The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has released key dates for accommodations and post-event FAM trip registration for the sold-out 2026 River Cruise Expo, encouraging early planning as demand is expected to be high.
The River Cruise Expo, considered a vital event for travel advisors to experience the river cruise industry firsthand, provides an opportunity to connect with top suppliers and explore post-cruise opportunities that enhance client knowledge.
Registration will open in phases:
- Oct. 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET – VIP Registration
- Oct. 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET – General Admission Registration
- Oct. 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET – General Admission Registration
ASTA noted that securing accommodations and post-event FAMs early will help advisors maximize the value of their River Cruise Expo experience.
ASTA 2026 River Cruise Expo Details
The 2026 River Cruise Expo will be held from March 11-15, 2026, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The event promises deeper immersion than ever, as organizers have secured additional docking space to host a record 15 river cruise ships. For the first time, Celebrity River Cruises and Trafalgar Tours will participate in the river cruise segment.
A new, expanded two-day General Session will deliver enhanced educational content focused on selling river cruises. It was reported that the Expo’s keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love.
A highlight will be a naming ceremony for AmaWaterways’ newest ship, AmaSofia, with ASTA’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, Sarah Little, honored as godmother.
At past expos, travel advisors could stay onboard participating ships, tour vessels, dine on board, attend education sessions and network with key decision-makers. In July, ASTA announced that registration had officially reopened due to overwhelming demand.
For more information, visit asta.org.
