---

July 12, 2025

As the 2026 river cruise season approaches, Thurgau Travel presents a renewed and enhanced offer, ready to redefine the standards of river travel.

This historic Swiss company, known for its pioneering role in the river cruise sector, continues to innovate by focusing on authentic traveler experiences, onboard comfort, and a strong commitment to environmental and social sustainability. The 2026 season promises to be rich in new features, ranging from enchanting new routes to state-of-the-art ships, as well as a more attentive and personalized offer for solo travelers and lovers of exclusive cultural and gastronomic experiences.

Thurgau Travel has long been synonymous with high-quality river cruises, and for 2026 it has decided to raise the bar even higher. At the heart of the innovations is the introduction of new vessels, such as the MS Swiss Pearl, a true jewel of the fleet that enriches the offer on the Seine River. Thanks to its ability to sail directly to the picturesque port town of Honfleur, this ship allows passengers to discover one of Normandy’s most charming corners in an exclusive and direct way, avoiding land transfers and thus offering an even more immersive travel experience.

At the same time, Thurgau Travel is also investing in Asia, a growing market for river cruises. Starting in 2026, the fleet will be expanded with the RV Mekong Star, a brand-new 5-star ship that represents the future of river tourism in Southeast Asia. This elegant boutique vessel will cruise the northern stretch of the Mekong River, between Laos and Northern Thailand, along the route from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and on to Chiang Rai. The decision to operate in this region is part of a clear strategic vision: to highlight lesser-known routes far from the circuits of mass tourism, while offering a deeply authentic and culturally rich travel experience.

The RV Mekong Star, rated 5 stars, can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests in 12 refined cabins and suites, all equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and personal balconies. Built in the local architectural style, the ship combines the charm of traditional design with modern comfort. On board, guests can enjoy a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine, a panoramic lounge, a cozy bar, and a spacious sun deck with shaded areas and loungers. The personalized service provided by an experienced crew, along with guided excursions and cultural encounters on board, makes each journey a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local way of life. This is not just about admiring landscapes and landmarks — it’s about experiencing nature, meeting people, and discovering the stories that bring these destinations to life. This vessel responds to the rising demand for Southeast Asian travel off the beaten tourist paths, offering exclusive itineraries between Laos and Thailand. This project is particularly significant because it combines luxury and sustainability, catering to a discerning and conscious clientele.

Another key focus for Thurgau Travel in 2026 is improving comfort for solo travelers, a growing segment in the tourism market. For the first time, the company offers single cabins without any surcharge aboard two of its most appreciated ships: the MS Swiss Pearl and the recently renovated and modernized MS Swiss Splendor. This choice represents a concrete response to the needs of solo travelers, allowing them to enjoy a high-quality experience without paying often prohibitive extra costs.

The MS Swiss Splendor, completely refurbished in 2024, will begin operating on the Rhine starting from the 2026 season. Measuring 135 meters in length, this 4-star superior-rated vessel features a modern and functional design, spacious and comfortable interiors, and special attention to solo travelers, with as many as 14 single cabins available. Among its highlights are two elegant lounges with outdoor terraces, a spacious restaurant, a panoramic library lounge, a fully equipped gym, and suites with bathtubs, including a Master Suite with a bathroom featuring both a shower and a tub. All decks are accessible via elevators, except for the sun deck, which is still reachable via a stairlift. The upper deck is covered, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoors even in adverse weather conditions. The MS Swiss Splendor is set to cruise along some of Europe’s most beloved river routes, such as Basel–Amsterdam–Basel and Düsseldorf–Amsterdam–Basel, offering a premium river cruising experience designed for adult travelers who seek peace, comfort, and refinement.

2026 also sees a significant expansion of themed itineraries, designed to enrich the journey with high-level cultural and gastronomic experiences. Among the most interesting new offerings is the “Kunst am Fluss” (Art on the River) cruise aboard the MS Voyage, which travels through southern France exploring the world of artists who made this region famous. This proposal invites travelers to discover the beauty of Provence through the eyes of those who artistically interpreted it — an experience that combines breathtaking landscapes with an immersion in local culture.

Equally captivating is the “Geschmack der Provence” (Taste of Provence) journey, which focuses on food and wine — an increasingly important aspect for modern travelers seeking authentic and sensory-rich experiences.
Finally, for whisky enthusiasts, Thurgau Travel offers the “Whisky Time” cruise on the MS Thurgau Gold, a special occasion to learn about the history and culture of this celebrated drink, combined with unique river landscapes.

An important chapter of the 2026 program concerns new routes dedicated to Germany, designed to meet the growing demand for regional, slower-paced, and deeper travel that highlights the discovery of the territory at a relaxed and sustainable rhythm. Standout itineraries include “Zwischen Havelidylle und Elbezauber” (Between Havel Idyll and Elbe Magic), departing from Potsdam and leading to the discovery of historic towns and lesser-known river landscapes, passing through small villages and hidden corners. Also on the agenda are cruises from Berlin to Saarbrücken, as well as a special Christmas cruise along the Elbe from Dresden to Hamburg, designed to offer atmospheric and unique festive moments. These itineraries represent a new way of conceiving travel, emphasizing slowness, quality of experience, and authentic contact with local culture.

Thurgau Travel is not only about innovation and comfort; at the core of its philosophy lies a concrete commitment to sustainability. The company recently published its second sustainability report, showing clear progress on several fronts. All ships in the European fleet carry the Fair Cruise Work label, which guarantees fair working conditions for the crew — a choice reflecting a deep social responsibility.

From an environmental standpoint, the company continuously invests in innovative technologies to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Among the most significant collaborations is the partnership with The Ocean Cleanup, an organization dedicated to removing plastic from the oceans. Additionally, Thurgau Travel uses eco-friendly travel materials and promotes the use of local, seasonal, and often organic food products, with increasing attention to vegetarian options on board.

The onboard cuisine is also evolving in 2026 to meet guests’ tastes and expectations. In particular, an à la carte breakfast service is being introduced in the suites — an innovation allowing guests to freely choose what and when to eat, adding a touch of exclusivity and comfort. The cuisine increasingly focuses on regional and seasonal ingredients, ensuring fresh and genuine dishes. Attention to dietary preferences also translates into an expanded vegetarian offering, catering to an audience increasingly attentive to healthy and conscious lifestyles.

In summary, the 2026 river cruise season from Thurgau Travel presents a rich and varied offer that combines innovation, sustainability, culture, and comfort.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of Thurgau Travel on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Friederich Rolstad

Comments