Global River Cruise Market Research Report Information by Cruise Type, by Customer, by Tour Type, by Duration, by Booking Channel, by Purpose of Travel, by Price Range, by Vessel Capacity, by Destination, by Nature, and by Region Forecast till 2035

Description

List of Tables

Global River Cruise Market Research Report Information 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

Industry Overview

The global river cruise market is expected to hit USD 20,822.16 million, with a CAGR of 10.86% by the end of 2035. River cruises are trips taken on specially designed boats that navigate rivers, combining sightseeing with luxury or comfort. Passengers can enjoy picturesque views, local attractions, and cultural stops along the way. It's a calm and immersive way to experience a destination.

Luxury and personalization are the main growth drivers for the river cruise market, as affluent travellers increasingly prefer culturally engaging, experience-driven journeys. The fact that fewer ships creates the possibility of intimate environments that offer luxurious suites, gourmet food, spas, and curated tours like wine tasting, history, or wellness themes. Strategic partnerships between the industry and luxury enterprises, plus investments in contemporary facilities, are pulling not only the elderly but also the young high-income travelers who are looking for the unique and memorable wanderlust, and thus, the market is becoming broader.

Major Company Development

AmaWaterways has developed its luxury river cruise range with several important new releases. One of these was the great debut in March 2023 of two new, beautiful, and modern ships, namely AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia, artfully designed for deeply engaging and relaxing scenic journeys with refined, small-scale experiences. Moreover, the company made a decision to set the sails of AmaSintra on the amazingly beautiful Douro River in Portugal, along with staterooms with balconies and large windows to fully enjoy the view, in April 2025. These developments underscore AmaWaterways' strategy to enhance global presence while offering premium, culturally inspired cruising experiences for affluent travellers worldwide.

Key Players

Major players 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

Industry 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 Analysis

Over the years, North America has turned into one of the most dynamic sources of the global river cruise industry that is now benefiting from the strong domestic demand for travel and its historic waterways. The Mississippi River is taking the lead, and the cruises are getting deeper into the rich southern heritage. In North America, the U.S. accounts for USD 2,609.50 million and Canada for USD 376.20 million, making it the region's strongest market at over USD 2,985 million.

Europe is still the world leader in river cruises, and it is an incomparable combination of cultural capitals, historic places, and beautiful landscapes. The rivers Danube and Rhine are the most popular, and people travel by them to visit the medieval towns, the cities that were ruled by emperors, and the places that are on the UNESCO list. Europe records significant numbers with the UK at USD 478.08 million, France at USD 366.66 million, and Germany at USD 325.26 million, collectively surpassing USD 1,169 million.

The Asia Pacific market is booming as a destination for adventurous and culturally immersive cruises. The Mekong is still the number one route, giving a view into the tradition of Vietnam and Cambodia, the houses on the stilts, and the temples that are old. APAC maintains growth, with Japan at USD 333.42 million and China at USD 290.94 million, summing to more than USD 624 million.

South America offers a distinctive and emerging opportunity in the global river cruise sector, with itineraries built around biodiversity and cultural immersion. The Amazon provides travelers access to pristine rainforest environments, where luxury vessels offer wildlife encounters and guided excursions into tribal communities. Colombia's Magdalena River is building momentum with history- and music-focused cruises, while Argentina's Parana River showcases regional landscapes and heritage.

The Middle East and Africa showcase a blend of historical depth and natural richness in river cruising. Egypt's Nile River dominates, offering journeys through Luxor, Aswan, and world-renowned archaeological sites combined with luxury service. Southern Africa's Chobe and Zambezi rivers deliver boutique-style eco-luxury safaris, where travelers watch elephants and hippos from the deck.

Product Code: MRFR/AM/20896-CR

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 MARKET ATTRACTIVENESS ANALYSIS
- 1.1.1 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BYCRUISE TYPE
- 1.1.2 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY CUSTOMER SEGMENTS
- 1.1.3 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY TOUR TYPE
- 1.1.4 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DURATION
- 1.1.5 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY BOOKING CHANNEL
- 1.1.6 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PURPOSE OF TRAVEL
- 1.1.7 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PRICE RANGE
- 1.1.8 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY VESSEL CAPACITY
- 1.1.9 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DESTINATION/CRUISING AREAS
- 1.1.10 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY REGION

2 MARKET INTRODUCTION

2.1 DEFINITION
2.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
2.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
2.4 MARKET STRUCTURE

