The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is pleased to announce an expanded River Cruise Expo March 11-15, 2026 in Amsterdam. The event that was initially so popular it was sold out as early as April, is so successful that ASTA has had to secure extra docking spaces. That’s a good step since it allows more venues and boats that can participate in making the expo enjoyable.

Additional Docking Space Boosts Attendance

The business development team at ASTA has worked hard to secure additional dock space, and registration for travel advisors and other industry professionals has reopened. This preemptive measure should lead to better show participation, and a broader network for those involved on both sides of the business. The capital of the Netherlands, with its intricate waterways and easy to navigate tourist infrastructure, is a perfect city to host the bigger competition.

There will be cruise ships from 15 lines at the exposition

No less than fifteen river cruise vessels will be exhibited at the ASTA gathering in 2026. The event delivers in-depth insight into the newest industry technologies and onboard product innovations. The addition of two ships reflects ASTA’s dedication to growing a variety of new cruising options that agents can sell to their clients.

Celebrity to Offer River Cruises Celebrity Cruises and Trafalgar Will Offer River Cruises

A special feature of the expo will be the launch of the first-ever river products on the local market by Celebrity River Cruises and Trafalgar Tours. With this in mind, the following leading brands will launch services and features, offering brides-to-be a first look and chance to try before anyone else! The two companies’ offerings reflect the expansion of the river cruising sector and have taken interest from the established ocean cruise lines and tour operators.

Celebrity River Cruises is expected to bring the luxury that is synonymous with ocean cruising to the rivers of Europe and around the world. Another company known for its immersive land tours, Trafalgar, will demonstrate its distinctive take on river cruising, which combines cultural depth with home-away-from-home comfort and convenience.

Longer General Sessions Create Learning Opportunities

Another big change for the 2026 River Cruise Expo is expanding the general session from one day to two. The new expanded format is designed to enhance educational value greatly, according to ASTA. Attendees will have additional time to interact with industry leaders, listen to thought-provoking panels, and also network on a larger scale.

Keynote Speaker Inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert

Keynote speaker Elizabeth Gilbert, best-selling author of the inspirational Eat, Pray, Love, will make her SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo debut and kick off the event. Gilbert’s captivating narrative is sure to strike the right chord with travel advisors, providing inspiration, motivation, and never-before-heard sentiment on the transformative power of travel. Her attendance serves to reinforce ASTA’s commitment to providing unforgettable, immersive experiences.

AmaSofia’s Godmother Named: Sarah Little

Sarah Little, ASTA’s senior vice president of business development, will serve as godmother of AmaWaterways’ new AmaSofia. The ceremonial acknowledgment honors Little’s significant achievements within the travel industry and recognizes her commitment to river cruising. The naming is one of the most treasured traditions to represent the formal commencement of a ship’s life and service to her country.

Showcase Networking and Sneak Peeks for the Audience

River Cruise Expo claims to provide networking opportunities for travel advisors, cruise lines, and industry partners. Delegates will receive exclusive previews of new ships and once-in-a-lifetime onboard experiences to allow them to make knowledgeable recommendations to their clients. Advisors appreciate the opportunity to stay ahead of industry trends and changing client needs.

Amsterdam: An Ideal Host City

With Amsterdam’s classic spider web of canals and seafaring tradition, it’s not a surprise the city hosts ASTA’s function. Delegates will have the exciting opportunity to experience the hustle and bustle of this internationally renowned city, visiting historical sites, museums, and enjoying great food. The city of Amsterdam easily facilitates conferences and events of this size, making it easy and enjoyable for international visitors.

Industry Impacts and Future Prospects

With river cruising increasingly becoming a standout favorite among travelers for their smaller, less chaotic, and more culturally focused travel experience, the added dimension of the ASTA River Cruise Expo is timely. Where industry trends and insights are shared and new partnerships are forged and developed, ATM is where the global building and construction community comes together to drive towards sustainable success.

ASTA’s proactive growth is a further testament to the leadership of the travel industry and the standards by which the world travels. This year is set to be game-changing and will further solidify Amsterdam on the map as a top destination for river cruise events.