There are big things happening in the river cruise sector with more ship launches, refurbs and new itineraries. From some of your favourite river cruise companies APT to Uniworld, check out what’s on offer in 2019.

1. Bigger is better

It’s one of the most anticipated river cruise ship arrivals in 2019 – AmaWaterways, in conjunction with APT will be launching the largest river ship, the AmaMagna. She has a number of stunning features which includes a pop-up elevator up to the ship’s Sun Deck as well as a sports platform. While she’ll be double the width of the conventional river ship but only has 20 per cent more guests. More than half of the staterooms will be suites measuring between a whopping 335 and 710 sq. ft. The suites will also have full balconies which open to seating areas. And she’ll even have four dining venues – The Chef’s Table Restaurant as well as the Al Fresco Restaurant and Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant.
APT's AmaMagna

2. Steaming down the Mississippi

It’s a far-cry from can-can and cabaret cruise which many people expect when sailing the Mississippi River. The stunning paddle-wheeler which can accommodate 248-passenger will be launched in 2019. But the itineraries and details around the ships remain a mystery. But all we know is that she was a former gaming boat built in 1995 and the American Queen Steamboat Company are using the existing hull of the ship and rebuilding her, fit for an American sailing down the Mississippi.

3. Oo la la – Uniworld’s new French itinerary

Uniworld’s millennial brand, U by Uniworld is introducing a new Northern France itinerary aboard its latest ship, The B. She will set sail on April 21, 2019, for her inaugural sail along the Seine River with stops in Paris, Vernon, Les Andelys, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen and Caudebec-en-Caux. Some of the shore excursions include following U by Uniworld’s chef to Rouen’s fresh local market to choose ingredients for dinner; climbing to the top of the Étretat’s legendary cliffs for breathtaking views of France; and tea time at Château du Champ de Bataille. So chic!

4. Pandaw’s Indian itineraries

The Asian river cruise operator Pandaw revealed earlier this year it would be devoting two additional ships to India’s river. The RV Katha Pandaw will sail the lower and upper Ganges River and one of the highlights of the upper Ganges itineraries is a visit to the spiritual centre of India, Varanasi. The other, the RV Indochina Pandaw will be on the Brahmaputra River in October 2019.
Pandaw Lower Ganges

5. Scenic’s Space Ships

Luxury line scenic will be upgrading eight river ships which will be sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers next year. While the Scenic Ruby, Pearl, Jasper, Opal, Amber, Crystal Jade and Jewel will have larger but fewer staterooms, there will be two new 48sqm Royal Owners suites as well as a bigger wellness centre which will include a gym, massage room, salt therapy lounge as well as hair salon.

6. What’s new for Avalon Waterways

Joining in 2019 is the brand new Avalon Envision. She’ll have the lines’ award-winning Panorama Suites that feature wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling Panoramic Windows, WiFi access, active shore excursions and activities like hiking and biking, new FlexDining venues as well as three dining areas. Avalon, which has famously pioneered active shore excursions through its Active Discovery program, has also recently partnered up again with the biking and hiking travel group, Backroads.