European River Cruises Put Beer in Focus

AmaWaterways hosts exclusive beer and food pairing dinners. Photo credit AmaWaterways River Cruises

Beer’s reputation is about accessibility and community; a drink for all. But for those looking to enjoy beer through a luxury lens alongside high-end dining — not to mention take in some of the best beer culture in Europe — two riverboat cruise companies are offering upcoming beer-driven tours this year and next.

“Hops and Heritage” on Riverside’s Debussy

The Riverside Debussy will host a beer-themed journey. Photo credit Riverside Cruises

German-based Riverside Cruises will offer a beer-themed journey called “Hops and Heritage” on the Riverside Debussy in late July of 2026. This eight-day cruise from Basel to Amsterdam is hosted by British beer sommelier James Kellow and showcases the beer scenes of the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

Kellow will guide guests through beer-themed tastings, a multi-course beer dinner, food and beer pairings, and more. Some excursions include a beer-tasting walk through the Old Town in Strasbourg and a tour of the Kölsch houses of Cologne.

Sommelier James Kellow will host Riverside’s beer-themed journey. Photo credit James Kellow

“This cruise is designed for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life, whether that’s through the lens of beer, history, or gastronomy,” Kellow says.

Kellow sees this trip as an amazing opportunity for three types of people. 

“For beer lovers, it’s an opportunity to deepen their appreciation through expert tastings, access to rare beers, and visits to some of Northern Europe’s most fascinating beer cities,” he says.

“For history buffs, it’s a chance to explore the region’s rich past through the unique perspective of beer, a drink that has shaped cultures, economies, and traditions for over a thousand years. And for luxury travelers and fine diners, this cruise offers a fresh twist on the wine-paired dining experience.”

The cost of the trip starts at $5,575 per person; it embarks on July 29, 2026, and also makes stops in cities like Mannheim, Cologne, and Arnhem.

Celebration of Beer European River Cruise on the AmaWaterways AmaFiora

Alesong Brewing’s Matt Van Wyk is hosting a weeklong AmaWaterways beer tour in 2027. Photo credit Alesong Brewing and Blending

Another river cruise company, California-based AmaWaterways, already offers beer-themed excursions on many of its boats, like brewery tours and tastings. But in November 2027, the forthcoming AmaFiora ship will be home to a seven-day beer-themed tour with U.S. brewer and owner of Alesong Brewing and Blending in Eugene, Oregon, Matt Van Wyk.

Van Wyk’s tour runs Nov. 20–27, 2027, and sails from Amsterdam. The focus is on Belgium and the Netherlands, with visits to Utrecht, Brussels, Ghent, and more. The tastings and tours are open to anyone on the boat if they are interested, similar to author or expert-led talks on other cruises. The trip will feature at least four beer excursions.

A River Cruise for Any Kind of Beer Lover

Kölsch and some German pretzels on board the Debussy.

The flexibility of the river cruise was something that appealed to Van Wyk and is why he agreed to be the brewer on board.

“If a guest doesn't want to do any of the tours onshore but is dying to hit a certain brewery, they just go. And if you miss the boat, you can always find the train station and hit them at the next city,” says Van Wyk.

“There will be a ton of things for non-beer fans: chocolate museums, bike tours, history, and more. Think of it as a river cruise with a beer emphasis, but it will be so much more and be appealing to many people.”

The lowest-priced tour package on Van Wyk’s tour is sold out, but fixed window rooms are still available from $4,479 per person.

For Kellow, anyone can benefit from a beer trip to learn more about this fascinating part of European heritage.

“No prior beer knowledge is needed,” he says. “Just bring your curiosity.”