This Year, New River Cruises Are Launching in Europe, Egypt, and the U.S.

There are cruises, and then there are river cruises—intimate sailings along serene waterways that meander from one city to another, letting travelers soak in the scenery as the banks glide by. If this style of travel has been on your mind, 2023 is the perfect time to explore where a river cruise could take you.

With fresh itineraries, destinations, and ships debuting this year, travelers will have even more opportunities to unwind and enjoy a deeper vacation experience sailing along rivers from the iconic (like the Danube and Nile) to the lesser-known (ever heard of the San Joaquin River?).

From hidden gems to traditional routes enriched with culture, here are some new river cruises launching this year that you might want to book for your next getaway.

Introducing New Cruises on Egypt's Historic Nile River

Egypt is welcoming a new wave of river cruises along the history-laden Nile River. Viking, for example, is expanding its Nile fleet with the introduction of the Viking Aton this August. This 82-passenger vessel will complement its sister ship, Viking Osiris, on the company’s 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. Guests will explore iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Pyramids of Giza and historic Cairo, with options to extend their journey before or after their cruise to delve deeper into nearby attractions. Pre-cruise tours of Jerusalem and post-cruise excursions to Jordan, including visits to Petra, the Dead Sea, and Amman, are available. Prices start at $6,499 per person, with extension packages beginning at $2,199.

The newest player in the Egyptian river cruise scene is the Luxor-based Historia Boutique Hotel Nile Cruises, specializing in routes between Luxor and Aswan. They currently offer four itineraries with three to seven-night sailings on the 36-cabin Historia, a luxury cruise ship designed to evoke a boutique hotel ambiance, complete with a gym, spa, sun deck, and pool. Each voyage includes visits to the Valley of the Kings and several temples, including Luxor and Karnak. Cruises depart on Mondays and Fridays, allowing guests to choose between a full week or a weekend escape. Rates range from $374 per night for a twin-bed cabin to $1,414 per night for a royal suite.

The pinnacle of luxury returns to Europe’s rivers

In the realm of new arrivals, a brand new river cruise company is set to make waves in Europe this year. Riverside Luxury Cruises will launch its first voyages along the Danube River in April aboard the Riverside Mozart. This ship was formerly the Crystal Mozart from the now-closed Crystal Cruises, which was renowned for setting the bar in ultra-luxury river cruising with its spacious layout, walk-in closets, double-vanity bathrooms, personalized butler service, exquisite dining, and an indoor pool—all of which will be available to guests with Riverside.

This year, the company has acquired four additional ships from Crystal Cruises, two of which will commence sailings in 2023, offering itineraries ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Riverside Ravel will navigate the Saône and Rhône rivers from Burgundy to Provence in France, while Riverside Debussy will operate on Europe’s Rhine River. Prices for three-day cruises start at $1,848 per person, with seven-day journeys in midrange suites beginning around $5,000 per person, covering meals, beverages, select excursions, Wi-Fi, transfers, and gratuities.

Exploring France with an emphasis on Black heritage

Travelers interested in deepening their understanding of Black history during their river cruise should look to AmaWaterways. In 2023, the cruise line will introduce its inaugural Soulful Epicurean Experience, set to sail on the seven-night Colors of Provence itinerary through southern France. This journey will highlight France’s Black heritage, including a full-day tour focused on Black history in Arles and a three-night stay in Paris, featuring two days of exploring Black Paris and delving into the legacy of American entertainer Josephine Baker. The itinerary will also include live jazz performances and specially curated culinary experiences aboard the AmaKristina. The cruise runs from August 24 to September 3, with prices starting at $4,899 per person.

River cruises available closer to home

For those eager to explore local waterways, the U.S. offers a wider array of river and coastal cruise options than you might think. American Cruise Lines is launching three new vessels in 2023, including two from its innovative hybrid catamaran fleet known as Project Blue, capable of navigating both rivers and coastal routes. The American Eagle and American Glory, each accommodating 109 passengers, will journey along the East Coast, covering areas like Cape Cod, Maine’s Penobscot River and Harbor, Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., and the South Atlantic Coast. The American Eagle starts sailing in mid-February from the South, with prices beginning at $4,425, while the American Glory begins its inaugural cruises in Maryland in mid-March, with fares starting at $6,750.

Additionally, the cruise line is launching its sixth river vessel, the American Serenade, on the Mississippi River in April, along with its first-ever river cruise in Northern California. This eight-day San Francisco Bay cruise will delve into the Napa Valley wine region and the Gold Rush history of Sacramento Valley, navigating the San Joaquin River and San Pablo Bay. Departures for this Northern California cruise commence in late February, with prices starting at $5,990 per person.

Viking is also expanding its offerings for domestic river cruises. The company has recently launched the Viking Mississippi, a 386-guest vessel that sails between New Orleans and St. Paul, Minnesota. Unlike the traditional paddlewheel boats operated by other companies like American Queen Voyages, Viking has introduced its signature contemporary Scandinavian design to the U.S., featuring stylish staterooms and bright, open public spaces. Itineraries range from 8 to 15 days, with prices starting at $3,999 per person.

Family travel is making a comeback on the rivers

Multigenerational travel is on the rise as families look for ways to reconnect and make up for lost time during the pandemic. To support these family reunions and shared experiences, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is introducing a new destination in its family-oriented Generations Collection for 2023. Families will not only visit Egypt's ancient sites and temples but will also have the opportunity to meet local children and donate items like school supplies, books, and games. The Nile River program departs on December 16, 23, and 30, 2023, with all dates aligning with school breaks for easier family travel planning. Fares begin at $6,659 per person, covering onboard and offshore activities, meals, transportation, luxury accommodations, internal flights, and gratuities.