6 Reasons Why There Are So Many New River Cruise Ships in Europe

River cruises have experienced the largest growth rate in the cruise segment over the last few years-over 800{625323b24af37c24f5a97fddb81c67dba8bd357996214eb0318c02ab7c1b66cd}!
New river boats from all the top North American cruise lines have seemed to pop up over night, and with good reason. The demand has been so overwhelming that every river cruise line wants to get in on the action so not to be bested by competition.
There are countless numbers of rivers running though Europe, the most popular being the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Main, Moselle and Rhone. Lest we not forget the Duoro river cruises sailing through Spain and the Portugal cities of Lisbon and Porto.

Viking River Cruises has led the way in new-builds with their” Longships”, about 28 new Europe river boats over a 2 year period. No other company comes close.
Quantity does not necessarily make them better. Stiff completion from Avalon Waterways with their Panorama ships; Tauck, with their more upscale ships, Inspire, Savor, Grace and Joy – smaller, all-inclusive luxury river cruises with Tauck’s top-rated reputation for food and service; Uniworld with their “Boutique Collection”; AMA Waterways – Berlitz “Highest Rated Ships in Europe”; and relative newcomer, the Australian based Scenic Cruises, competing for your hard earned money with the likes of Tauck with 5 Star, All-Inclusive luxury.

Europe is not the only growth area for river boats.

AMA Waterways has led the market with cruises to Vietnam & Cambodia and one ship , the Zambezi Queen, traveling through South Africa. Avalon Waterways has followed with exotic itineraries to Southeast Asia, also cruising to Vietnam & Cambodia and now, to the “Golden Myanmar region.
China river cruises along the Yangtze River remain a popular choice with visits to Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

1, Ocean cruisers want to experience countries and cities that ocean cruises do not go.
2. River cruises include shore excursions.
3. Many travelers like the smaller ship experience.
4. The dining experience, and food in general, is regional and freshly prepared from the areas each river cruise visits.
5. River cruises sail from port to port later in the evening, allowing for full days in port.
6. “Smooth sailing” throughout the season.