ASTA to Host Its Largest River Cruise Expo in 2027
by Briana Bonfiglio
Zane Kerby welcomes advisors to the fifth annual ASTA River Cruise Expo. Photo: ASTA
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)’s 2027 River Cruise Expo is slated to be the largest to date, with more cruise lines, cruise ships, capacity, and ship tours than ever before.
ASTA just revealed new details about the expanded event, which will take place March 10-14, 2027 in Vienna, Austria. It will feature at least 14 river cruise brands and 18 river cruise ships for five days of ship tours and inspections, education, and networking.
Newcomers will include Century Cruises and Trafalgar River Cruises, both participating in the event for the first time. Celebrity River Cruises will be Title Sponsor for a second year.
“The ASTA River Cruise Expo has quickly become one of the most important gatherings in river cruising because it puts advisors directly where they need to be: onboard ships, in conversation with supplier leaders and immersed in the product their clients are asking about,” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA. “The growth of this event reflects the momentum we are seeing across the river cruise market and ASTA’s commitment to giving advisors the access, education and relationships they need to turn that momentum into business.”
The keynote speaker will be Captain Sandy Yawn, popularly known as first woman superyacht captain on Bravo’s hit reality television series, “Below Deck Mediterranean.” In her keynote address, sponsored by Tauck, she will tell the inspiring story of her 30-plus-year career in international maritime sailing and all the choppy waters – literally and figuratively – she faced along the way.
In 2026, ASTA drew 1,600 attendees for its fifth annual River Cruise Expo, its largest so far as the event sees continuous year-over-year growth. Travel advisors toured 16 river cruise ships from 14 brands. They also immerse themselves in the river ship experience, dine on them, embark on sightseeing excursions, and attend panels and workshops about how to best sell river cruises to clients.
Space is limited for the 2027 ASTA River Cruise Expo, and advisors can register now. Information about post-event sailing options will be available later this summer.
