River cruising is sailing towards a record-breaking year as travellers seek to discover destinations on small ships with fewer guests onboard.
AmaWaterways and European Waterways are just some of the lines seeing bookings rise by up to a staggering 45 per cent as families look to enjoy an intimate holiday together.
The classic combination of boutique ships, gentle pace of life, and the ease of going ashore for longer means that more than a third of ocean cruisers are taking their first river cruise in 2023.
With an estimated 30 million people ocean cruising each year compared to just one million on the rivers, the industry’s fastest-growing market is predicted to explode this year.
American Cruise Lines’ epic new voyage sails through 10 US states. Image: American Cruise Line
Epic sailings
As more rivers open up again, travellers want to see more of the world for longer. The river equivalent of a world cruise, AmaWaterways’ 46-night sailing through 14 countries from June 1, 2023 almost sold out immediately, even with a starting price of £21,596pp. Two more Seven River Journeys Through Europe cruises have now been added, setting sail on April 20 and August 24, 2023.
Uniworld’s inaugural 46-night Rivers of the World itinerary takes passengers to nine countries on its cruise and land itinerary starting in Cairo on May 20, 2023 and ending in Lisbon, Portugal. Prices from £40,459pp for a Royal Suite (classic and deluxe French balcony are sold out).
American Cruise Lines’ new 23-night Complete Mississippi Cruise from New Orleans to St Paul goes through 10 US states. From $15,495pp on May 31, 2024 including flights, overseas transfers, full board and a one night pre-cruise stay in New Orleans.
Journey through the Swiss Alps on the iconic Bernina Express. Image: Unsplash
River and rail
Cruise lines are on track to help travellers explore more this year by combining river cruises with rail journeys.
American Queen Voyages now offers pre- and post-cruise rail journeys with Rocky Mountaineer for guests sailing Alaska itineraries on the new Ocean Victory expedition ship in September.
Uniworld has teamed up with the luxurious Maharajas’ Express to create a new 16-day journey through the subcontinent where highlights include the Taj Mahal and trying to spot Bengal tigers in the Ranthambore National Park. Starting in Kolkata, The Sacred Ganges & The Maharajas’ Express cruise departs October 28, 2023. From £17,599pp.
Closer to home and created specifically for the UK market, A-Rosa Cruises combines a cruise along the Rhine with an iconic journey through the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express. The bucket list voyage is available between April and September 2023 and starts at £2,999pp.
Mingle with a Michelin star chef on Scenic Diamond. Image: Scenic
Themed cruises
Fresh from discovering destinations ashore, guests want to spend their time on board learning something new or indulging in their favourite hobbies.
Foodies keen to sharpen their culinary skills or enjoy cuisine made by a Michelin star chef, can join Raymond Blanc on a cruise through France’s wine country. Guests onboard Scenics’ eight-day Flavours of Bordeaux cruise will enjoy an interactive cookery demonstration, Q & A and dinner. Departing October 10, 2023; from £2,995pp.
A-Rosa’s themed cruises include design, photography, food, yoga or meditation. Photographers Laura Schneider and Lisa Stelzel will share their expertise on the four-night Capture the Rhine, Main and Lorelei cruise which visits cities bursting with incredible photo opportunities. Departing on November 11, 2023; from £1169pp.
For clients who like surprises, Uniworld has created two new 10-day mystery cruises for 2023. The first leaves Amsterdam on June 18, 2023, with the second sailing from Nice to Lyon on July 7, 2023 (£5,599).
Avalon Saigon, one of the fleets’ environmentally forward ships. Image: Avalon Waterways
Greener voyages
Sustainability is a key issue with cruise lines and guests eager to travel greener. A-Rosa Cruises is already leading the green revolution with A-Rosa Sena, the first river ship in Europe to operate on battery power.
Stateside, American Cruise Lines are launching two ‘game-changing’ ships, American Eagle and American Glory both featuring a hybrid catamaran design that can use electric propulsion.
Avalon Waterways has been given Europe’s Green Award for its’ fleet of Suite Ships in recognition of its high environmental standards, while the line’s ‘green’ blueprint promises lower emissions, sustainable shore excursions and a fully electric river cruise boat by 2027.
Fun for all the fam on a Tauck river cruise. Image: Tauck
Family-friendly cruises
After years of living in bubbles, families now want to travel together, and lines have responded with some exciting multi-generational river cruises.
As well as the ancient Pyramids, Uniworld’s family-friendly Egypt cruise offers football with local children and sand dune boarding. The 11-night Splendors of Egypt & the Nile cruise factors in more sedate experiences on a traditional felucca, while younger family members are encouraged to share a gift with local children. From £4,899 on select sailings in December.
Tauck offers Christmas on the water with the Danube Family River Cruise, one of 24 ‘shared enrichment’ Bridges sailings designed specifically for families, featuring activities, special menus and more. Departing Munich on December 23, 2023, the cruise includes dinner in a private palace. From £3,590.
Little ones will never get bored on A-Rosa Sena, the first European river cruise ship to feature a kids’ club. Family cabins can sleep five, there is a separate children’s pool, a kids’ buffet, and excursions including Chocolate Nation in Antwerp. Children under the age of 15 travel free.