The Line: American Cruise Lines

The newest cruise ship to work the waters of the mighty Mississippi is scheduled to launch in May. A churning paddlewheel keeps the rhythm of the journey as this 185-passenger boat plays up the river's heritage, complete with Victorian-esque design, and wood and brass touches spread among 98 suites on five decks.

The Line: AmaWaterways

This river ship is the most family-friendly on the list, as AmaViola will be part of the Adventures by Disney vacation program. The ship will sail the Rhine and the Danube, with excursions to see storybook villages, Rapunzel-worthy towers, and sights from movies like "The Sound of Music." Onboard you'll find a heated pool with a sundeck and swim-up bar, and Wi-Fi and bicycle use are complimentary. Most cabins in the 158-passenger ship have twin balconies. It also has some connecting cabins, which are perfect for families.

The Line: Viking River Cruises

This March, Viking will launch seven more of its signature Longships to sail the waterways of Europe — Viking Alruna, Viking Egil, Viking Kadlin, Viking Osfrid, Viking Rolf, Viking Tialfi, and Viking Vilhjalm. This means more great itineraries with included port tours, fine-dining meals, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus, Viking's excellent onboard enrichment program highlights the music, culture, and foods of the regions where you stop.

The Line: Scenic

Set to launch in September, Scenic Aura will deliver luxury along with the most spacious cabins along the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar. (16 of its 22 cabins measure 344 square feet.) This ship serves as an intimate way to explore a largely undiscovered country filled with ancient temples. Splurge on the Royal Panorama Suite and get a massive private terrace and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The Line: Avalon Waterways

This ship is set to launch in April for sailings on the majestic Danube River, stopping in historic cities from Budapest to Bucharest. The 166-passenger Avalon Passion features large suites (200 square feet), where beds face panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a balcony — providing amazing views as you cruise. Elegant spaces abound, from the sundeck with its whirlpool to the Panorama and Observation Lounges.

The Line: Amadeus Cruises

Sailing tulip cruises in the Netherlands as well as voyages on the Rhine, Amadeus Silver III is set to debut in April with 84 cabins — 72 standard and 12 large suites with balconies. Standard suites feature unique floor-to-ceiling windows that can be lowered from top to bottom (rather than right to left) to create a sort of French balcony; this gives your stateroom a versatile indoor-outdoor feeling on the river. This vessel also features a fitness area and massage room.

The Line: Vantage

The 176-passenger, jazz-themed ship will begin Rhine sailings in March with lots of little extras on board. Enjoy the ice cream buffet at the Cotton Club Lounge (which has a retractable roof) as well as movies on demand, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a massage studio. Stateroom amenities include self-defogging mirrors, remote-controlled curtains, and tilt-up, adjustable mattresses.