New river ships are getting ready to debut across the world's waterways in 2026, from Egypt's Nile River to Southeast Asia's Mekong and rivers all around Europe.
Here, we preview the year’s upcoming newbuilds — plus a few major renovations — from lines including AmaWaterways, Riviera Travel, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and more.
Also check out our list of the year's new ocean ships here.
Editor's Note: This story was updated on Jan. 21, 2026.
A&K Sanctuary
In late 2026, Nile Seray will be unveiled as Abercrombie & Kent’s fifth Egyptian riverboat. Carrying just 64 guests, its entry-level suites will begin at 355 square feet, complete with Juliet balconies, while a pair of larger suites will feature full private verandas with their own whirlpools. Clients can also expect indoor and outdoor restaurants in addition to a swimming pool, an outdoor bar and lounge, a gym and a spa.
Nile Seray will be Abercrombie & Kent’s fifth Egyptian riverboat.
Credit: 2025 A&K SanctuaryAmadeus River Cruises
As it continues to make inroads in the North American market, Austria-based Amadeus River Cruises is slated to launch its new 158-guest Amadeus Aurea in May 2026. The vessel will deploy on the Rhine and Danube rivers, utilizing an advanced hybrid propulsion system and high-performance battery power. It will feature 12 balcony suites and 67 staterooms, and most will highlight drop-down panoramic windows.
Amadeus Aurea will sail the Rhine and Danube rivers.
Credit: 2025 Amadeus River CruisesAmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has two riverboats debuting in 2026: AmaSofia on the Rhine in March (followed by the Danube), and AmaMaya on the Mekong in August. AmaSofia, a “custom-designed luxury” riverboat with twin-balcony staterooms, will first embark on a seven-night itinerary. And AmaMaya will join the existing AmaDara in Vietnam and Cambodia on weeklong sailings.
American Cruise Lines
Besides its two Patriot Class ships, American Cruise Lines is also anticipating its new American Encore riverboat, sailing the Columbia and Snake rivers in May 2026. The vessel will mark the company’s seventh in its American Riverboat series as well as introduce American Cruise Lines’ newest and largest stateroom: the Signature Suite. At 1,010 square feet, it features 180-degree vistas, a wraparound balcony and a living area separate from the bedroom.
Century Cruises
Century Cruises has a newbuild scheduled for September 2026; called Century Star, the ship will be the Chinese line’s first to operate in Europe. The 174-guest riverboat will reflect the design diversity of the countries along its maiden Danube River route, from its Black Forest-inspired main restaurant to a Bar and Lounge influenced by the Baroque architecture and musical heritage of Vienna. Clients can anticipate a unique blend of Eastern hospitality and Western service when the ship sets sail on Sept. 18.
Emerald Cruises & Tours
As it grows its yacht portfolio, Emerald Cruises & Tours will also strengthen its riverboat fleet when Emerald Astra begins sailing the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers in May 2026. As the next generation of the Star Ship series, the 180-passenger Astra will take design inspiration from the line’s latest yachts, extending to its updated interiors and a reprised combination cinema-pool room, plus a sun deck and multiple dining opportunities.
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions (Transcend Cruises)
In a unique arrangement, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will dip its toe into European river cruising when it is the first to employ the sleek Transcend Connect vessel from charter-exclusive newcomer Transcend Cruises. Beginning in April 2026, the newbuild will deploy on the Rhine River and feature an onboard Lindblad Expedition Leader, field staff and at least one National Geographic Expert per sailing to accompany shore excursions and other experiences.
Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel is stretching from its U.K.-based roots to appeal to North American travelers with the new Riviera Resplendence, set to launch in 2026. The 178-guest riverboat will have more than 80% of its staterooms and suites outfitted with floor-to-ceiling French balconies. It will also feature the line’s hallmark split-level lounge, as well as a main restaurant and two additional specialty dining venues.
Tauck
Tauck will debut its new MS Lumiere on the Rhone and MS Serene on the Seine in spring 2026. MS Lumiere will be larger to carry 130 guests, while MS Serene will accommodate 124 passengers on France’s size-restricted river. They will both offer spacious private suites, cabins and public venues, as well as an expanded Retreat wellness area with a juice bar and a swimming pool on the sun deck with bonus alfresco dining.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Expanding on its Super Ship series of riverboats, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will launch S.S. Emilie along the Danube in March 2026. The vessel will take its inspiration from Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and be named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Floge, as well as display an art nouveau aesthetic. By reserving a Grand Suite and the adjacent Deluxe French Balcony stateroom, clients can have a two-bedroom adjoining combo.
Uniworld’s S.S. Emilie will take inspiration from artist Gustav Klimt.
Credit: 2025 Uniworld Boutique River CruisesViking
Rounding out Viking’s 10 new vessels launching by 2026 will be five new 190-guest Viking Longships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers — Viking Dagur, Viking Haki, Viking Halogi, Viking Rota and Viking Sjofn — along with the smaller, 168-guest Viking Fjolvar on the Seine. Meanwhile, two 82-passenger sister ships will set sail on the Nile: Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet.
Viking is launching more Longships in Europe for 2026.
Credit: 2025 Viking
Redesigned River Ships
Trafalgar River Cruises
Trafalgar will enter the inland waterways market for the first time when its newly formed river cruise brand debuts its first ships, Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity, in April 2026. Retooled from the fleet of corporate cousin Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, the former River Princess will become Reverie, and River Queen will soon be Verity. Each vessel will accommodate 128 guests in Europe along the Danube and Rhine rivers.
Viva Cruises
Charter specialist Scylla’s in-house Viva Cruises river line will expand in 2026 with Viva Beyond, scheduled for May. The renovated vessel will launch the company’s premium all-inclusive Viva Boutique sub brand, offering more suites than any other Viva riverboat for 116 passengers along the Seine River. Altogether, there will be 12 suites, four junior suites and 10 master suites, as well as three restaurants, a sun deck, a spa treatment area, fitness equipment and wellness offerings onboard.
