If you’ve ever dreamed of a vacation where every day brings a new destination, but you only unpack once, river cruising might be the perfect fit. During the 2025 ASTA River Cruise Expo in Vienna, Austria, I had the opportunity to tour 16 river cruise ships (representing 10 different brands), dine on 8 of them, and experience first-hand how they differ so I can accurately relay to my clients the unique experience each one offers. With exciting new itineraries and the average age of river cruisers dropping from 66 (in 2019) to 55 (in 2024), I can confidently say that there has never been a better time to plan a river cruise! And some brands even welcome children.
During the Expo I stayed 4 nights on the Riverside Mozart, a ship that is twice as wide as the usual river cruise boat. This creates a very spacious atmosphere onboard, with room for more amenities, like an indoor pool, a thermal spa, and a much larger gym than most river cruise ships have space for. Riverside is relatively new to river cruising and is known for their elegant ships (previously owned by Crystal), the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry (2:4), and 5-star gourmet dining. They have 3 all-suite ships with butler service offered in every room category. It is a truly luxurious experience!
Why This Matters to You
As your trusted travel advisor, I don’t just book trips—I curate experiences that fit your unique travel style. My time at the ASTA River Cruise Expo gave me a deeper insight into which ships and itineraries will best match my clients’ expectations, ensuring you get the perfect river cruise tailored just for you.
If you’ve been considering a river cruise—or if you’re just curious about what it’s like—let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the ideal ship and itinerary to make your dream vacation a reality. In the meantime, download my brand-new River Cruise Guide to learn more able the different cruise brands and experiences that await you!
