
s the number of passengers holidaying on ocean-bound ships continues to rise, river cruises are making waves in the travel market. Smaller ships, educational experiences, intimate settings, and increased luxury were highlighted as some of the reasons behind the growing demand for river cruising in CLIA’s recent report.
“After group and multigenerational travel, river cruises are the hottest trend in the marketplace,” it says.
CLIA’s insights also claim that almost 80% of travel agents find river cruising attracts non-cruisers into cruising, and that while baby boomers (born between 1948 and 1966) had the largest increase in cruise bookings at 67%, Gen X (1967 – 1981) had the second largest increase at 42%, with Gen Y/Millennials (born after 1981) not too far behind on 36%. According to CLIA, the number of nights spent on river cruises by UK holidaymakers increased by 24% in 2017 to 210,400.
Viking Cruises launching seven new river ships in March 2019 is indicative of the industry’s growth rate and the certainty that it will continue. Regional cuisine, luxurious cabins, cultural enrichment and exclusive experiences are essential parts of Viking’s offering.
Travelling by river provides a unique accessibility to destinations and there are certain locations and itineraries that are also seeing a spike in demand.
“River cruises in Europe have seen a 53% year-over-year growth to eastern waterways (Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Elbe) and a 30% growth to western channels (Soane, Seine, Loire), as well as a 24% growth to the south (Douro, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne, Po),” states CLIA’s report.