3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 OVERVIEW
3.2 DATA FLOW
- 3.2.1 DATA MINING PROCESS
3.3 PURCHASED DATABASE:
3.4 SECONDARY SOURCES:
- 3.4.1 SECONDARY RESEARCH DATA FLOW:
3.5 PRIMARY RESEARCH:
- 3.5.1 PRIMARY RESEARCH DATA FLOW:
- 3.5.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH: NUMBER OF INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED
- 3.5.3 PRIMARY RESEARCH: REGIONAL COVERAGE
3.6 APPROACHES FOR MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION:
- 3.6.1 CONSUMPTION & NET TRADE APPROACH
- 3.6.2 REVENUE ANALYSIS APPROACH
3.7 DATA FORECASTING
- 3.7.1 DATA FORECASTING TECHNIQUE
3.8 DATA MODELING
- 3.8.1 MICROECONOMIC FACTOR ANALYSIS:
- 3.8.2 DATA MODELING:
3.9 TEAMS AND ANALYST CONTRIBUTION

4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 MARKET TRENDS AND GROWING AFFECTING FACTORS
4.3 KEY SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS
4.4 KEY INNOVATION TRENDS
4.5 GROWTH PARAMETERS MAPPED - DRIVERS
- 4.5.1 INCREASING DEMAND FOR UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
- 4.5.2 RISING POPULARITIES AMONG AFFLUENT TRAVELLERS
- 4.5.3 FLEET MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION
4.6 GROWTH INHIBITORS MAPPED - RESTRAINTS
- 4.6.1 HIGH COSTS IMPACTING OPERATING EXPENSES
- 4.6.2 INFRASTRUCTURE AND LIMITED CAPACITY CONCERNS
- 4.6.3 SEASONAL AND GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS
4.7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES MAPPED
- 4.7.1 EXPANSION OF THEMED AND SPECIALIZED CRUISES
- 4.7.2 INCREASING MULTI-GENERATIONAL TOURISM
- 4.7.3 EXPANDING INTO NEW AND EXOTIC RIVER DESTINATIONS
4.8 IMPACT ANALYSIS OF COVID-19
- 4.8.1 IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET
- 4.8.2 IMPACT ON FLEET MANAGEMENT OF RIVER CRUISE MARKET
- 4.8.3 IMPACT ON MARKET DEMAND OF RIVER CRUISE MARKET
- 4.8.4 IMPACT ON PRICING OF RIVER CRUISE MARKET

5 MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS

5.1 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
- 5.1.1 PARTICIPANTS (AT DIFFERENT NODES)
  - 5.1.1.1 SHIPBUILDING AND DESIGN
- 5.1.2 LOGISTICS & FLEET DELIVERY
- 5.1.3 ITINERARY DESIGNING AND DESTINATION COORDINATION
- 5.1.4 MARKETING AND SALES
- 5.1.5 CRUISE OPERATIONS AND GUEST SERVICE
5.2 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
- 5.2.1 SHIPBUILDING AND DESIGN

5.2.2 CRUISE LINE OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
5.2.3 MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
5.2.4 CRUISE OPERATIONS AND GUEST SERVICES

5.3 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
5.4 STRATEGIC INSIGHTS
5.5 CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR ANALYSIS
5.6 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES MODEL
- 5.6.1 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
- 5.6.2 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYER
- 5.6.3 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
- 5.6.4 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
- 5.6.5 INTENSITY OF RIVALRY

6 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY CRUISE TYPE

6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 CONTEMPORARY CRUISES
6.3 PREMIUM CRUISES
6.4 LUXURY CRUISES
6.5 SPECIALITY CRUISES

7 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY CUSTOMER SEGMENT

7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 FAMILIES
7.3 COUPLES
7.4 SOLO TRAVELERS
7.5 SENIOR CITIZENS
7.6 GROUP TOURS

8 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY TOUR TYPE

8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.2 DOMESTIC
8.3 INTERNATIONAL

9 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DURATION

9.1 INTRODUCTION
9.2 1-3 DAYS
9.3 4-5 DAYS
9.4 6-7 DAYS
9.5 8- 10 DAYS
9.6 11- 14 DAYS
9.7 15+ DAYS

10 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY BOOKING CHANNEL

10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.2 ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES (OTAS)
10.3 DIRECT BOOKING
10.4 TRAVEL AGENTS
10.5 CRUISE AGGREGATORS

11 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PURPOSE OF TRAVEL

11.1 INTRODUCTION
11.2 LEISURE
11.3 CULTURAL TOURISM
11.4 THEMED CRUISES
11.5 NATURE & ACTIVE EXPLORATION
11.6 MICE(MEETINGS/INCENTIVES/CHARTER)

