The latest river cruise trends

Whether it’s innovative new ships, immersive excursions or comprehensive on-board programmes, river cruises are changing beyond all recognition.

We’ve rounded up the latest trends which are proving the most popular among passengers, the top itineraries and tips on how to get clients booking.

Keeping fit

River lines are introducing a raft of options for those clients who like to make sure they keep fit while they’re afloat. Many ships carry bicycles and offer guided cycle excursions – one of the most popular being the scenic 20-mile stretch along the Danube between Melk and Durnstein.

Avalon Waterways pioneered energetic cruises with its Active Discovery itineraries on the Danube; since extended to the Rhine and, new for 2019, the Rhone. Kayaking, hiking and jogging tours are among the activities on their French river cruises, and ‘adventure hosts’ also organise bespoke individual shore tours that pick up the pace. This year, AmaWaterways rolled out a fleet-wide wellness programme, offering up to six daily exercise classes.

Sell it: Avalon’s eight-night Active Discovery on the Danube cruise departs 22 October 2019, from £2,083pp, avaloncruises.co.uk

Bring the family

In recent years, river cruising has opened up to the multigenerational market with family-friendly sailings. And as vessels are small, families get to spend much more time together than they might on a large ocean ship where children go to clubs. Tauck led the field

Article source: https://www.cruisetradenews.com/river-cruise-trend-report/