WHY RIVER CRUISING?
U
nlike ocean-going cruise ships, river boats don’t have rock-climbing walls or ropes
courses to shout about, and none of the river cruise lines has linked up with a celebrity chef, but the idea of a journey along the waterways of the world has grabbed the attention of the British and shows no signs of letting go. The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) said the UK river cruise market rose 7% in 2011 to 80,000 passengers. That compares with a fi ve per cent increase in the number of British cruisers choosing an ocean-going cruise. It’s an interesting turn of events
after years when river cruising bobbed around in the backwaters of the cruise industry and a new vessel now and then was big news. Even more interesting, the growth
has come during the economic downturn, when budgets are tight,
even though river cruising is, on the whole, pretty pricey. However, there are budget cruises from the likes of Shearings and The River Cruise Line, and they are doing well – and both operators have expanded for 2013. But it’s cruises from top-level brands with shiny new ships such as Viking River Cruises, Uniworld and Avalon Waterways that are fl ying off the shelves – despite an average price tag north of £1,500pp.
River cruising is hot Why? There are three key reasons – it has moved upmarket, become more inclusive and more agents have started to sell it, which has helped to raise its profi le. On top of that, river cruise lines are fi nding more unusual places to sail in Asia and the US, which is attracting a new type of client. Until the end of the last decade,
river cruise boats were comfortable but homely, attracting people aged 60-plus who might otherwise take a coach tour but rarely appealing to folk used to the glitzy glamour of ocean cruising.
How that has changed! New vessels have balconies – which might not sound absolutely necessary on rivers but ocean
cruisers used to a private veranda do not want to do without – alternative dining venues, so passengers have an alternative to breakfast, lunch and dinner in the same restaurant; and the décor these days is light, bright and modern.
Flights, transfers, shore excursions (and a choice of excursions in some places), drinks with dinner – sometimes lunch also – and wi-fi are now also routinely included in the price at the top-end of the market. Avalon additionally packages gratuities into the cruise price; on
APT, drinks are incorporated in the price on its fi ve Platinum-branded itineraries, and Uniworld is going drinks-inclusive in 2014. It all makes the headline
price more expensive, but the formula that has worked well for all-inclusive resorts during the economic downturn, namely enabling clients to budget for their trip in advance and not worry about the fi nal bill, is now working its magic for river cruising.
THERE’S NO MYSTERY TO A GREAT RIVER CRUISE…
Inspiring destinations, extraordinary comfort, exceptional cuisine, unrivalled service and fascinating tours – there is no more rewarding way to see the world than on a Viking river cruise.
With prices starting from just £795pp for an 8-day European river cruise holiday in 2014, discover a different view of the world with Viking.
EUROPE • RUSSIA • ASIA
Call 020 8780 7900
www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk
36 March 2013 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Travel safe, you are fully protected Price is correct at the time of going to print. All holidays are subject to availability.
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