Some major changes for River Cruising in 2015
Published Tuesday, January 13th 2015 - Updated Tuesday, January 13th 2015
Categories
European river cruising is much more then the motorized barge experience of 6-10 years ago. It has moved into the best value active traveler market place. While still affording a luxury style capability, the lines are increasing catering to and attracting the younger cruisers and families.
How? You will now find guests hiking, biking, horseback riding and even going on independent travels, something perhaps similar to the old downlining concept in the ocean cruise lines. While onboard, new fitness centers, walkpaths, and lap pools add to the already enhanced features many lines had on board for cultural, religious, wine and other themes.
When it comes to capacity, no one outdoes Viking, in terms of ships, dates, itineraries and rivers. While merely adding ten new ships in 2015, they are also adding the Elbe River with pre and post stays in Berlin and Prague. The Elbe requires a different design of ship and Viking has done it.
Pre and Post extensions are now being featured with more variety and segmentation of the market. Many lines will now have multiple options rather then their former few or one.
Tauck's Castles on the Rhine on its new ship Inspire attracts parents and kids with its cogwheel train up Mt. Pilatus slopes. The itinerary has a French sing along as well as costume parties for Carnival and more. Tauch is also laucning a new ship with only a maximum of 118 passengers covering the Rhine, Main, and Danube on its Esprit. With these two new ships, Tauck is expanding its capacity by 80%, which is pretty bold for this usually conservative company. A big vote for river cruising in Europe.
Not to be outdone, AmaWaterways is adding two new sister ships to last years AmaCerto and AmaPrima. The new AmaSerena will be sailing the Rhine, between Amsterdam and Basel, and the new AmeVista will be transiting the two main rivers of Europe. Larger staterooms and suites with the twin balcony concept will be enhanced. And AmaWaterways traditional emphasis on gourmet dining and free flowing regional wines, and an alternative dining option will add to the new features and compeition among river cruise lines.
Both Tauck and AmaWaterways provide carry bicycles on board for those wanting to see more of the local areas during port calls.
Most of the cruise lines are enhancing their themed cruises, expanding on the successful Jewish heritage cruises, wine themed with well known vineyard and winery owners such as Christopher Silva of St. Francis Winery and Vineyards.
Avalon Waterways is also christening the Avalon Tranquility II this spring. It will focus on the Rhine, but also match up with Avalon sailings on the Rhone and Soane for a multiweek experience. Well known for their creative designs, the new ships II will feature two full decks of Panorama Suites, angled to provide more useable room, better views and floor to ceiling glass panelled extra wide balcony views. The ability to slide the glass allows passengers to almost create an open air feel to their cabin. Add a Sky Deck Whirlpool and open air bistro to both relax from a long day of hiking and transition into a pleasant evening sail. Avalon having had great success with their Art themed Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches will continue that this year. Be prepared for some extended walks at Monet's Giverny, Paris Musee d'Orsay, and the Place du Tertre artist district in Montmarte.
Uniworld is not just watching these 2015 enhancements but leading as well as they launch their S.S. Maria Theresa, a sister ship to the S.S. Catherine. Uniworlds adherence to their boutique style and experience has stepped up again in providing that unique onboard experience including a heated lap pool and new design fitness center. Remember we did say that 2015 would be an opportunity to be more active on board if desired. Uniworld's upper decks on these two ships can also add a new experience of having a choice in balconies, from merely opening the door, to at the push of a button have the glass raise completely and create an "enclosed conservatory" if you will.
Certainly not least but last in my blog is the amazing luxury cruise line simply known as Scenic Cruises. While they may be one of the most recent entrants in the river cruise business, they have come at with gusto and strength, and uniqueness which will make them the luxury brand of choice within the year. They have the youngest fleet, but also the most daring in concept and execution. Suites of 476 square feet, 24 hour room service, totally inclusive including premium spirits, gratuities, and much more. Swim against the current pools continue the active theme of 2015. Scenic Cruises has also incorporated the ability to open windows in the dining and lounge areas, created enclosable balconies to beome a solarium, provided concierge service in every port, and provides a great techotourism device which is an Scenic Tailormade GPS device so passengers can head out without fear of getting lost, as well as getting narration of many of the sights they can travel to. Add Electric assisted bikes to their repertoire for those wanting to go even further afield.
