Last week, Avalon Waterways christened another new ship, the Avalon Felicity in Volendam, Netherlands with opera singer Measha Brueggergosman serving as the ship’s godmother. The introduction of Felicity marks Avalon's ninth new ship in Europe since 2004 – and yet another is slated to debut this August. Felicity will traverse the waters of the Rhine this spring with rates starting around $2,099/person for a seven-night cruise.

In other river cruise news, two of Uniworld’s vessels – the River Queen and the River Empress – underwent major refurbishments and now sport fresh color schemes in staterooms as well as upscale amenities in bathrooms, including L’Occitane bath products and thick towels from Christies of Manchester. Experience the new feel of these ships on a lengthy two-week voyage along the Danube and the Rhine starting from $4,199/person.