Does Princess Cruise Lines Have River Cruises Find Out Now

Princess Cruise Lines does not currently operate its own river cruises, focusing instead on ocean and expedition voyages. However, Princess partners with select river cruise providers to offer curated inland waterway experiences as part of their land-and-sea vacation packages, combining the best of both worlds for travelers.

Key Takeaways

• No river cruises: Princess Cruise Lines does not offer river cruises.
• Ocean focus: Princess specializes in ocean and cruise ship vacations.
• Partner options: Consider third-party river cruise providers for similar experiences.
• Destination overlap: Both cruise types visit Europe, Asia, and South America.
• Unique amenities: Princess offers larger ships with diverse onboard activities.
• Future updates: Check Princess’s official site for any new river cruise plans.

Does Princess Cruise Lines Have River Cruises? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you think of Princess Cruise Lines, you might picture elegant ocean liners gliding across the Caribbean, Alaska, or the Mediterranean. The brand’s signature “Love Boat” legacy, stunning onboard amenities, and immersive destinations have made it a household name in the cruise world. But if you’re dreaming of gliding down the Danube, the Rhine, or the Mekong—those serene, intimate river journeys—you might be wondering: Does Princess Cruise Lines have river cruises?

You’re not alone. River cruising has exploded in popularity over the past decade, thanks to its smaller ships, immersive cultural experiences, and the ability to dock right in the heart of historic European cities and Asian river towns. It’s the kind of travel where you wake up in Vienna, have lunch in Passau, and sip wine in Regensburg—all without unpacking more than once. So naturally, travelers who love Princess’s ocean cruises are curious if they can get that same level of comfort and service on a river journey. Let’s dive into the truth behind Princess Cruise Lines and river cruising, and what your options are if you’re craving that intimate, destination-focused adventure.

Princess Cruise Lines: A Legacy Built on Ocean Cruising

Ocean Cruising Is Their Core Strength

Princess Cruise Lines has been a dominant force in the ocean cruise industry since 1965. Known for its mid-sized to large ships—like the Royal Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Discovery Princess—the brand excels at offering a balance of luxury, entertainment, and destination immersion. Their itineraries span over 330 destinations across 100+ countries, including Alaska’s glaciers, the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, and the Norwegian Fjords.

Their ocean ships are floating resorts, with features like:

• Multiple dining options, including specialty restaurants like Sabatini’s and Crown Grill

<

• Spacious staterooms, including suites with private balconies
• Entertainment like Broadway-style shows and Movies Under the Stars

<

• Enrichment programs with guest speakers, cooking demos, and destination lectures

These are all hallmarks of Princess’s ocean experience. But river cruising is a different beast entirely. River ships are much smaller—typically 120 to 190 passengers—and built to navigate narrow waterways, low bridges, and shallow rivers. The focus shifts from onboard entertainment to shore experiences, local culture, and intimate group excursions.

Why River Cruising Is a Different Ballgame

River cruising isn’t just a smaller version of ocean cruising. It’s a fundamentally different travel style. On a river cruise, you’re not just passing through a country—you’re living in it. You dock in city centers (not ports), walk to museums and cafes, and often have guided walking tours, bike rides, or wine tastings built into your itinerary.

For example, a 7-night Rhine River cruise might include:

• A morning visit to a medieval castle in Germany
• Lunch at a local vineyard in the Alsace region of France
• An evening canal tour in Amsterdam
• Free time to explore Cologne’s cathedral or Strasbourg’s old town

Princess Cruise Lines, with its ocean-focused infrastructure, doesn’t operate ships that can fit these river routes. The locks, bridges, and narrow channels of Europe’s rivers require specialized vessels—something Princess hasn’t ventured into.

The Short Answer: Princess Does Not Operate River Cruises

No River Fleet, No River Itineraries

Let’s get right to it: Princess Cruise Lines does not offer river cruises. They do not own or operate any river cruise ships. Their entire fleet—over 15 ocean-going vessels—is designed for open seas, not inland waterways.

This is a common misconception, especially since other major cruise lines—like Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld—have built entire brands around river cruising. Even Royal Caribbean and Carnival have dipped their toes into the river market with partnerships or small river-focused lines. But Princess? They’ve stayed firmly in the ocean lane.

Why Hasn’t Princess Entered the River Market?