12 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY PRICE RANGE

12.1 INTRODUCTION
12.2 ECONOMY/BUDGET
12.3 MID-RANGE
12.4 LUXURY

13 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY VESSEL CAPACITY

13.1 INTRODUCTION
13.2 0-49
13.3 50-99
13.4 100-149
13.5 150-199
13.6 200-300
13.7 300+

14 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY NATURE

14.1 INTRODUCTION
14.2 REGULAR
14.3 GREEN TRAVELLERS

15 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY DESTINATION/ CRUISING AREA

15.1 INTRODUCTION
15.2 NORTH AMERICA
15.3 EUROPE
15.4 ASIA-PACIFIC
15.5 SOUTH AMERICA
15.6 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

16 GLOBAL RIVER CRUISE MARKET, BY REGION

16.1 OVERVIEW
16.2 NORTH AMERICA
- 16.2.1 US
- 16.2.2 CANADA
16.3 EUROPE
- 16.3.1 GERMANY
- 16.3.2 UK
- 16.3.3 AUSTRIA
- 16.3.4 HUNGARY
- 16.3.5 SLOVAKIA
- 16.3.6 FRANCE
- 16.3.7 PORTUGAL
- 16.3.8 NETHERLAND
- 16.3.9 BELGIUM
- 16.3.10 RUMANIA
- 16.3.11 BULGARIA
- 16.3.12 SWITZERLAND
- 16.3.13 EGYPT
- 16.3.14 REST OF EUROPE
16.4 ASIA PACIFIC
- 16.4.1 CHINA
- 16.4.2 INDIA
- 16.4.3 JAPAN
- 16.4.4 SOUTH KOREA
- 16.4.5 MALAYSIA
- 16.4.6 INDONESIA
- 16.4.7 THAILAND
- 16.4.8 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
16.5 SOUTH AMERICA
- 16.5.1 BRAZIL
- 16.5.2 MEXICO
- 16.5.3 ARGENTINA
- 16.5.4 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
16.6 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
- 16.6.1 GCC COUNTRIES
- 16.6.2 SOUTH AFRICA
- 16.6.3 REST OF MEA

17 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

17.1 INTRODUCTION
17.2 COMPETITION DASHBOARD
- 17.2.1 PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
- 17.2.2 REGIONAL PRESENCE
- 17.2.3 STRATEGIC ALLIANCES
- 17.2.4 INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES
17.3 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS, 2023
17.4 WHO ARE THE MAJOR DISRUPTORS & INNOVATORS
17.5 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS: KEY PLAYERS FINANCIAL
17.6 LIST OF KEY PLAYERS/BRANDS, BY REGION
17.7 KEY DEVELOPMENTS & GROWTH STRATEGIES
- 17.7.1 LAUNCH
- 17.7.2 ACQUISITION
- 17.7.3 PARTNERSHIP

18 COMPANY PROFILES

18.1 AVALON WATERWAYS
- 18.1.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.1.2 SERVICES OFFERED
- 18.1.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.1.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.2 VIKING CRUISES
- 18.2.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.2.2 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
- 18.2.3 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.2.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.2.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.3 AMAWATERWAYS
- 18.3.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.3.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.3.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- 18.3.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.3.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.4 NICKO CRUISES
- 18.4.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.4.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.4.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- 18.4.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.4.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.5 UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES
- 18.5.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.5.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.5.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.5.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.6 CROISI EUROPE
- 18.6.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.6.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.6.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.6.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.7 AMERICAN CRUISE LINE
- 18.7.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.7.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.7.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- 18.7.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.7.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.8 APT TOURING
- 18.8.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.8.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.8.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.8.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.9 AMADEUS RIVER CRUISES
- 18.9.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.9.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.9.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- 18.9.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.9.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.10 TAUCK
- 18.10.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.10.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.10.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- 18.10.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.10.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.11 EMERALD CRUISES
- 18.11.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.11.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.11.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.11.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.12 RIVIERIA RIVER CRUISES
- 18.12.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.12.2 SERVICE OFFERED
- 18.12.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.12.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.13 VIVA CRUISES
- 18.13.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.13.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.13.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.13.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.14 PHOENIX REISEN
- 18.14.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.14.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.14.3 KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- 18.14.4 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.14.5 KEY STRATEGY
18.15 SWISS EXCELLENCE
- 18.15.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.15.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.15.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.15.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.16 THURGAU TRAVEL
- 18.16.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.16.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.16.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.16.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.17 1A VISTA REISEN
- 18.17.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.17.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.17.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.17.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.18 PLANTOURS
- 18.18.1 COMPANY OVERVIEW
- 18.18.2 PRODUCTS OFFERED
- 18.18.3 SWOT ANALYSIS
- 18.18.4 KEY STRATEGY
18.19 DATA CITATIONS