Forbes Travel Guide Introduces Unique Star Rating System for River Cruises

Forbes Travel Guide Expands to River Cruises

In a significant development for the cruise industry, Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) has unveiled plans to introduce star ratings for river cruises, marking an unprecedented step in luxury travel evaluation. With its globally recognized rating system already in place for hotels, restaurants, and traditional ocean cruises, FTG aims to elevate the standards within the burgeoning river cruise sector, satisfying the evolving desires of luxury travelers.

A New Horizon in Travel Ratings

The announcement, made on July 23, 2025, highlighted a significant addition to FTG's portfolio, as the organization will debut its inaugural river cruise ratings in 2027. This debut will coincide with FTG's annual Star Ratings, encompassing over 100 countries worldwide. This strategic move reflects the increasing popularity of river cruising as an appealing option for travelers seeking immersive and scenic journeys.

Insights from the President of Ratings

Amanda Frasier, the President of Ratings for FTG, commented on the evolution of river cruising: "River cruising has quickly become one of the most sought-after ways to explore the world in comfort and style. We're witnessing an exciting transformation in the category, with cruise lines adopting higher service standards and creating itineraries that offer immersive experiences. As demand grows for a slower-paced luxury, FTG is proud to extend our trusted ratings to this flourishing segment."

Targeted River Cruises

The new star rating will evaluate cruises along renowned rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Nile, and Mekong. Recognized brands such as AmaWaterways, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours/Emerald Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking River Cruises are expected to be part of this rating initiative.

The FTG Evaluation Process

Forbes Travel Guide is acclaimed for its strict and transparent rating process, which relies on in-person inspections conducted by anonymous inspectors. Each river cruise will be measured against hundreds of objective criteria designed to assess service excellence. Importantly, a rating can only be achieved through FTG's rigorous evaluation; no monetary transactions or business ties influence the awarding of stars.

Every year, FTG honors more than 2,000 establishments with its prestigious accolades, including Five-Star, Four-Star, and Recommended statuses. With the aim of maintaining high standards of service, FTG emphasizes that these ratings are hard-earned and trustworthy, further enhancing its reputation as a gold standard in luxury travel evaluations.

Looking Forward to 2027

As travel enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the 2027 river cruise ratings, Forbes Travel Guide plans to release the star ratings for various categories in early 2026, allowing travelers to make informed choices based on rigorous assessments. The specific star ratings will be publicly available on Forbes Travel Guide’s website, forbestravelguide.com, on February 11, 2026.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Forbes Travel Guide's introduction of a star rating system for river cruises is set to redefine luxury travel standards and expectations. For discerning adventurers who value exceptional service and memorable experiences, this innovative rating system promises to guide them toward the best river cruise options in the world. As the river cruise market continues to flourish, FTG is committed to ensuring travelers have access to transparent, meaningful evaluations, allowing them to embark on their next journey with confidence.