After 78 years of running land tours, Trafalgar is testing the waters – literally. From 11 April 2026, it’s launching its first river cruises along the Rhine and Danube. Two custom-designed ships, Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie, will offer travellers a new way to experience Europe, with small guest numbers, plenty of local flavour, and a strong nod to slow travel.
We’ve pulled together the key facts to help you decide: is Trafalgar’s new river cruise product a good fit for your clients?
Two ships, two rivers, multiple destinations
There are two ships: the Trafalgar Reverie sailing the Danube, and the Trafalgar Verity cruising the Rhine. Both carry just 128 guests in 64 cabins – making it more boutique than big-ship cruising.
Sailings include:
8 days on the Danube (Trafalgar Reverie): Budapest to Passau (or the reverse), with stops in Bratislava, Vienna, and more.
10 days on the Rhine (Trafalgar Verity): Basel to Amsterdam, with ports including Strasbourg, Cologne, and Arnhem.
Nick Lim, CEO, Asia, The Travel Corporation (TTC) called the product “the best worst-kept secret,” adding, “We’re marrying the expertise of a land operator with the style of river cruising.”
Small ship, big personality
Trafalgar Reverie is a 128-passenger river ship sailing the Danube, offering cosy cabins, local cuisine, guided excursions, and Trafalgar’s signature cultural and community experiences.
Expect a more relaxed vibe. Think: no massive queues, no crowding. Each ship will feel like a floating boutique hotel.
Key features include:
Crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3
Full-board dining (including wine and beer at meals)
24/7 reception (yes, with a scanner to check you in and out)
Spa, gym, and even a little shop on board
Trafalgar Verity: “The only authorised fireplace on any European river ship,” according to Lim
Mae Cheah, managing director Asia, TTC, joked, “Any reason to party is a good reason,” before noting the ships are “where daily needs are made real and only possible with Trafalgar.”
Authentic Trafalgar touches
Trafalgar promises it won’t just be another river cruise. Their hallmark experiences carry over:
Be My Guest: Visit the Saahs family at Austria’s oldest winery (Danube) or have lunch at the Bohrer family farm in Germany (Rhine).
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER: Visit an NGO in Bratislava to learn about life behind the Iron Curtain, or meet vinegar artisans at Doktorenhof.
Guided walking tours and optional excursions like castle visits or Black Forest day trips are included or available.
“These are the places and people you’d never meet on your own,” said Cheah.
For travellers who want to take it slow
These cruises are designed for travellers who want more than just sightseeing. “It’s about sitting with a glass of wine, watching the world go by, getting off the ship and walking straight into town,” said Lim. “The word ‘relaxation’ will mean something new.”
Each sailing offers:
Slow, scenic travel through Europe’s countryside
Flexible pre- and post-extensions in places like Prague, Lucerne, or Amsterdam
Responsible travel elements, like buying produce locally at each stop and avoiding plastic bottles entirely
“You just sit back, relax, slow travel,” said Mae Cheah. “Drink as much as you want – or not.”
So, what are travellers actually paying for?
Trafalgar Verity is a 128-guest ship cruising the Rhine, featuring 1930s-inspired design, curated local experiences, sustainable practices, and inclusive dining with wine, beer, and daily excursions.
All meals are included, with buffet breakfasts and lunches, and a served three-course dinner. Wine and beer are part of the deal at lunch and dinner. Guests also enjoy daily guided tours, onboard entertainment, a small spa and gym, and 24/7 access to coffee, tea, and filtered water.
What sets Trafalgar apart are its signature Be My Guest’ visits – like lunch at a family-owned farm – and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences that connect travellers with local communities and causes. With a 1:3 crew-to-guest ratio and no single-use plastics, it’s a well-rounded, low-fuss product.
As Elaine Teo, cruise consultant of Cruise Connexions puts it: “River cruising is gaining traction in the Asian market, and the prices are very reasonable. Visiting farms and wineries adds a personal, human touch – that’s a big selling point for our clients.”