River Cruising Boom: Europe’s Waterways Set

Europe’s river cruise industry is surging, with 386 ships now navigating its waterways and a record 1.49 million passengers carried in 2025. Growth is accelerating, driven by new operators and innovative itineraries targeting families, solo travellers, and younger generations, challenging the long-held perception of river cruising as a preserve for older travellers. Germany and the United States remain the largest source markets, but the sector’s expansion is being fuelled by diversification. Meanwhile, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions debuted its first river cruises in August 2026, with a second ship planned for 2027.…

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