Cruises have long been established in the mainstream travel market. Many holidaymakers like the fact that they can visit several destinations without constantly changing hotels; the room travels with them, costs are predictable, and the organisational effort remains manageable. Demand has risen in recent years, both on the high seas and on inland waterways, and this trend is likely to continue in 2026.
River cruising in particular is on the rise. According to the German Travel Association (DRV), cruises were among the most dynamic areas of the German travel market in 2025. German holidaymakers spent around 6.7 billion euros on ocean and river cruises, an increase of 8 percent from the previous year.
River cruises on a growth trajectory
A recent study by IG RiverCruise indicates that in 2024, the European river cruise market recorded 1.39 million passengers, 3.537 billion euros in gross ticket revenue, and almost 10 million overnight stays. The survey covers data on 358 ships on Europe’s rivers.
The DRV sees the main focus on the Rhine and its tributaries, followed by the Danube, French waterways and the Nile. Guests from North America are becoming increasingly important, and markets in Australia and various Asian countries are also developing positively.
