A few weeks back, we shared many reasons why 2019 is set to be a major year in the river cruise industry, as capacity and popularity continues to increase across many different regions. One of the biggest reasons why we expect this to be the case is down to the exciting vessels that will be making their debut in the next 12 months. So, covering waterways in Europe, Asia and America, here is a look at just a few of these upcoming arrivals.

AmaMagna, AmaWaterways

For many people, the headline debut in 2019 will be AmaMagna – the brand new double-width vessel from AmaWaterways. Much has been written and said about the extra space she will provide to guests in the form of luxury cabins and expansive decks, and there is a feeling that this ship may lead the way for others with similar dimensions. Another feature that has attracted a lot of attention is the water sports platform at the aft, which will offer Zodiacs and kayaks to help guests explore further.

However, it may have slipped under the radar that AmaWaterways also has two other river ships joining the fleet in 2019. AmaMora (Rhine and Danube) and AmaDouro (Douro) will launch later in the year, the latter holding just 102 passengers.

Adriatic Princess II, Emerald Waterways

Many river cruise lines are branching out to destinations that cannot strictly be considered as rivers but still offer a similar experience. This is the case with American Cruise Lines’ coastal trips in New England and Emerald Waterways has added this string to their bow with the launch of Adriatic Princess II. Sailing peacefully through the islands off the coast of Croatia, trips to Brac, Hvar and Dubrovnik provide a sort of compromise between ocean and river cruising. There will also be itineraries that travel as far as Lake Bled in Slovenia and Budapest.

The food on board will be predominantly Mediterranean, featuring a lot of freshly caught seafood and rich flavours. There will also be plenty of opportunities to venture ashore in the evening to sample the local nightlife.

A second Emerald Waterways ship is also due to make her debut next year in the form of Emerald Harmony. Bringing brand new itineraries to the Mekong River, the vessel will include luxurious facilities such as a swimming pool under a retractable sunshade and an onboard hair stylist.

American Countess, American Queen Steamboat Company

Returning to its trademark traditional décor, American Queen Steamboat Company has taken a former gambling boat and transformed it into a luxury paddle steamer to offer yet more Mississippi River cruises. This part of the world has become massively popular in recent years, so the increased capacity is sure to be welcomed by guests.

American Countess may not have been built completely from scratch but, having been stripped right down to the framework, she’s almost an entirely new ship. Guests can expect similar facilities to the other vessels in the fleet, including complimentary teas, coffee and water around the clock and free-flowing wine with dinner.

American Harmony, American Cruise Lines

Proving just how much of a boon US river cruises are experiencing at the moment, the other big operator along the Mississippi River, American Cruise Lines, will also be adding to their fleet in 2019. As the sister to American Song, American Harmony will be the second modern riverboat and will push the boundaries for ships sailing the Mississippi. Like her predecessor, she will boast a beautiful four-deck atrium with a glass dome and every cabin will include a balcony.

Meals will offer the flavours of the region, whilst a cocktail hour and endless snacks will keep you going in between. Entertainment will be understated, allowing guests to spend most of their time enjoying the views from the top deck or conversing with like-minded cruisers.

Seven Ships, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises has a habit of launching multiple ships at the same time and it will be no different in 2019. In 2014, they broke their own world record by welcoming 16 different ships in a 24-hour period but, this time around, it will be just seven. Viking Einar, Viking Helgrim, Viking Sigrun, Viking Sigyn, Viking Tir, Viking Ullur and Viking Vali will all join the ranks, many of which will sail between the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. That is, all except Viking Helgrim, who will offer Douro River cruises instead.

As is the case with these Viking Longships, they share the same template with just a few tweaks to the design every year. Regular passengers will be pleased to know the ever-popular Aquavit Terrace will again be present on all seven of the new arrivals.

If you would like to enjoy a river cruise on board any of these fantastic new ships in 2019, the GoRiverCruise team can offer expert advice and helpful guidance. Call us on 0800 954 0064 or click here to contact us through the website.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.