The concept of expedition yachting has grown significantly, with destinations like Antarctica, Greenland, and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat becoming popular spots for private yacht charters.
Yet, while many believe that nearly every corner of the globe is accessible by yacht, there’s one type of waterway that remains relatively unexplored for luxury charters: the world’s great rivers.
However, this is beginning to change. A new wave of luxury riverboats is opening up historic cities and remote regions for high-end travel, bringing chartering to rivers that were once largely overlooked. These boats are now docking in places such as Budapest on the Danube and the hidden waters of La Han Bay in Vietnam.
According to Daniel Levine, director of New York-based consultancy Avant-Guide Institute, this rise in river cruising reflects a broader trend in luxury travel, where high-end travelers are opting for more relaxed, low-effort experiences. “They can visit multiple ports and soak in culture and history without ever changing hotels,” Levine told Robb Report. This style of travel appeals to those who want to explore inland cities and remote areas that large oceangoing vessels cannot reach. And unlike ocean travel, river cruising also comes with the added benefit of no seasickness.
Aqua Expeditions is one of the pioneers in this new space, leading with its purpose-built riverboats. The company launched its first vessel, the Aria Amazon, on the Peruvian Amazon in 2011. Since then, its fleet has expanded to include three riverboats operating on the Amazon and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, along with two oceangoing yachts in the Galapagos and Eastern Indonesia.
According to Francesco Galli Zugaro, founder of Aqua Expeditions, private charters now make up about 30% of the riverboat departures, reflecting a shift in how clients vacation. These travelers, typically multigenerational families or groups of friends, are more accustomed to yachting experiences than traditional cruises.
Galli Zugaro emphasizes that these riverboats maintain the same standards as superyachts, offering bespoke itineraries and allowing guests to customize their activities. Whether they want an action-packed trip or a more laid-back experience, the choice is theirs. “We recently hosted 20 couples who doubled the number of biking excursions we usually offer,” he said, illustrating the flexibility provided to charter clients.
The desire for off-the-beaten-path travel is a driving force behind the growing interest in riverboat charters, says Frédéric Crétin, a Monaco-based charter broker at Camper & Nicholsons. He noted an increase in inquiries about the Peruvian Amazon, particularly from American clients who see it as an adventurous yet accessible destination. Crétin manages bookings for Aqua Expeditions and finds that many travelers are drawn to the unique experience that river cruises offer compared to traditional yacht charters.
Heritage Line, another player in the river cruising market, operates five vessels on the upper and lower Mekong River and in Vietnam’s Halong and Lan Ha Bays.
According to CEO John Tue Nguyen, private stays aboard these ships are becoming increasingly popular, with the company averaging 12 to 15 charters annually. These bookings include families, multigenerational groups, and VIP travelers.
In Egypt, the market for private charters on the Nile has also expanded, particularly with the introduction of luxury vessels like Berge, the Nile River’s first luxury charter yacht, launched in 2022.
Armen Kazazian of Kazazian Cruises, the yacht’s owner, says that most of their clients are royal families, celebrities, politicians, and athletes, all seeking an exclusive Egyptian experience without the crowds. Berge has since been joined by a sister ship, Arax, a nine-cabin vessel that offers a high-end experience tailored to the guests’ preferences, from meals to daily routines.
While river cruising may lack some features found on traditional superyacht charters, such as water toys and multiple port stops, it makes up for it with unique destination experiences. Kazazian explains that the serene environment of the Nile allows for more expansive windows and larger spaces, and despite the boxy exteriors, the interiors of these riverboats can rival even the most luxurious oceangoing yachts.
Matthew Shollar of Transcend Cruises, Europe’s first charter-only river cruise company, also sees the appeal of river cruising. Transcend’s vessels, set to launch in 2025 and 2026, are designed to blend the best of river cruising and superyacht amenities.
With features like a 2,600-square-foot fitness and wellness area and a 144-inch unfolding television for entertainment, Shollar believes these riverboats offer a unique chartering experience that’s hard to match. The ships can accommodate up to 120 people, far exceeding the 12-guest capacity typical of most superyachts.
Transcend has already started exploring the private market with a soft launch this summer. One client, celebrating his 60th birthday, found the appeal of being able to host a large group of friends on a riverboat irresistible. The company’s flexible itineraries and spacious accommodations are turning more people toward this new style of chartering.
Other luxury riverboat operators, like Belmond’s Coquelicot and European Waterways’ Kir Royale, are capitalizing on smaller, intimate experiences, offering private bookings in picturesque regions like France’s Champagne, where travelers can enjoy the scenic views and visit local vineyards.
Though riverboat charters are still a niche compared to the superyacht market, they are gaining traction among luxury travelers who seek a slower-paced, culturally rich experience along some of the world’s most beautiful rivers.
