The event, title sponsored by Celebrity River Cruises, brings together 14 river cruise brands and 16 ships, offering travel advisors a rare opportunity to inspect multiple vessels from across the industry in one location. Throughout the week, advisors will step aboard participating ships, connect with cruise line executives and gain firsthand insight into the amenities, experiences and itineraries they sell to clients.
Now one of the travel industry’s most specialized and highly anticipated gatherings, the ASTA River Cruise Expo is designed for travel advisors to deepen their expertise in one of the fastest-growing segments of travel.
The Expo’s continued growth is mirrored by the strong commitment from cruise line partners. Celebrity River Cruises stepped forward as title sponsor even though its first river cruise ship will not enter service until spring 2027, indicating strong confidence in the event and the continued momentum of the river cruise sector.
“River cruising continues to grow in popularity with travelers, and travel advisors play a critical role in helping clients navigate the many options available,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. “The River Cruise Expo provides an unparalleled opportunity for advisors to step aboard the ships, engage directly with cruise line leadership and gain the knowledge needed to confidently sell river cruise vacations.”
The 2026 Expo will also feature a packed educational agenda, with sessions led by river cruise executives, destination experts and ASTA leaders focused on marketing, selling and delivering exceptional river cruise experiences for clients.
A highlight of the Expo’s programming is a keynote address from Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, whose books have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. Gilbert is widely recognized for exploring themes of curiosity, creativity and the transformative power of travel. Sponsored by Avalon Waterways, her keynote will anchor the Expo’s packed speaker agenda and offer inspiration around exploration and meaningful experiences which are values that resonate strongly with travel advisors who help clients discover the world.
Another special moment during the Expo will be the christening ceremony of AmaWaterways’ newest ship, AmaSofia. The ceremony will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ CEO Catherine Powell and will formally introduce Sarah Little, ASTA’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, as the ship’s Godmother, honoring the long-standing maritime tradition of blessing a vessel before it begins service. The celebration will mark the official welcome of AmaSofia to the award-winning AmaWaterways fleet and offer attendees a chance to raise a glass as the ship prepares to embark on new journeys along Europe’s rivers.
Following the Expo, attendees have the opportunity to continue their immersion through 12 post-Expo sailings, allowing advisors to experience river cruising firsthand while exploring some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations.
By bringing together travel advisors and the world’s leading river cruise brands at Amsterdam’s bustling cruise piers, the ASTA River Cruise Expo creates an unmatched environment for education, networking and product discovery.
More information about the ASTA River Cruise Expo is available here.
Photos will be posted throughout the event here.
Tags: ASTA River Cruise Expo Zane Kerby, ASTA
