RIVER CRUISING
Banking on river returns
RIVER CRUISING
As the demand for river cruising expands, Jane Archer reviews some of the best options from the Moselle to the Mekong
N
ew river cruise boats and itineraries for 2014 span the entire world as operators try to keep up with an apparently-insatiable demand for
this type of holiday from British cruisers. Last year 12% more Britons took a river cruise in Europe, reaching a record 90,000, and with sold-out signs already appearing for this year it seems that growth is going to be repeated despite the on-going economic malaise. Further afi eld, the Nile is the big seller, but waterways around the world are getting in on the growth act as customers stretch their horizons in search of exotic holidays that do not compromise on comfort.
European update
Tauck River Cruises is moving the Swiss Sapphire to Paris next year to sail the Seine for the fi rst time and launching two new river cruise boats, Inspire and Savor. These will be 82 feet longer than the company’s current fl eet, but have plenty of big suites so they hold just 10% more passengers – a total of 130 – as
well as new lower-deck cabins that have a raised sitting area and larger window. Tauck Global Sales and Incentive Director Angela
Caes said: “River cruising is rapidly evolving and setting new standards. At Tauck we are growing luxuriously. We are driven by demand from passengers who want space.” New next year, Avalon Waterways is launching
three more of its popular Panorama-class vessels – these have cabins with a wall of glass that opens two-thirds the width of the room – and beefi ng up its programme of themed cruises, with beer-tasting, golf, wellness and World War One history (to coincide with the centenary of its start) joining an existing line-up that includes wine, music, art and Jewish heritage. Titan Travel has new cruise-and-stay holidays this year that combine three nights in a Portuguese pousada with three nights on the Douro on the Spirit of Chartwell barge that hosted the Queen during the Diamond Jubilee Thames Pageant last year. For 2014, Uniworld River Cruises, which is sold exclusively by Titan in the UK, is going all- inclusive and launching a new one-week voyage on the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne rivers from Bordeaux in Aquitaine.
APT is expanding its four-star-plus Travelmarvel
Veliko Tarnavo, Black Sea with Viking River Cruises
Jo Rzymowska, Associate Vice President and General Manager, UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean International
Persons Name, Job Description, Company Name
Jo says...
A universal appeal From fi rst-timers to seasoned cruisers alike, more and more people are heading to the Far East for their holiday. Far East cruises offer a fascinating insight into Asia with sights and sounds that explode the senses. With a dizzying array of exotic itineraries, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises’ offering in Asia.
Immerse yourself Currently mid-way through its fi rst-ever Asia season, this year Celebrity Cruises will be visiting nine countries new to the brand including Vietnam, Thailand and China. For those who want longer days in port and more overnight stays, destination immersive cruise line Azamara Club Cruises’ Asian itineraries ensure that guests have the opportunity to explore the region in depth and enjoy a rich travel experience unlike any other.
Get into tradition
Featuring the popular DreamWorks Experience, Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas offers families the perfect option for embarking on a family-friendly Asian adventure. Guests can take in the view from the world’s second-tallest building – Taiwan’s Taipei 101 – zip through Bangkok’s bustling streets in the infamous tuk tuks or board a fl oating restaurant in Hong Kong and dine on delicious dim sum. Steeped in tradition and
customs, Asia and the Far East is an incredible experience and somewhere that every traveller should add to top of their ‘must- visit’ list. Call us on 0844 417 0201 or visit
cruisingpower.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com June 2013 57
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