River Cruising Grows in Europe to Record-Breaking Levels

by Ana Figueroa September 11, 2013

This is Part Two in a series on trends in the fast-growth river cruise segment.

From the Danube to the Douro, cruise lines are expanding river cruising in Europe at a record-breaking pace.

At least 20 vessels will debut there in 2014. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.

• Viking River Cruises earned a place in the Guinness Record Book by christening 10 new Longships on a single day in 2013. In 2014, it will introduce 14 more. That’s a 30-ship growth spurt since 2012 in continental Europe alone.

• Avalon Waterways introduced two of its Panorama Class Suite Ships this year, with three scheduled for next year.

• AmaWaterways debuted two ships as well, with two more in the works for 2014.

• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises introduced one new vessel this year and another is scheduled for 2014.

• Australia-based Scenic Cruises launched a new Space Ship vessel this year, and will introduce a slightly smaller version in 2014.

• Tauck River Cruises is introducing two vessels in its new Inspiration Class in 2014.

New to North American market
Lines that marketed in Europe are also throwing their hat in the ring.

These include the Vienna-based A-ROSA as well as Lueftner Cruises. Both are well-known to industry insiders, but relatively new to the North American public.

A-ROSA is highlighting its all-inclusive features.

The venerable Lueftner was founded 30 years ago. Its Amadeus brand of vessels has been marketed through tour operators such as Abercrombie & Kent. It’s now venturing directly into the North American market.

Adding more options to the mix: Scenic Tours is introducing Emerald Waterways in 2014.

Launching with two new ships, it’s is designed to appeal to a younger, more price-conscious demographic than its upscale sister company.