Topic: Is the future bright for River Cruises?

River cruises could one day be as popular as sea cruises, according to Perl River Cruises managing director Stuart Perl.

Mr Perl made the comments during an interview with Travel Weekly, in which he predicted a five per cent growth in river cruise sales over the next five years.

According to Mr Perl, "the river cruise market in the UK is where ocean cruising was 15 years ago".

“It is at a stage where agents and operators getting in at the ground level will reap the benefits as the sector continues to grow,” he said.

The comments come just weeks after Scottish river cruise company Hebridean Island Cruises revealed plans for the expansion of its river cruise trips into Europe.

Under the plans, Hebridean will now offer customers the chance to enjoy river cruises across the Danube and Rhine from next summer.

Recent years have seen river cruises become increasingly popular, with Hebridean Island Cruises purchased by the All Leisure group in a £1.4 million deal back in 2009.

Do you think Mr Perl's comments are right? Have you ever considered a river cruise?

Having booked a River cruise for the first time I am unable to find any comments by past customers on cruise .co.uk!!
Craigend. Walmer

I would definitely consider a river cruise for a change but only heard recently, on this very forum, of a problem that can arise with water levels dropping and routes being cancelled. Some passengers were being offered a coach as an alternative transport and I would not be happy to do that. Some research into the best times to sail would be needed before any decision..Carol

QUOTE:

Having booked a River cruise for the first time I am unable to find any comments by past customers on cruise .co.uk!!
Craigend. Walmer

You haven't said which line or where you're going. On the review section, in case you didn't notice, you can choose river cruises.
I have done a river cruise review, here is a link, I hope it helps.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS CRUISE ON THE DANUBE | MS AmaDolce | Ama Waterways | Cruise.co.uk

QUOTE:

Having booked a River cruise for the first time I am unable to find any comments by past customers on cruise .co.uk!!
Craigend. Walmer

I posted a review of a Viking river cruise in the reviews section at the end of 2010 too.

Hi I don't know to be honest, although the number of new builds suggest that the comapnies are expecting a surge in business, if this doesn't occur will these companies offer similar late deals (as do ocean cruise lines) to fill the berths? Many Brits won't be interested, on this forum I would estimate about half the cruisers wish to sail from a UK port so I can't see them taking the fly cruise option although some may start their river cruises in Northern Europe and so rail/road transportation may be acceptable. The other big problem is price, many will compare the prices of river and ocean cruising and go for the cheaper option which will be ocean cruising. River cruising may take some business away from the smaller luxury/upper preminum ships as these "more travelled" passengers may wish to visit desinations not accessible to ocean going vessels and the prices of these river voyages will be favourable.