmaWaterways, renowned for its luxury vessels and exceptional service, is set to expand its vegan offerings across all ships in 2024, introducing a broader selection of plant-based menu items in response to growing demand.

New highlights in the plant-based menu start with appetizers like oven-roasted eggplant bruschetta with herbs or garlic chickpeas bruschetta drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Main courses include a hearty slow-braised vegetable stew featuring portobello mushrooms, carrots, and cauliflower, or grilled cauliflower and sweet potato served with lemon salsa verde, cherry tomatoes, beans, and broccoli. To conclude the meal, a nut-crusted pumpkin mousse infused with dates offers a delightful and sweet finish to this sustainable culinary experience.

This story was contributed by Jeri Clausing.