5 reasons why you'll love Trafalgar’s brand-new River Cruises

Picture yourself drifting along one of Europe’s great rivers: the gentle motion, the ever-changing scenery, the centuries of stories around every bend. Now add a dash of Trafalgar magic: the authentic local experiences, the destination expertise, the fun. Now you’ve got Trafalgar’s brand-new River Cruises.

There are two River Cruise trips – the first, onboard the elegant Trafalgar Verity – will take you along Danube River, passing through iconic cities including Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. The second, onboard the stylish Trafalgar Reverie, follows the Rhine River from The Netherlands, through Germany and France to the Swiss border.

Ready to set sail? Here are nine reasons to fall in love with this new way to see the world with Trafalgar.

1. River cruising, Trafalgar-style

Trafalgar is setting sail – and doing it in our signature style. River Cruises are a new way to experience Europe, created by the same travel experts behind our portfolio of industry-leading guided tours.

Every detail of River Cruises has been handcrafted by seasoned operations experts, with our highly regarded Experience Directors set to bring each destination to life. You’ll uncover the secrets behind iconic landmarks, meet the people who call these destinations home – all while having fun with your like-minded fellow travelers.

It’s everything you love about guided touring – just now floating through the heart of Europe!

river cruise ship passing an old church

Trafalgar Verity is a modern and stylish river ship

2. Two beautiful ships, brimming with personality

Welcome to the first Trafalgar Sails with Stories – aboard the Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie, two beautiful ships that look nothing like river vessels you’ve seen before. Each ship has its own distinct personality, inspired by the places we go and people we meet, and sleep a maximum of 128 guests.

Trafalgar Verity channels classic elegance with Delft pottery, original artwork by Picasso and Chagall, and even a real working fireplace. While Trafalgar Reverie is bold and modern, full of vibrant colors, playful patterns, and clever use of mirrors and light. 

Both feature marble-finished bathrooms, thoughtful details, and spaces that feel made for people – not just Instagram. This is boutique river cruising, Trafalgar-style.

A person standing next to a fire pit

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The river cruise ships’ interiors are elegant and timeless

3. Cruise along Europe’s most iconic river routes

The Best of the Rhine & Amsterdam is a river journey through storybook Europe. Think gothic cathedrals, vineyard-covered hills, and castles perched above the water. You’ll glide through four countries on the route from Amsterdam to Basel, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Highlights include the majestic Rhine Gorge, Heidelberg Castle, and Strasbourg’s half-timbered charm. It’s perfect for lovers of history, wine, and lush river landscapes.

Then The Best of the Danube travels a captivating route across Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. From Budapest’s dramatic skyline to Vienna’s imperial grandeur, this river cruise blends old-world elegance with countryside scenery. You’ll explore Bratislava’s cobbled streets, soak in the atmosphere of Europe’s musical and cultural heartland and see plenty of baroque beauty.

4. Unpack once, then simply relax

Travel is an amazing gift – but it’s even better when the sights come to you. That’s why a river cruise is amazing: you unpack once, settle in, and your floating boutique hotel moves with you. No need to circle your accommodation on a map just in case you get lost. No sweaters or sunglasses left behind. Just you, your comfy cabin, and new scenes of Europe unfolding beyond your panoramic window. 

On River Cruises you’ll glide past Rhine castles, or dock near Danube villages while never having to repack your bag.

interior cabin on a river cruise ship

Wake up in iconic European destinations

5. Connect with people and places

With River Cruises, you’ll step into real homes, sit at family tables, and hear personal stories that bring each destination to life. As with any Trafalgar tour, this isn’t just surface-level sightseeing. Our exclusive Be My Guest dinners let you dine with locals and learn their traditions firsthand. And MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences connect you to projects that preserve culture, protect nature, or support communities. 

On our Best of the Danube River Cruise, you’ll learn about life under Communism with stories of escapes, Soviet rule and the Velvet Revolution. Plus join the Saahs family for a Be My Guest experience at WeingutNikolaihof, Austria’s oldest winery. On the Best of the Rhine & Amsterdam River Cruise, lucky guests sit down to a homegrown meal at Bohrerhof, a family-run farm in the Rhine plain. Then visit a private vinegar estate near Speyer, where you’ll enjoy a tasting and learn all about its sustainable production.

river cruise ship moored on the riverside of a city at night