Summary

River Cruise Market Research Report by Cruise Type (Luxury Cruises, Premium Cruises, Standard Cruises, Budget Cruises), by Customer (Families Couples, Solo Travelers, Senior Citizens, Group Tours), by Tour Type (Domestic, International), by Duration (1–3 Days, 4–5 Days, 6–7 Days, 8–10 Days, 11–14 Days, 15+ Days), by Booking Channel [Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Direct Booking (Cruise Operators), Travel Agents, Cruse Aggregators], by Purpose of Travel (Leisure, Cultural Tourism, Themed Cruises, Nature & Active Exploration, MICS), by Price Range [Economy/Budget ($1000-$3000), Mid-Range ($3000-$6000), Luxury ($6000-$12000)], by Vessel Capacity (0–49, 50–99, 100–149, 150–199, 200–300, 300+), by Destination (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa (MEA)), by Nature (Regular, Green Travellers), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa (MEA)) Forecast till 2035

Market Overview
The global river cruise market is projected to reach USD 20,822.16 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 10.86% from 2025 to 2035. A river cruise is a leisurely journey on a boat along rivers, allowing passengers to enjoy scenic landscapes, historic towns, and cultural experiences. These cruises often offer comfortable accommodations and onboard amenities. They provide a relaxing way to explore regions at a slower pace than traditional travel.
The global river cruise market is, to a large extent, relying on the growing demand of the wealthy and ultra-wealthy individuals who are in search of customized, immersive, and culturally rich experiences. Journeys on smaller vessels take clients through the enchanting and historic areas. Brand partnerships with leading companies, voyage by theme, and creative activities on board are the latest factors in the attraction to the river cruise market.

Key Company Development
In March 2023, AmaWaterways made public the designs of two brand-new vessels, AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, with the main goal to give as many stunning views of the Magdalena River in Colombia. In comfort and style, the travellers are to be taken not only on a luxury cruise but also on a journey to connect with the local culture and nature. April 2025 was the next milestone for the company when it saw the birth of AmaSintra on the Douro River in Portugal. Featuring spacious staterooms with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, the vessel enhances AmaWaterways’ European presence by delivering elevated, culturally rich cruising experiences along one of the world’s most iconic waterways.

Major Players

Major competitors in the global river cruise market are Avalon Waterways, Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Nicko Cruises, Emerald Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Croisi Europe Cruises, Riviera River Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Tauck River Cruises, APT touring, and Amadeus.

Report Attribute Details
• Market Size 2024: USD 7,058.08 Million
• Market Size 2035: USD 20,822.16 Million
• CAGR (2025-2035): 10.86%
• Base Year: 2024
• Market Forecast Period: 2025-2035

Market Segmentations
• By Cruise Type: Luxury Cruises - 14.36%, Premium Cruises - 11.17%.
• By Customer: Families – 10.34%, Couples – 11.19%.
• By Tour Type: Domestic - 11.24%, International – 9.77%.
• By Duration: 1–3 Days - 13.66%, 4–5 Days - 11.56%.
• By Booking Channel: Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) - 12.11%, Direct Booking (Cruise Operators) - 10.22%.
• By Purpose of Travel: Leisure - 10.02%, Cultural Tourism - 10.22%.
• By Price Range: Economy/Budget ($1000-$3000) - 10.05%, Mid-Range ($3000-$6000) - 10.99%.
• By Vessel Capacity: 0–49 - 9.67%, 50–99 - 11.40%.
• By Nature: Regular - 11.27%, Green Traveller - 9.45%.

