Hot new river ships every savvy traveller must know about right now

The peaceful alternative to ocean cruising, river cruising gets a glow-up next year with more than 20 shiny new ships, a women-only cruise, and a whole new way to explore Colombia.

Delayed several times, the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena is scheduled for its maiden voyage on Colombia's Magdalena River in March, followed by AmaMelodia in June. AmaWaterways is the first major cruise line offering this year-round route from Cartagena to Barranquilla on the Caribbean coast.

In April, AmaWaterways will also unveil the 102-passenger AmaSintra on Portugal's Douro River, with a sundeck pool to enjoy the views cruising through the vineyard-lined valley.

In a rare event, Australia has a locally built vessel on the way. Under construction in Victoria, Murray River Paddlesteamers' 38-passenger Australian Star will be chartered by APT for seven-night sailings from June.

APT will also debut two of its own ships in Europe on the Rhine and Danube rivers. Breaking tradition, the 154-passenger Solara and Ostara are black instead of white, with heated pools and an alfresco dining and lounge area on the sundeck.

Viking Cruises is overachieving with nine new ships. Viking Nerthus will be based in Paris on the Seine; Viking Gyda on the Douro; and Viking Annar, Viking Dagur, Viking Eldir and Viking Honir on the Rhine and Danube. In Egypt, the 82-guest Viking Amun and Viking Thoth join the fleet on the Nile, while the 80-passenger Viking Tonle sets sail on the Mekong.

Riviera Travel is adding two new-builds - the 178-passenger Riviera Radiance on the Danube and the 114-passenger Riviera Rose on the Douro - with select sailings exclusively for solo travellers.

In July, British seniors brand Saga Cruises welcomes the Spirit of the Moselle on the Rhine. Austrian company Amadeus River Cruises will introduce the Amadeus Amara, claiming its stabilisation system and shallow draft allows more reliable operations in Europe's fluctuating water levels. German company Viva Cruises is also launching Porto Mirante on the Douro and Viva Enjoy on the Danube, offering some English-speaking sailings.

The most luxurious European option is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises' SS Elisabeth. New to the line but not a new-build, the 110-guest vessel has spacious suites and a rooftop bar. Uniworld is also running an inaugural women-only cruise in Burgundy and Provence in August.

I have just realised that, for the first time in history, new river ships are launching in five continents. While I can forgive Antarctica for ruining the all-global achievement, what's North America's excuse?

MYTH: All river cruises are the same.

FACT: While the main elements are similar, there are subtle differences depending on the destinations. The biggest ships, carrying up to 200 passengers, cruise along the Danube and the Rhine, with excursions focused on the fine arts and history of Germany, Austria, Hungary and Holland. France and Portugal cruises have more food and wine experiences, with less time in cities. Mekong cruises explore Vietnamese and Cambodian riverside life and Buddhist temples. Egypt emphasises its gods, pharaohs and ancient tombs. India's itineraries include spiritual Hindu sites, while the Amazon is best for lovers of wildlife and nature.