There are a few likely reasons:

• Brand Identity: Princess has spent decades building its reputation around ocean travel. Their marketing, onboard experience, and customer base are deeply rooted in the “Love Boat” lifestyle—sun decks, pool parties, and transatlantic crossings.
• Operational Complexity: River cruising requires different logistics. You need local partners, smaller ports, and crews trained in navigating narrow rivers. It’s a niche market with high operational costs.
• Focus on Core Strengths: Instead of branching into river cruising, Princess has invested in enhancing its ocean offerings—like the MedallionClass experience, which uses wearable tech to personalize service, speed up check-in, and even order drinks poolside.

It’s not that Princess couldn’t do river cruises. It’s that they’ve chosen to double down on what they do best: large-scale ocean vacations with a touch of elegance and a lot of flexibility.

But Wait—What About Princess’s Partnerships and Alternatives?

Princess’s “Cruise with Purpose” and Land Programs

While Princess doesn’t operate river ships, they do offer land-based extensions and shore excursions that sometimes include river experiences. For example:

• A Princess Alaska cruise might include a Yukon River excursion in Dawson City, with a small boat ride and gold panning demo.
• A Mediterranean cruise could offer a Danube River day trip from Budapest, with a guided boat tour of the river and a visit to Margaret Island.
• Their “Cruise with Purpose” program sometimes partners with local river tour operators in places like Cambodia (Mekong River) or Egypt (Nile River).

These are not full river cruises, but they do give you a taste of river-based exploration. Think of them as “river lite” experiences—great for dipping your toe in, but not the full immersion a dedicated river cruise offers.

Princess’s Sister Brand: A Closer Look at Holland America Line

Here’s a fun twist: Princess is owned by Carnival Corporation, which also owns Holland America Line. And guess what? Holland America has a river cruise partnership with AmaWaterways.

Through this partnership, Holland America offers river cruise itineraries on AmaWaterways’ ships—like the AmaLea and AmaMagna—on the Danube, Rhine, and Rhône rivers. These cruises are marketed as “Holland America River Cruises,” and they’re available to Princess loyalists who want to try river travel without switching brands entirely.

So while you can’t book a “Princess River Cruise,” you can book a river cruise through a sister brand under the same corporate umbrella. It’s not the same, but it’s a viable option for Princess fans who want that intimate, culturally rich experience.

Pro Tip: How to Book a River Cruise as a Princess Loyalist

If you love Princess’s service, dining, and overall vibe but want to try river cruising, here’s what to do:

• Check Holland America River Cruises: Visit Holland America’s website and look for their AmaWaterways itineraries. Many are 7 to 14 nights, with included shore excursions and wine/beer at lunch and dinner.
• Look for “Princess Perks”: Some Holland America river cruises offer Princess Crown & Anchor Society benefits, like onboard credit or priority boarding.
• Combine with an Ocean Cruise: Book a Princess ocean cruise and tack on a Holland America river cruise as a pre- or post-trip. For example, cruise the Mediterranean on Princess, then fly to Budapest for a Danube river cruise with Holland America.
• Use the Same Travel Agent: Your Princess travel agent can often book river cruises through partner lines, making the transition seamless.

Top River Cruise Alternatives for Princess Fans

1. AmaWaterways – The Luxury Choice

AmaWaterways is one of the most respected river cruise lines, and the partner for Holland America’s river program. Their ships are elegant, with spacious staterooms, open-seating dining, and included excursions. They’re known for:

• Active excursions (biking, hiking, walking tours)
• Onboard wellness (fitness centers, massage services)
• Wine and beer included at meals

If you love Princess’s attention to detail and guest experience, AmaWaterways will feel familiar—just on a smaller scale.

2. Viking River Cruises – The Cultural Deep-Dive

Viking is the largest river cruise line in the world, with over 80 ships. They focus on destination immersion, with expert-led lectures, local guides, and included excursions. Their ships have Scandinavian design, a relaxed vibe, and a strong emphasis on history and culture.

Perfect for Princess travelers who enjoy enrichment programs and educational content.

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – The High-End Option

Uniworld is all about luxury. Their ships are like floating boutique hotels, with designer interiors, gourmet dining, and all-inclusive pricing (tips, drinks, excursions). If you love Princess’s specialty restaurants and spa services, Uniworld will feel like a step up in elegance.