Regional Insights
The North American river cruise market, with its inland waterways system that has been well developed since its inception, and domestic demand for experiential travel, has captured strong momentum over time. It follows that the Mississippi River is still at the centre of it all, bringing back the best of the old days through the already famous river chic and lifestyle itineraries. North America leads with the U.S. valued at USD 2,609.50 million and Canada at USD 376.20 million, reflecting a combined market of nearly USD 2,986 million.
Europe is still the best river cruise market all over the world, which means that it has the largest number of passengers and the most varied itineraries that no one else can offer. Luxury and premium operators, for example, Viking, AmaWaterways, and Scenic, try to win customers by providing top-quality services, offering voyages of a particular theme, and arranging city extensions. Europe shows steady performance with the UK at USD 478.08 million, France at USD 366.66 million, and Germany at USD 325.26 million, totaling around USD 1,170 million.
The river cruise market in the Asia Pacific region has become a bold and deeply engaging cultural alternative to the usual places to go. The region is led by the Mekong, Yangtze, and Ganges rivers, which blossom with the perfect combination of natural beauty, the rich historical past, and strong cultural ties, offering one-of-a-kind itineraries. The Asia-Pacific region highlights demand with Japan contributing USD 333.42 million and China USD 290.94 million, together exceeding USD 624 million.
South America’s river cruise market remains relatively young but increasingly attractive for travelers pursuing biodiversity, cultural immersion, and adventure tourism. The Amazon River dominates the region, with luxury operators offering small-vessel cruises into pristine rainforest areas featuring wildlife tours and tribal village visits. Colombia’s Magdalena River is emerging as a cultural hotspot with itineraries themed around music, history, and gastronomy.
The Middle East and Africa present some of the world’s oldest and most iconic river cruise experiences, with the Nile remaining the region’s centerpiece. Cruises between Luxor and Aswan provide an unrivaled blend of ancient history, archaeology, and luxury hospitality. In Southern Africa, the Chobe and Zambezi rivers offer eco-luxury safari cruises, combining wildlife immersion with high-end service.