Use the contact us form to get answers to your river cruise questions, recommendations, and our experience. We can even create a unique themed river cruise just for you and your group.
How? You will now find guests hiking, biking, horseback riding and even going on independent travels, something perhaps similar to the old downlining concept in the ocean cruise lines. While onboard, new fitness centers, walkpaths, and lap pools add to the already enhanced features many lines had on board for cultural, religious, wine and other themes.
When it comes to capacity, no one outdoes Viking, in terms of ships, dates, itineraries and rivers. While merely adding ten new ships in 2015, they are also adding the Elbe River with pre and post stays in Berlin and Prague. The Elbe requires a different design of ship and Viking has done it.
Pre and Post extensions are now being featured with more variety and segmentation of the market. Many lines will now have multiple options rather then their former few or one.
Tauck's Castles on the Rhine on its new ship Inspire attracts parents and kids with its cogwheel train up Mt. Pilatus slopes. The itinerary has a French sing along as well as costume parties for Carnival and more. Tauch is also laucning a new ship with only a maximum of 118 passengers covering the Rhine, Main, and Danube on its Esprit. With these two new ships, Tauck is expanding its capacity by 80%, which is pretty bold for this usually conservative company. A big vote for river cruising in Europe.
Not to be outdone, AmaWaterways is adding two new sister ships to last years AmaCerto and AmaPrima. The new AmaSerena will be sailing the Rhine, between Amsterdam and Basel, and the new AmeVista will be transiting the two main rivers of Europe. Larger staterooms and suites with the twin balcony concept will be enhanced. And AmaWaterways traditional emphasis on gourmet dining and free flowing regional wines, and an alternative dining option will add to the new features and compeition among river cruise lines.
Both Tauck and AmaWaterways provide carry bicycles on board for those wanting to see more of the local areas during port calls.
Most of the cruise lines are enhancing their themed cruises, expanding on the successful Jewish heritage cruises, wine themed with well known vineyard and winery owners such as Christopher Silva of St. Francis Winery and Vineyards.
Avalon Waterways is also christening the Avalon Tranquility II this spring. It will focus on the Rhine, but also match up with Avalon sailings on the Rhone and Soane for a multiweek experience. Well known for their creative designs, the new ships II will feature two full decks of Panorama Suites, angled to provide more useable room, better views and floor to ceiling glass panelled extra wide balcony views. The ability to slide the glass allows passengers to almost create an open air feel to their cabin. Add a Sky Deck Whirlpool and open air bistro to both relax from a long day of hiking and transition into a pleasant evening sail. Avalon having had great success with their Art themed Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches will continue that this year. Be prepared for some extended walks at Monet's Giverny, Paris Musee d'Orsay, and the Place du Tertre artist district in Montmarte.
Uniworld is not just watching these 2015 enhancements but leading as well as they launch their S.S. Maria Theresa, a sister ship to the S.S. Catherine. Uniworlds adherence to their boutique style and experience has stepped up again in providing that unique onboard experience including a heated lap pool and new design fitness center. Remember we did say that 2015 would be an opportunity to be more active on board if desired. Uniworld's upper decks on these two ships can also add a new experience of having a choice in balconies, from merely opening the door, to at the push of a button have the glass raise completely and create an "enclosed conservatory" if you will.
Certainly not least but last in my blog is the amazing luxury cruise line simply known as Scenic Cruises. While they may be one of the most recent entrants in the river cruise business, they have come at with gusto and strength, and uniqueness which will make them the luxury brand of choice within the year. They have the youngest fleet, but also the most daring in concept and execution. Suites of 476 square feet, 24 hour room service, totally inclusive including premium spirits, gratuities, and much more. Swim against the current pools continue the active theme of 2015. Scenic Cruises has also incorporated the ability to open windows in the dining and lounge areas, created enclosable balconies to beome a solarium, provided concierge service in every port, and provides a great techotourism device which is an Scenic Tailormade GPS device so passengers can head out without fear of getting lost, as well as getting narration of many of the sights they can travel to. Add Electric assisted bikes to their repertoire for those wanting to go even further afield.
Use the contact us form to get answers to your river cruise questions, recommendations, and our experience. We can even create a unique themed river cruise just for you and your group.
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