Windmills and 16 Ships: My Deep Dive into the Future of River Cruising
- Lindsey Markwood
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
While most people are just starting to think about their next vacation, I am currently on the waterways of the Netherlands getting a masterclass in the industry. I am spending the next week and a half vetting the 2026 and 2027 seasons so my travelers do not have to spend hours researching online. My journey is a sandwich of experiences to make the most of my time here. I start aboard the Viking Ve (where I am currently onboard), and I am finishing my trip on the MS Geoffrey Chaucer with Riviera Travel.
Being on these two ships back to back is the perfect way for me to experience the heart of each brand. Right now, we are exploring the Dutch countryside. While the tulips are not quite ready to bloom yet, seeing the windmills this morning without the April crowds was pretty awesome. I was even able to help steer the direction of the windmills and untie the sails. It is little moments like that that make river cruising so special. Oh, and I have new favorite Dutch treat, Stroopwafels. I’ll post more about that later.
The highlight of the Viking Ve so far has been the service. It has been absolutely outstanding. The staff has been very friendly and always looking out for my needs (as well as everybody else onboard).
The Heart of the Journey: The ASTA River Cruise Expo
In between these two cruises, I am attending the ASTA River Cruise Expo. This is where the real work happens. The expo is an intensive, professional conference where I will not only be attending trainings on the lines, but I will have the rare opportunity to conduct ship inspections on sixteen different vessels. This is not just a walk through. I am checking out the room layout (i.e. how much room do you have, which way does the bed face, closet space, etc), the bathroom layouts (does it feel cramped or more spacious), tasting the menus, and meeting with the executive teams to see who is truly delivering on their promises for 2026 and beyond. Its really the perfect way for me to increase the knowledge I have about the river cruise lines.
I am especially looking forward to my educational sessions with Celebrity Cruises. They start sailing in 2027 on the Rhine and Danube River. They are revamping/redesigning what the ship can look like bringing a lot of inspiration from their Edge Class class. This is a game changer in my opinion and they will be announcing new updates during the expo.
Vetting the 2026 Fleet for You
Because I am looking at these ten ships side by side, I can categorize them in a way that makes sense for your specific travel style. Here is how I am breaking down the fleet during my inspections:
Innovative Cruise Lines: Celebrity is leading the charge here with their new designs, followed closely by AmaWaterways with their twin-balcony layouts and Avalon Waterways, whose Panorama Suites essentially turn your entire room into a balcony. These lines are perfect for the traveler who wants the latest and greatest in ship design and attract a younger demographic compared to other river cruise lines.
Luxury Cruise Lines: Riverside Luxury Cruises is currently setting the bar for ultra-luxury on the water and has the best food on the river. Uniworld and Tauck also remain the gold standard for my clients who want a truly all-inclusive experience where you never have to reach for your wallet but more importantly have all your needs taken care of.
Modern Cruise Lines: I will be sharing a lot more about Riviera Travel after my time on the MS Geoffrey Chaucer, and will learn more about Amadeus, and Viva. These lines great value without sacrificing quality. Of course, Viking remains the most recognized brand for their prime docking spots in the heart of the cities.
Why This Matters for Your Next Trip
I do not book a cruise just because it looks good in a glossy brochure or has a great website. I want to know which ship has the best cabin layout for you, which one serves the most authentic local food, which excursions are actually worth your time, and the overall experience. Whether you are looking for an AmaWaterways Christmas Market trip or a Viking romantic Rhine river cruise on the Rhine, or the wine themed cruise Douro River cruise with Uniworld, the details matter.
Being at the ASTA Expo means I am coming home with the most current playbook in the industry. I have direct access to the latest availability and insider updates that you simply cannot find on a search engine. My 2026 planning calendar is officially open, and I am ready to help you get ahead of the crowd.
If you want a vacation that is vetted, verified, and perfectly tailored to you, let’s start planning your next bit of magic. I am looking forward to connecting soon.
