Trafalgar has entered the river cruise market, launching its first sailings on Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers as the guided tour company expands beyond land-based travel.
The debut was marked with a three-day inaugural sailing aboard the Trafalgar Verity in Amsterdam from April 10–12. More than 100 travel advisors, media and company representatives attended the launch, which offered a preview of how Trafalgar plans to translate its guided touring model to river cruising.
Captain Alexander van Der Graaf and performer (Photo Credit: Trafalgar)Programming during the sailing included a ship naming ceremony, cultural excursions and onboard experiences designed to mirror the company’s existing product. Activities included a visit to a historic Dutch windmill and a hosted lunch in the fishing village of Monnickendam, alongside onboard storytelling sessions and wellness programming.
“Introducing river cruising is a dream in the making for Trafalgar, shaped by the trust our travel advisor partners have placed in us over the years and their support every step of the way,” said Melissa DaSilva, Deputy CEO and Chief Sales Officer, TTC Tour Brands. “We’re bringing our decades of experience crafting guided journeys to Europe’s rivers, creating even more opportunities for advisors to connect their clients with the meaningful, locally driven experiences that define our brand. This is just the beginning, with future expansion already underway.”
The Trafalgar Verity naming ceremony included a blessing led by the ship’s godmother, past guest Cassandra Estrella-Roca, reflecting the company’s decision to select a loyal customer for the role rather than a public figure. Estrella-Roca described the ship as “a home for stories… a bridge between worlds.”
A second ship, Trafalgar Reverie, began its inaugural Danube sailing on April 11. The sold-out voyage runs from Passau to Budapest, with stops in Vienna and Bratislava. The naming ceremony featured TTC Tour Brands CEO Simon Jones, Vice President of Trafalgar River Cruise Damien O’Connor, and the ship’s godmother, past guest Kate McIntosh.
Both ships carry 128 guests and are designed as smaller, three-deck vessels focused on immersive, destination-led itineraries. The Rhine itinerary runs between Basel and Amsterdam over 10 days, while the Danube route connects Passau and Budapest, with a mix of guided excursions and onboard programming.
Travel advisors attending the launch said the product aligns closely with Trafalgar’s existing brand.
“Being here and experiencing this firsthand, you can really see how naturally this extends the Trafalgar brand,” said Nicole Mazza, Chief Marketing Officer, TRAVELSAVERS. “From the personalized service to the intimate, thoughtfully designed spaces, it feels both elevated and incredibly welcoming. What stands out most is how seamlessly they’ve brought their signature connection to destination onto the river - this is something advisors can feel confident recommending to their clients.”
Pricing starts at CAD$5,199 per person for the Rhine itinerary and CAD$4,049 per person for the Danube.
The company plans to expand further, with a third ship, Trafalgar Harmonie, scheduled to launch on the Seine in 2027, as part of a broader push into the river cruise market through the end of the decade.
Canadian advisors can visit agents.ttc.com to learn more about Trafalgar’s river cruises, with selling guides and access to up to 60% off Travel Advisor Rates.
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