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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .36
1.1 MARKET ATTRACTIVENESS ANALYSIS.37
1.1.1 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BYCRUISE TYPE .38
1.1.2 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY CUSTOMER SEGMENTS.39
1.1.3 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY TOUR TYPE.40
1.1.4 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DURATION .41
1.1.5 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY BOOKING CHANNEL .42
1.1.6 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PURPOSE OF TRAVEL.43
1.1.7 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PRICE RANGE .44
1.1.8 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY VESSEL CAPACITY.45
1.1.9 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DESTINATION/CRUISING AREAS.47
1.1.10 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY REGION .48
2 MARKET INTRODUCTION.50
2.1 DEFINITION .50
2.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY .50
2.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE .50
2.4 MARKET STRUCTURE.51
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.52
3.1 OVERVIEW.52
3.2 DATA FLOW.54
3.2.1 DATA MINING PROCESS .54
3.3 PURCHASED DATABASE:.55
3.4 SECONDARY SOURCES: .56
3.4.1 SECONDARY RESEARCH DATA FLOW: .57
3.5 PRIMARY RESEARCH:.58
3.5.1 PRIMARY RESEARCH DATA FLOW: .59
3.5.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH: NUMBER OF INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED .60
3.5.3 PRIMARY RESEARCH: REGIONAL COVERAGE .60
3.6 APPROACHES FOR MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION: .61
3.6.1 CONSUMPTION & NET TRADE APPROACH.61
3.6.2 REVENUE ANALYSIS APPROACH.61
3.7 DATA FORECASTING.62
3.7.1 DATA FORECASTING TECHNIQUE.62
3.8 DATA MODELING.63
3.8.1 MICROECONOMIC FACTOR ANALYSIS: .63
3.8.2 DATA MODELING:.64
3.9 TEAMS AND ANALYST CONTRIBUTION .66
4 MARKET DYNAMICS.68
4.1 INTRODUCTION.68
4.2 MARKET TRENDS AND GROWING AFFECTING FACTORS .69
4.3 KEY SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS.70
4.4 KEY INNOVATION TRENDS.71
4.5 GROWTH PARAMETERS MAPPED - DRIVERS .72
4.5.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES.72
4.5.2 RISING POPULARITIES AMONG AFFLUENT TRAVELLERS.73
4.5.3 FLEET MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION.74
4.6 GROWTH INHIBITORS MAPPED - RESTRAINTS .75
4.6.1 HIGH COSTS IMPACTING OPERATING EXPENSES .75
4.6.2 INFRASTRUCTURE AND LIMITED CAPACITY CONCERNS.76
4.6.3 SEASONAL AND GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS .77
4.7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES MAPPED.78
4.7.1 EXPANSION OF THEMED AND SPECIALIZED CRUISES .78
4.7.2 INCREASING MULTI-GENERATIONAL TOURISM.79
4.7.3 EXPANDING INTO NEW AND EXOTIC RIVER DESTINATIONS.80
4.8 IMPACT ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 .81
4.8.1 IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET .81
4.8.2 IMPACT ON FLEET MANAGEMENT OF RIVER CRUISE MARKET .81
4.8.3 IMPACT ON MARKET DEMAND OF RIVER CRUISE MARKET .82
4.8.4 IMPACT ON PRICING OF RIVER CRUISE MARKET.82
5 MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS.83
5.1 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS .83
5.1.1 PARTICIPANTS (AT DIFFERENT NODES) .83
5.1.1.1 SHIPBUILDING AND DESIGN .83
5.1.2 LOGISTICS & FLEET DELIVERY.84
5.1.3 ITINERARY DESIGNING AND DESTINATION COORDINATION .84
5.1.4 MARKETING AND SALES.84
5.1.5 CRUISE OPERATIONS AND GUEST SERVICE .85
5.2 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS .85
5.2.1 SHIPBUILDING AND DESIGN.86
Copyright c 2024 Market Research Future 9
5.2.2 CRUISE LINE OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT.86
5.2.3 MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION.86
5.2.4 CRUISE OPERATIONS AND GUEST SERVICES .87
5.3 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE .87
5.4 STRATEGIC INSIGHTS .88
5.5 CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS.89
5.6 PORTER’S FIVE FORCES MODEL .90
5.6.1 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS .91
5.6.2 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYER .91
5.6.3 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS.91
5.6.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES .92
5.6.5 INTENSITY OF RIVALRY .92
6 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY CRUISE TYPE .94
6.1 INTRODUCTION.94
6.2 CONTEMPORARY CRUISES.96
6.3 PREMIUM CRUISES .97
6.4 LUXURY CRUISES.98
6.5 SPECIALITY CRUISES.99
7 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY CUSTOMER SEGMENT .100
7.1 INTRODUCTION.100
7.2 FAMILIES.102
7.3 COUPLES.103
7.4 SOLO TRAVELERS .104
7.5 SENIOR CITIZENS .105
7.6 GROUP TOURS.106
8 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY TOUR TYPE.107
8.1 INTRODUCTION.107
8.2 DOMESTIC.108
8.3 INTERNATIONAL .109
9 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DURATION .111
9.1 INTRODUCTION.111
9.2 1?3 DAYS .113
9.3 4?5 DAYS.114
9.4 6?7 DAYS.115
9.5 8- 10 DAYS .116
9.6 11- 14 DAYS.117
9.7 15+ DAYS.118
10 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY BOOKING CHANNEL.119
10.1 INTRODUCTION.119
10.2 ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES (OTAS).121
10.3 DIRECT BOOKING.122
10.4 TRAVEL AGENTS.123
10.5 CRUISE AGGREGATORS.124
11 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PURPOSE OF TRAVEL .125
11.1 INTRODUCTION.125
11.2 LEISURE.127
11.3 CULTURAL TOURISM.128
11.4 THEMED CRUISES.129
11.5 NATURE & ACTIVE EXPLORATION.130
11.6 MICE(MEETINGS/INCENTIVES/CHARTER) .131
12 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PRICE RANGE.132
12.1 INTRODUCTION.132
12.2 ECONOMY/BUDGET.134
12.3 MID-RANGE .135
12.4 LUXURY .136
13 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY VESSEL CAPACITY.137
13.1 INTRODUCTION.137
13.2 0?49.139
13.3 50-99.140
13.4 100-149 .141
13.5 150-199 .142
13.6 200-300.143
13.7 300+ .144
14 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY NATURE .145
14.1 INTRODUCTION.145
14.2 REGULAR.146
14.3 GREEN TRAVELLERS .147
15 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DESTINATION/ CRUISING AREA .149
15.1 INTRODUCTION.149
15.2 NORTH AMERICA.152
