Riverside Luxury Cruises is raising the bar on exploring Europe’s iconic beer culture.
Curated and led by noted beer sommelier James Kellow, the 8-day Hops & Heritage: Cruising Through Centuries of Brewing Craftmanship sailing will pair crafted regional beers with gourmet dining. Added bonus—the cruise takes place July 29-Aug. 5, 2026, which means passengers get to celebrate International Beer Day (Aug. 7) while sailing the Rhine River.
The cruise will give guests the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the drink and experience the work of seasoned craftsmen across multiple countries. Along the way, guests will be treated to iconic beers of each region including German pilsners and kolsch in Cologne and grolsch in Arnhem, before concluding in the historical brewing center of Amsterdam. The onboard beer sommelier will take guests on dedicated excursions to sample the drink and meet the makers at well-known and craft breweries and public houses, all surrounded by picturesque gothic cathedrals and medieval castles, not to mention the rolling hills and low mountains of the Rhine valley.
On board the ship, guests will be treated to interactive and educational sessions by Kellow, including tastings, food pairings and daily recommendations to accompany the a la carte menu in the Waterside restaurant. For an additional cost, guests can also book the Vintage Room fine-dining experience, where Kellow and the ship’s executive chef work together to create a seven-course celebration of regional beer and locally inspired dishes.
Beyond the 8-day cruise and throughout the month of August, beer aficionados traveling along the Rhine can enjoy a well-stocked bar of regional beers onboard supported by recommended food pairings and tasting notes.
