2 River Cruises to Put on Your Radar in 2026

If you’ve been paying attention to the cruise industry, you’ve probably noticed a new trend emerging. River cruises are not just getting more attention and gaining popularity, but cruise lines that aren’t known for river cruises are getting into the game. This gives family travelers a whole slew of new opportunities to see the world.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is known for incredible cruise itineraries that take you to bucket-list destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos that focus heavily on wildlife and nature experiences. For 2026, the company announced a brand-new addition to its fleet, Connect, which will offer river cruises through Europe. Connect will offer two different itineraries ranging from eight to 14 days and will sail along the Rhine to destinations in Germany, France and the Netherlands. With a 120-person guest capacity and 54 crew members, you’re sure to get an immersive experience that dives deep into the history and nature of each area you visit.

Trafalgar, a guided tour company leading organized vacations in destinations around the world, is making a similar move for 2026. The company will launch two river cruise itineraries beginning April of this year, with eight-day itineraries on two different ships. Trafalgar Reverie will feature the Best of the Danube itinerary, and Trafalgar Verity will offer the Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam cruise itinerary.

Backed by years of delivering quality experiences, these companies are sure to offer river cruises that rival the reliability and excitement of their traditional tours. Not only will your family get to experience some of Europe’s greatest destinations, but you can also take comfort knowing all your bases are covered while you give your kids the experience of a lifetime.