Trafalgar is inviting travelers to lock in early savings on its debut 2026 River Cruise program. Couples who reserve select departures on either the Danube or Rhine by September 30, 2025, will receive $1,500 in instant savings-a sizeable discount that sweetens the line's first season on Europe's legendary waterways. The promotion is available only when booking through an authorized Travel Advisor.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Rare $1,500 per-couple discount on new product
- Booking window: July 17-September 30, 2025
- Eligible sailings: Select 2026 Rhine and Danube departures
- Booking channel: Must reserve through an authorized Travel Advisor
- Ships: Trafalgar Reverie and Trafalgar Verity
Snapshot
The savings apply to two inaugural itineraries-Best of the Danube and Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam-operated aboard Trafalgar's 128-passenger sister ships. Eligible voyages run from April through October 2026, and the discount is deducted at final invoice. Space is limited on each departure, encouraging early commitments.
Background
River cruising marks a new frontier for Trafalgar, the century-old guided-tour specialist best known for escorted coach vacations. To enter the sector, the brand chartered and refitted two vessels from sister line Uniworld, weaving in signature Be My Guest dining events and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER(R) excursions. Early demand since the May announcement prompted this traveler-focused offer to maintain momentum while the product is still fresh.
Latest Developments
Best of the Danube
The eight-day Budapest-to-Passau journey highlights Vienna's storied café culture, Bratislava's Cold War landmarks, and an exclusive dinner inside Austria's oldest winery-Trafalgar's hallmark Be My Guest experience. Optional extensions to Prague or Munich stretch the trip to ten days.
Best of the Rhine and Amsterdam
Running ten days from Basel to Amsterdam, this itinerary threads through Strasbourg's half-timbered old town and the castle-laden Middle Rhine Gorge, then caps off with a farm-to-table feast hosted by the Bohrer family near the Dutch-German border. A Lucerne add-on delivers alpine views and Swiss rail access.
Analysis
For travelers weighing land Tours against river cruising, the $1,500 per-couple savings narrows the price gap considerably-often covering economy airfare from major U.S. gateways. Trafalgar's focus on immersive, locally hosted experiences provides an approachable alternative to the formality sometimes associated with luxury river lines, while the early-booking window secures preferred cabins before peak-season space tightens. Given that the discount is tied to a finite allotment per sailing, those interested in peak summer dates should act promptly.
Final Thoughts
Travelers eager to explore the Danube's baroque capitals or the Rhine's storybook stretches can now do so with significant upfront savings. Book through a trusted Travel Advisor before September 30, 2025, to capture the $1,500 per-couple discount and secure a cabin on Trafalgar's inaugural 2026 river season. Trafalgar River Cruise savings.