15.3 EUROPE.153
15.4 ASIA-PACIFIC.154
15.5 SOUTH AMERICA .155
15.6 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA .156
16 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY REGION.158
16.1 OVERVIEW.158
16.2 NORTH AMERICA.159
16.2.1 US.168
16.2.2 CANADA .174
16.3 EUROPE.181
16.3.1 GERMANY .190
16.3.2 UK .197
16.3.3 AUSTRIA .204
16.3.4 HUNGARY .211
16.3.5 SLOVAKIA .217
16.3.6 FRANCE .224
16.3.7 PORTUGAL.231
16.3.8 NETHERLAND.238
16.3.9 BELGIUM.245
16.3.10 RUMANIA.251
16.3.11 BULGARIA .258
16.3.12 SWITZERLAND .264
16.3.13 EGYPT .271
16.3.14 REST OF EUROPE.278
16.4 ASIA PACIFIC .285
16.4.1 CHINA.293
16.4.2 INDIA .300
16.4.3 JAPAN.307
16.4.4 SOUTH KOREA.314
16.4.5 MALAYSIA .321
16.4.6 INDONESIA.328
16.4.7 THAILAND.335
16.4.8 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC.342
16.5 SOUTH AMERICA .349
16.5.1 BRAZIL.358
16.5.2 MEXICO .365
16.5.3 ARGENTINA .372
16.5.4 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA .378
16.6 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA .386
16.6.1 GCC COUNTRIES.395
16.6.2 SOUTH AFRICA.402
16.6.3 REST OF MEA .409
17 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE .417
17.1 INTRODUCTION.417
17.2 COMPETITION DASHBOARD.418
17.2.1 PRODUCT PORTFOLIO .419
17.2.2 REGIONAL PRESENCE.419
17.2.3 STRATEGIC ALLIANCES .419
17.2.4 INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES .419
17.3 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS, 2023 .419
17.4 WHO ARE THE MAJOR DISRUPTORS & INNOVATORS .420
17.5 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: KEY PLAYERS FINANCIAL .420
17.6 LIST OF KEY PLAYERS/BRANDS, BY REGION .421
17.7 KEY DEVELOPMENTS & GROWTH STRATEGIES .422
17.7.1 LAUNCH.422
17.7.2 ACQUISITION .423
17.7.3 PARTNERSHIP.423
18 COMPANY PROFILES.424
18.1 AVALON WATERWAYS .424
18.1.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.424
18.1.2 SERVICES OFFERED.425
18.1.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .426
18.1.4 KEY STRATEGY.426
18.2 VIKING CRUISES .427
18.2.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.427
18.2.2 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW.429
18.2.3 PRODUCTS OFFERED .430
18.2.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .431
18.2.5 KEY STRATEGY.432
18.3 AMAWATERWAYS.433
18.3.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.433
18.3.2 SERVICE OFFERED.434
18.3.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS.435
18.3.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .436
18.3.5 KEY STRATEGY.437
18.4 NICKO CRUISES.438
18.4.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.438
18.4.2 SERVICE OFFERED.439
18.4.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS.440
18.4.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .440
18.4.5 KEY STRATEGY.441
18.5 UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES .442
18.5.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.442
18.5.2 SERVICE OFFERED.443
18.5.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .444
18.5.4 KEY STRATEGY.445
18.6 CROISI EUROPE.446
18.6.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.446
18.6.2 SERVICE OFFERED.447
18.6.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .448
18.6.4 KEY STRATEGY.449
18.7 AMERICAN CRUISE LINE.450
18.7.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.450
18.7.2 SERVICE OFFERED.450
18.7.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS.451
18.7.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .451
18.7.5 KEY STRATEGY.452
18.8 APT TOURING.453
18.8.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.453
18.8.2 SERVICE OFFERED.454
18.8.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .455
18.8.4 KEY STRATEGY.455
18.9 AMADEUS RIVER CRUISES.456
18.9.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.456
18.9.2 SERVICE OFFERED.457
18.9.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS.457
18.9.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .458
18.9.5 KEY STRATEGY.459
18.10 TAUCK.460
18.10.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.460
18.10.2 SERVICE OFFERED.461
18.10.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS.461
18.10.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .462
18.10.5 KEY STRATEGY.462
18.11 EMERALD CRUISES.463
18.11.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.463
18.11.2 SERVICE OFFERED.464
18.11.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .465
18.11.4 KEY STRATEGY.465
18.12 RIVIERIA RIVER CRUISES.466
18.12.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.466
18.12.2 SERVICE OFFERED.467
18.12.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .468
18.12.4 KEY STRATEGY.468
18.13 VIVA CRUISES .469
18.13.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.469
18.13.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED .470
18.13.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .471
18.13.4 KEY STRATEGY.472
18.14 PHOENIX REISEN .473
18.14.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.473
18.14.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED .474
18.14.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS.474
18.14.4 SWOT ANALYSIS .475
18.14.5 KEY STRATEGY.476
18.15 SWISS EXCELLENCE .477
18.15.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.477
18.15.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED .478
18.15.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .479
18.15.4 KEY STRATEGY.480
18.16 THURGAU TRAVEL.481
18.16.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.481
18.16.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED .482
18.16.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .483
18.16.4 KEY STRATEGY.484
18.17 1A VISTA REISEN.485
18.17.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.485
18.17.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED .486
18.17.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .487
18.17.4 KEY STRATEGY.488
18.18 PLANTOURS .489
18.18.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW.489
18.18.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED .490
18.18.3 SWOT ANALYSIS .491
18.18.4 KEY STRATEGY.492
18.19 DATA CITATIONS.494