River cruises have truly taken off in the UK cruise market in recent years, with a 22% leap in river cruise bookings in 2013 alone.
It’s a trend that’s been growing steadily for several years. Between 2008 and 2013, for instance, the river cruise industry has seen passenger increases of 10% year on year, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
So, why are more people choosing to book a river cruise than ever before?
A greater choice of new ships
The CLIA recently released figures showing a huge growth in river cruise bookings among UK passengers in 2013 alone – and one of the biggest reasons for this growth lies in recent advances in river ship rooms, facilities and public spaces.
Viking, for instance, is rapidly expanding their fleet of river ships – with no fewer than 18 ships launched over the space of two days this year! Many other river cruise lines are expanding and upgrading their ships too, offering larger, newer and more stylish vessels with many of the facilities you might expect to find on an ocean cruise ship.
You might find multiple elegant restaurants on board, balcony suites, and even whirlpools and spas. River cruise ships offer many of the luxuries you’d find on a much larger ocean vessel, but without the huge numbers of fellow passengers that sometimes go with them.
A different way to see Europe
More than 260 ships now tour Europe’s rivers, and there have never been so many different ways to travel right to the heart of the Continent’s most beautiful cities and countryside.
The River Elbe, for example, has seen a massive 50% increase in sailings by UK cruise passengers in 2013. The Rhine, the Danube and the Moselle make up half of all UK river cruise bookings, but the Rhone and the Seine also saw 38% more visitors from the UK last year.
With more footfall has come more expansion in itineraries too, and more and more river cruise destinations are becoming available all over Europe. It’s not just the Continent though – China is also a popular river cruise destination, with itineraries available down the Yangtze River taking passengers through eleven provinces – taking you from the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to the Three Gorges and Xian’s Terracotta Army.
Great value on service, amenities and shore excursions
River shore excursions also tend to give you more time to spend in your cruise ports, with city tours often included in the initial price you pay. You could enjoy food and wine tours, trips to the local art centres and historic landmarks… a river cruise makes the perfect way to gain a full appreciation of Europe’s many personalities and cultures as well as its varied sightseeing.
One of the great advantages of river cruising lies in just how much you get included in the price. City tours, delicious fine dining and complimentary beers and wines with meals are just some of the appeal when it comes to great-value river cruises – you could also take advantage of all-inclusive gratuities, flights and coach transfers, and even savings ranging from hundreds of pounds into the thousands.
It’s never been easier to find your perfect river cruise either. With so many voyages and vessels to choose from, our dedicated Cruise Concierge team has a massive choice of cruise lines and deals available to create your perfect river cruise adventure.
You can call our Cruise Concierge team now on 0800 197 0854, who can tell you more about our great range of river cruise sailings for 2014 and 2015 – or if you’ve already decided on your next cruise and you’d like to make a booking.
