Last Updated on March 24, 2025
If you’ve never been on a river cruise, word of warning: once you do, you’ll want to do it again. And again.
Floating down the rivers of time past the iconic Eiffel Tower with its shimmering lights, along picturesque riverbanks dotted with ancient castles, or through the temperate hills of Ireland are unforgettable experiences.
River cruising is on track for a record-breaking year in 2025, with passenger volume projected to surge to 125% of pre-pandemic levels. With 19 new riverboats set to launch, travelers have more options than ever.
What’s driving this surge? Unlike ocean liners, river cruises offer an intimate, immersive way to explore lesser-known and hard-to-reach destinations – offering hidden cultural experiences for discerning travelers. And port visits are cultural immersions in places you could never visit on an ocean cruise.
Part of the amazing experience of a river cruise is spending a few days exploring a destination that represents the embarkation or disembarkation point.
For those planning to cruise in 2025, here are four standout excursions that will make a river voyage even more exceptional, handpicked by the Shore Excursions Group.
Candlelight Cruise in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famous for its rich history and iconic canals spanning more than 60 miles. Travelers can float through the “Venice of the North” as the city’s 17th century canals glow under the night sky.
Aboard a candlelit boat, visitors indulge in fine wines, savor gourmet cheeses and glide past 1,200 bridges and 90 islands, experiencing Amsterdam at its most romantic.
Paris: The City of Light
La Ville Lumière is usually off-limits to larger ships; therefore, it remains a dream destination for river cruisers. Arriving via the famed Seine River offers the perfect gateway to an unforgettable journey—whether through a private tour of the gilded halls of Versailles, a tranquil visit to Monet’s serene gardens in Giverny or a raucous evening of dining and entertainment at the iconic Moulin Rouge.
With its fascinating history, iconic landmarks, artistic heritage and world-class cuisine, Paris remains one of the most famous and visited cities in the world.
Porto – Port Cellar Wine & Food Tasting
Portugal’s second-largest city is a stunning coastal destination renowned for its charming old town and world-famous port wine.
Travelers can step into the world’s oldest active wine cellar on this guided tour of Porto’s enchanting wine district, Vila Nova de Gaia. This experience includes sampling three distinct varieties of Port wines and venturing into hidden culinary gems you won’t find in your typical guidebook. These quaint local food shops to genuine neighborhood eateries provide a delightful insider foodie adventure.
Budapest’s Basilica Concert Experience
Hungary’s capital is a stunning city divided by the Danube River into two distinct areas: Buda and Pest. The destination is known for its grand architecture, thermal baths, vibrant nightlife, Christmas markets and historical treasures.
River cruisers can immerse themselves in Budapest’s historic musical scene with a 70-minute concert inside the breathtaking St. Stephen’s Basilica. Renowned Hungarian musicians bring the works of Liszt, Vivaldi, and Bach to life, all within the opulent grandeur of one of Europe’s most elaborate churches.
From sipping wine in candlelit Amsterdam or listening to classical masterpieces in Budapest, these experiences transform a river cruise into lifelong memories. As river cruising continues to increase in popularity, 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect year to discover the world’s most famous waterways in a new and exciting way.
