With the New Year rapidly approaching, you might be looking for a different cruising experience. Whether you have been on a river cruise before or still awaiting your first sailing, there is plenty to look forward towards in 2020. New ships, new ports of call and, most importantly, new experiences are what makes river cruising so intimate.

Plus, with so many similarities between ocean and river cruising, you can enjoy a brand-new experience without having to delve too far outside of your comfort zone. So, here are some of the new additions to river cruising in 2020.

NEW SHIPS

As with both types of cruising, new ships are always on the horizon and, with each trying to be more ground-breaking than the other, there are plenty of amazing ships to choose from.

Amadeus Imperial, launching in April 2020, is more likely to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, following the same formula that Amadeus River Cruises has used for countless years to keep their customers happy. The ship offers 72 spacious cabins and 12 Amadeus suites with their renowned retractable panoramic windows across the entire fleet. Each room will be fitted with comfortable, spacious bathrooms; a flat-screen television and adjustable air-conditioning, much like on every other Amadeus vessel.

Although many of her itineraries are yet to be announced, Amadeus Imperial will kick-start with an eight-day Tulip Serenade sailing, visiting famous ports like Arnhem, Middelburg, Ghent, Antwerp and Rotterdam.

Another ship that plans to sail European waters in 2020 is AmaSiena, sister ship to the award-winning AmaLea and AmaKristina. Due to set sail on 1st July 2020, the 156-passenger ship will offer a variety of 10 and 11-night itineraries across Europe’s most famous rivers like the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube Rivers. Much like her sisters, she will offer a range of connecting staterooms for families and a couple of dining options that include the main restaurant and the fan-favourite, wine-paired tasting menu in The Chef’s Table Restaurant.

Cruisers will also be able to enjoy a heated sun-deck with a pool and swim-up bar, fitness and wellbeing classes, a fleet of bicycles to explore the cities, high-speed Wi-Fi and happy hours.

MORE ITINERARIES

With new ships comes more itineraries and, while many of these are mainly in Europe, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to where you can start and finish your journey. Amongst the new sailings, there are extensive themed cruises such as a Beethoven Cruise on the Rhine, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the legendary composer, visiting some spectacular exclusive concerts both on board and on-shore.

Along with the variety of musical cruises, golf enthusiasts can also sail to Europe’s most iconic destinations with several river cruises devoted to Europe’s most eye-catching venues. Finally, there are many sailings that span all across Europe, visiting seven different countries and finishing on the shore of the Black Sea.