4. Avalon Waterways – The Active Traveler’s Pick

Avalon focuses on active, flexible touring. Their “Active & Discovery” itineraries include kayaking, cooking classes, and local workshops. Their ships have open-air balconies and modern staterooms. Great for Princess fans who enjoy onboard activities and variety.

5. Emerald Waterways – The Value Option

Emerald offers modern ships, included excursions, and a more affordable price point. They’re perfect for first-time river cruisers who want a taste of the experience without breaking the bank. Their “EmeraldACTIVE” program includes guided walks and bike rides.

Comparing River vs. Ocean Cruising: What Princess Fans Should Know

Before you make the switch (or add a river cruise to your bucket list), it’s important to understand the key differences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what fits your travel style:

Feature	Princess Ocean Cruises	River Cruises (e.g., AmaWaterways, Viking)
Ship Size	2,000–3,600 passengers	120–190 passengers
Itinerary Focus	Multiple countries, longer sea days	One river, daily port stops
Docking Location	Ports (often outside city centers)	City centers (walk to attractions)
Onboard Experience	Entertainment, pools, casinos, shows	Relaxed, lounge areas, small library, local music
Shore Excursions	Optional, often extra cost	Included, guided, small groups
Meals & Drinks	Multiple restaurants, some specialty (extra)	Open seating, local cuisine, wine/beer included
Best For	Relaxation, variety, entertainment	Cultural immersion, active touring, intimacy

This table highlights the trade-offs. Ocean cruising is about freedom and variety, while river cruising is about depth and connection. Both are wonderful—they just serve different travel goals.

For example, if you’re a Princess fan who loves:

• Pool days and deck parties → stick with ocean cruises
• Walking through medieval towns and tasting local wine → try a river cruise
• Learning about history and art → river cruises are ideal
• Watching Broadway-style shows → ocean is your home

Final Thoughts: Should You Try a River Cruise After Princess?

So, back to the original question: Does Princess Cruise Lines have river cruises? The answer is a clear no. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the river cruise experience—especially if you’re already a Princess devotee.

River cruising offers something Princess ocean ships can’t: the chance to wake up in a new city every morning, walk to a local market, sip wine in a vineyard, or bike through a countryside village. It’s slower, more intimate, and deeply immersive. It’s not about the ship—it’s about the destination.

And while Princess doesn’t operate river ships, they’ve made it easier than ever to transition. Through their sister brand Holland America, you can book a river cruise with a familiar level of service and quality. Plus, many river lines—like AmaWaterways and Viking—share Princess’s commitment to guest comfort, cleanliness, and enriching experiences.

Here’s my personal tip: Try a river cruise as a “side quest.” Book a 7-night Danube journey with Holland America/AmaWaterways, then return to your beloved Princess ocean cruise for the next trip. You’ll get the best of both worlds—the intimacy of river travel and the grandeur of ocean cruising.

And who knows? Maybe one day Princess will dip a toe into the river market. Until then, the river cruise world is waiting—and it’s every bit as magical as that “Love Boat” fantasy, just on a quieter, more personal scale.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and don’t let the lack of a Princess river ship stop you. The rivers are calling—and you’re ready to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Lines have river cruises?

No, Princess Cruise Lines does not currently offer river cruises. The brand specializes in ocean and expedition cruises, focusing on destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Are there any Princess river cruises available in 2024?

Princess Cruise Lines does not operate river cruises in 2024 or any other year. However, their ocean cruises often visit scenic ports that provide similar coastal or cultural experiences.

What cruise lines does Princess own that offer river cruises?

Princess Cruise Lines does not own or operate any river cruise brands. For river cruises, you may consider sister brands like Holland America Line or other dedicated river cruise companies such as Viking or AmaWaterways.

Can I book a river cruise through Princess Cruise Lines?

While Princess does not offer river cruises directly, their website and customer service can help guide you to trusted partners or alternative ocean cruise itineraries with river-like experiences.

Why doesn’t Princess Cruise Lines have river cruises?

Princess focuses on large-ship ocean cruising and expedition voyages, which align with their brand identity. River cruises require smaller vessels and different operational logistics outside their current business model.

What are alternatives to Princess river cruises?

If you’re seeking a Princess-like experience on rivers, consider ocean cruises with scenic inland waterway routes (e.g., Alaska’s Inside Passage). For true river cruises, explore brands like Uniworld or Emerald Cruises, which specialize in luxury river journeys.