Is there no end to the rise in popularity of River Cruising?
You may or may not know that when it comes to booking a river cruise it sort of works the complete opposite to ocean cruising in that the best time to book is early. Prices are at their lowest when the sailings are first released and gradually increase in price as the sailing date approaches – that’s if there are any cabins remaining!
Despite the launch of many new long ships over the past few years, the river cruise lines are still struggling to meet demand as river cruising becomes ever more popular. In an attempt to do so they are launching 30 new ships across the worlds rivers this year but if you think you’ll be able to book a cruise on one of them you’d be wrong because most of them are already fully booked and have been for a long time, such is the demand!
Many of the river cruise lines are already booking up for 2015 thanks to some excellent early booking incentives – save £1500pp, second passenger flies free etc. It really is the time to be booking your river cruise for 2015, right now.
So what’s the news from the major players? What do they have in the pipeline in order to satisfy the cravings of these ‘hungry for river cruisers’?
In Europe, AmaWaterways will launch the 164-passenger AmaSonata and AmaReina, sister ships of the recent AmaPrima and AmaCerto. Both vessels will feature twin balcony staterooms and suites, Chaine des Rotisseurs culinary creations, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, a heated pool with swim-up bar, a massage and beauty salon, a fitness center, free Internet and Infotainment in every stateroom and a fleet of bicycles for guest use in port cities. AmaSonata will sail the Danube and Rhine on seven itineraries, while AmaReina will be dedicated to the Rhine.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways will introduce three all-suite ships this year: the 164-passenger Avalon Impression and Avalon Illumination and the 128-guest Avalon Poetry II. The two full decks of 200-square-foot Panorama Suites have become an Avalon signature, and other features include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro and an expanded fitness center.
Viking River Cruises
By 2020, Viking River Cruises aims to have 100 longships under its name. Fourteen 190-passenger vessels will debut this year and, by shifting the central corridor to the side, a greater number of large suites will be on offer. Other recently introduced features include onboard herb gardens, solar panels and the Aquavit Terrace, an indoor/outdoor restaurant and lounge. New cruising regions for 2014 include Bordeaux and Myanmar.
Amadeus by Luftner
Americans may not recognize the name of 30-year-old Luftner Cruises, but they are likely to have heard of its Amadeus brand, which is often marketed through tour operators such as Abercrombie & Kent. With English as the first language on board, the passenger mix tends to be the familiar North American, British and Australian combination. In Asia, Luftner is launching cruises on the Mekong and in Myanmar and in 2015 will be offering sailings on the Ganges. Fares do not include shore excursions, but passengers can purchase a shore excursion package if they wish.
Uniworld
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will debut the 159-passenger Catherine in France this year. Catherine is the sister ship to the Antoinette and will be one of Uniworld’s largest ships with five suites at 305 square feet and one Royal Suite at 410 square feet. Some suites and staterooms have open-air balconies; other accommodations have French balconies. Staterooms on the Avignon Deck (categories two and three staterooms) will also feature French balconies. All suites and staterooms will have one-of-a-kind touches such as handcrafted Savoir of England beds, beautiful marble bathrooms and the very individual interior design that distinguishes the line.
Scenic
Scenic Cruises is bringing out two additional SpaceShips in 2014: the 126-guest Scenic Gem on the Seine and the 169-guest Scenic Jade on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Personal butler service and Sun Lounges – walkout balconies that can be glassed in – are hallmarks of Scenic, and high definition televisions that link to mini Macs and complimentary minibars are among in-room features.
Having had the pleasure of sailing with Viking, Ama and Avalon I can heartily recommend river cruising to each and every one of you, it really is a lovely way to travel and see the real heart of a country
Don’t be complacent folks, 2015 is on sale already so get booking while there are still cabins available Call me on 0800 408 6084.
About Me
I've been a Cruise Consultant for a number of years now and I can honestly say that it is just the best job ever. No two days are the same. I have got to know some fantastic people through the course of my job, both in the industry and clients,…
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