Trafalgar launches river cruises for 2026

Trafalgar will set sail on the Danube and the Rhine next spring.

Uniworld/Trafalgar cruise ship on the Danube at night with cathedral in background
(Photo: The Travel Company)

Trafalgar has long been a land tour expert, but beginning in April 2026, the tour company will be taking to the water with its first two river cruise itineraries, the eight-day Best of the Danube and the 10-day Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam

The company is dipping its toes into the waters of river cruises with seasonal cruises on both the Rhine and the Danube that will be offered from April through October. Cruises will operate in partnership with Trafalgar’s sister brand, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (both companies are owned by The Travel Company, which also owns brands like Insight Vacations and Brendan Vacations). And word on the street is that Trafalgar is considering expanding river cruise offerings in the years to come.

As with its land tours, Trafalgar’s river cruises will center connection and cultural immersion with activities like a homegrown lunch at a farm, a hike through a vineyard, and the chance to get a local’s-eye-view on village life. 

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TourScoop takeaway

Trafalgar’s expansion into the river cruise space, specifically starting with the Danube and the Rhine, makes a huge amount of sense. So many cities and towns hug the banks of these rivers, making it a natural fit for Trafalgar-style experiences highlighting culture, scenery, and local character. Not to mention it gives brand loyalists a new option. And the chance to unpack once but see many destinations adds extra appeal.

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Christine Sarkis is the co-founder of Vacationist Media and editor-in-chief of TourScoop and FamilyVacationist.com. She is the former executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, a travel publication owned by Tripadvisor. Her work has been published in dozens of publications including Conde Nast Traveler and USAToday, and she has been quoted in print and online publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and People magazine. She has also offered tips for travelers on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now.