Down The River, On The Up!!!

If you were to ask me 5 years ago would a River Cruise be on my ‘bucket’ list, the answer would have been No! However it just over 4 weeks I will be embarking on my first river cruise on the Mekong from Vietnam into Cambodia.

Today, the popularity of river cruising across Europe is soaring, with more Britons than ever taking to the continent’s waterways, according to new figures. The River Cruise Review, published by the Cruise Lines Association (CLIA), reported a 21 per cent increase in the number of UK bookings in 2017 compared to 2016. Some 210,400 British travellers went on a river cruise last year, the first time passenger numbers have broken 200,000.

European river cruises made up 90 per cent of bookings last year, accounting for 188,000 passengers. The Rhine and Danube continue to fuel growth with the Douro in Portugal and the Russian waterways also growing in popularity. Outside of Europe, passengers are favouring three rivers, the Nile, the Mekong and the Irrawaddy. Indian rivers, including the Ganges and Brahmaputra, saw British passengers up by 27 per cent in 2017 year on year. The Nile saw a 14 per cent growth, the highest outside of Europe

Investment, particularly in new ships, has partly driven growth. In 2017, 11 new ships were launched, in 2018 there were 10 more and eight new vessels are on the way in 2019.

So what’s the attraction?

Sample the early tulips in March to the Christmas Markets in December taking in the beauty of the surrounding area whilst sailing in to the heart of the city.

A full dining experience is offered on board with a mouth-watering selection of local ingredients & regional classics to delight your taste buds with drinks & tips included.

Excursions can be pricey in most European cities but not on a river cruise, as fully escorted excursions are included in the price, with no lengthy transfers or debating the local transport as the city is on your doorstep.

Combine the delights of the finest tourist attractions with some of the most spectacular rivers including Europe, Russia, India, China & beyond whilst enjoying the luxury amenities of a modern hotel — restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, comfortable staterooms & free Wi-Fi.

Inside cabins on the big luxury liners can be a good affordable option but on a River Cruise Outside staterooms are offered as standard, without the hefty upgrade charge.

In the last 5 years modern luxury vessels have been introduced to replace the older tonnage that dominated the market. The modern vessels today carry between 100-200 passengers which has an intimate feel allowing the crew to deliver a personal attentive service.

Sounds Interesting? Call Sean on 0330 303 8190 to discuss your personal River Cruise Today.