With a new all-suite ship joining its fleet, Riverside Luxury Cruises is expanding its European river journeys, offering more ways to discover the Rhine, Main and Danube in 2028.
There is something timeless about exploring Europe by river. Beyond the familiar routes of traditional travel, river cruising offers a different perspective — one shaped by historic cities, changing landscapes and the quiet rhythm of life along the water.
From the vineyard-covered hills of the Rhine to the cultural capitals of the Danube, these waterways connect some of Europe’s most extraordinary destinations.
For travellers seeking a more intimate and refined way to experience them, Riverside Luxury Cruises is preparing to introduce a new chapter.
The luxury river cruise line has opened reservations for its 2028 season, announcing the debut of Riverside Mahler, the newest addition to its growing fleet.
Scheduled to begin sailing in May 2028, the all-suite ship will explore the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, joining sister ship Riverside Debussy in an expanded programme of European itineraries.
The addition brings greater flexibility, more departures and new opportunities to discover the continent through its waterways.
Riverside Mahler: A New Way to Explore Europe
Designed to match Riverside Debussy and Riverside Ravel, the new Riverside Mahler will offer the brand’s signature approach to luxury river cruising, combining spacious suite accommodation with personalised service and thoughtfully curated experiences.
Its introduction will significantly expand Riverside’s journeys through the Main-Danube Canal, the important waterway connecting the Rhine and Danube river systems.
In 2028, the cruise line plans to operate 12 departures through the canal, compared with four in 2026 and two in 2027.
New itineraries will include journeys between Budapest and Regensburg in both directions, alongside additional Dutch Waterways and Lower Danube sailings.
The expanded fleet will also provide greater operational flexibility when changing river levels affect navigation.
For travellers, the result is a wider selection of routes, dates and opportunities to explore Europe at a more considered pace.
Four Ships, Distinct European Experiences
With Riverside Mahler joining the fleet, the 2028 season will bring together four ships, each offering a distinctive perspective on Europe’s rivers.
Riverside Debussy — The Rhine and Beyond
Beginning its season in March, Riverside Debussy will explore the Netherlands and Belgium during the spring tulip season before travelling towards the Lower Danube.
New nine- and ten-night journeys between Amsterdam and Basel will incorporate the Moselle River, offering an extended exploration of the Rhine and its tributaries.
The ship will continue sailing through summer and autumn before concluding the year with festive Christmas market itineraries.
Riverside Mahler — Connecting the Rhine and Danube
Making its debut in May, Riverside Mahler will focus on journeys connecting Germany, Austria and Hungary with Amsterdam and Basel.
Following a summer of Rhine and Danube itineraries, the ship will explore the Lower Danube in September before returning to the Rhine and concluding its inaugural season with Christmas sailings along the Danube.
Riverside Mozart — Discovering the Danube
Riverside Mozart will continue its Upper and Lower Danube journeys, introducing a new seven-night Vienna-to-Budapest itinerary that includes the picturesque Wachau Valley.
A new stop in Győr, Hungary, will invite guests to discover the city’s Baroque architecture, historic squares and charming Old Town.
The 2028 programme will also feature cycling-focused Riverside Active sailings, golf-themed journeys and a Hungarian National Day celebration.
Riverside Ravel — The Art of Southern France
For those drawn to the landscapes, gastronomy and cultural heritage of southern France, Riverside Ravel will continue its Rhône and Saône itineraries.
Destinations include Lyon, Avignon, Arles, Viviers and Tain-l’Hermitage, with opportunities to discover Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Pont du Gard and the Rhône Delta.
These journeys bring together historic towns, regional cuisine, celebrated vineyards and the distinctive character of Provence.
Luxury Defined by Space, Service and Experience
Across its fleet, Riverside Luxury Cruises places an emphasis on spacious accommodation, personalised hospitality and destination-focused experiences.
Every suite features a king-size bed and dedicated butler service, while guests can enjoy freshly prepared cuisine, premium wines and spirits, and the expertise of an onboard sommelier.
Depending on the ship, up to five restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences.
The cruise experience also includes Starlink Wi-Fi, shore excursions designed to immerse guests in local history and culture, prepaid gratuities and ground transfers.
Rather than simply travelling between destinations, the emphasis is on experiencing the journey itself — with time to appreciate the landscapes, traditions and cultural encounters that define Europe’s great rivers.
More Freedom to Discover Europe in 2028
The expanded 2028 programme will offer itineraries ranging from three-night escapes to extended 23-night journeys, with departures scheduled from early spring through the end of December.
Selected expert-led themed cruises will introduce additional opportunities for active exploration and local celebrations.
“The 2028 season gives travellers more ways to experience Europe by river, with Riverside Mahler joining Mozart, Debussy and Ravel,” said Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises Americas.
The company is also offering an 18% discount on the sailing price for 2028 bookings made before 30 June 2027, applicable across all suite categories and package types.
With the arrival of Riverside Mahler, the cruise line is expanding not only its fleet but also the possibilities for discovering Europe from the water.
From the romance of the Rhine and the cultural richness of the Danube to the vineyards of southern France, the 2028 season promises a more varied way to explore some of the continent’s most remarkable destinations.
Because sometimes, the most memorable journeys are not defined by how far we travel, but by how deeply we experience the places along the way.
Discover more: Riverside Luxury Cruises
