When Will River Cruises Return

Updated: 4th August 2020

As the cruise industry looks to take guests back out onto the water, river cruises are some of the first to resume itineraries. Thanks to their smaller size, spacious design and enhanced health and safety protocols, guests will once again be able to journey along some of the world's most iconic waterways. Keep reading to find out which river cruise lines are offering itineraries and when, as well as some of the measures they are introducing to keep guests and crew safe throughout.

Expected Return Dates

Here is a list of river cruise lines and when they are expected to return to the rivers:

• Amadeus - July 2020
• AmaWaterways - 16th September 2020
• American Queen Steamboat Company - August 17th 2020 with Lower Mississippi sailing on American Duchess
• APT River Cruises - October 2020
• Avalon Waterways - October 2020
• CroisiEurope - returned in July with a cruise on the River Seine
• Crystal - October 2020
• Discover Egypt - 1st September 2020
• Emerald Waterways - November 2020
• Fred Olsen - January 2021
• G Adventures - September 2020
• Great Rail Journeys - September 1st 2020
• Riviera Travel - 17th August 2020
• Saga - September 2020
• Scenic - November 2020
• TUI River Cruises - 26th November 2020
• Uniworld - 16th August 2020

See here for all our top river cruise deals

River Cruise Health and Safety

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and to ensure that everyone can be welcomed back onboard safely, river cruise lines have been adapting and enhancing their health and safety protocols. While each line is introducing their own measures, there are some common changes that will take place, including:

• Pre-boarding health screening, mandatory health questionnaires and restrictions on travel for guests who have recently been to high risk areas
• Increased cleaning and disinfection throughout the ships with a focus on public areas, frequently touched surfaces and staterooms
• Highly trained crew with procedures to follow in case of guests showing symptoms of respiratory illness
• Self-service buffet meals replaced by table service

If you want to find out more about individual river cruise lines and what they are doing to keep guests and crew safe, be sure to read our information on how you can cruise with confidence.