River Cruising Has Never Been More Desirable – Here are the Reasons Why

I wouldn’t say the circle of friends and family that I surround myself with are a well-traveled group. I mean, they go on the occasional tropical vacation once a year and sometimes even step outside their comfort zone to explore Europe, Hawaii, or Alaska, but for the most part they stick to the traditional vacation options. And yet, more and more, as of late, as I attend family parties and milestone events, I find myself listening to this same crowd fantasize about taking a river cruise.

This type of travel is all the buzz, and while I’m not quite sure whom to give credit to for fueling the growing desire, it doesn’t much matter because the reality is that the river cruise phenomenon has taken a firm grip on the traveling public, with no plans for slowing down anytime soon.

In fact, recent research from a study commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) found that 75 percent of travel agents surveyed say they are selling more river cruises — a testament to the fact that “my crowd” is not alone — and the desire to experience this type of vacation travel is escalating.

As the only “travel person” in my circle, these new river cruise admirers, of course, turn to me for advice. They want facts to back up all the good things they heard about this trendy way to travel. So, here are my reasons (coupled with those of some reliable agents) why river cruising is more popular than ever.

A-ha moments
The first time I went on a river cruise, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The rooms were way more spacious and luxurious than I could have imagined; the food was extraordinary; and the service was beyond typical. But the scenery … well, that’s just a whole other story. When I walked to the top deck to take in the sights, it was then that I realized this was a moment to savor. Sitting in a comfy chair with a cashmere throw wrapped around me and a hot cocoa in hand, it didn’t seem my current position could get much better. But, then we sailed down the Danube, and the countless breathtaking views transported me to an even happier place than I could have anticipated.

River cruising is easy
I would be hard-pressed to come up with just one reason why river cruising is appealing, but “easy” would definitely top my list. To be able to unpack once and see multiple destinations at a leisurely pace, where you are not bombarded with crowds and lines at every turn is, in and of itself, worth the journey. That doesn’t even take into account the ability to dock right in the middle of unique, quaint little towns and cities and easily step off and explore.

The river cruise experience is seamless, wondrous, and rarely disappoints. “There are many people who have visited places via ocean-going ships who want something different. River cruises fulfill their need to be on the water, yet they get to see cities normally considered ‘land-locked’ by ocean-going standards,” explained Marni Becker, senior director of cruise sales with Protravel International in New York City. “[River cruising] is about traveling via an upscale floating hotel that is intimate, yet lets you meet a variety of people.”

River cruising doesn’t discriminate … or dictate
It took some time, but the myth that river cruising involves a bunch of mature travelers sitting idly around has finally dissipated, and the truth has emerged. This type of vacationing is not limited to one segment of traveler and is anything but boring. From the culture and history to the activities incorporated into the exploration of new destinations, it’s no wonder the appeal has grown considerably among all types of travelers.

“Many Millennials and Gen Xers are jumping on the river cruise bandwagon,” said Mary Jean Thompson, CTC, a veteran travel advisor with Travel Designs by Campbell, in Dallas, Texas, who notes that she gets a lot of requests, in particular, for river cruises that offer active shore excursions like hiking, kayaking, biking and walking tours, as well as those with wellness programs. What’s more, river cruising can be experienced at whatever speed you choose.  “River cruising can be at a slower pace (if you like), or one that can pack in as much as possible as time demands,” said Becker.

Value beyond measure
When asked for the top three reasons why someone should take a river cruise, the agents we spoke to said value was undoubtedly one. The all-inclusivity of meals, drinks, shore excursions, lodging, and transportation adds to the relaxation that is inherent in the river cruise experience and avoids what agents say their clients hate most: being nickel-and-dimed.

Sheelagh King, co-owner of North & King Signature Travel, put it simply: “My clients pay one price upfront and they have everything included. Plus, they have the ability to take advantage of the included touring aspects, but to also have the choice to do their own thing at each stop, with a concierge on hand to advise and assist them in their planning.”

The ideal sale, sail — or both?
The rewards of river cruising apply to the agent and the client, alike. With a higher price point than some ocean-going cruises and fewer pieces to put together, there are some generous commissions to be earned, with far less work involved, when it comes to river cruising.

“The true luxury cruises are all-inclusive, so agents can sell a complete vacation for clients with basically one transaction,” said Ruth Turpin, owner of Cruises, Etc. Travel, in Fort Worth, Texas.

At the same time, this product is considered one of the most ideal options to offer clients, because of all the reasons listed above (convenience, value, experiences, etc.). And unlike ocean cruise sales, which can sometimes be shelved by first-timers who have a fear of the unknown, river cruising even provides the perfect avenue to recruit a client into sailing. “For those who have never cruised, land is all around, so fear of the water should be unfounded,” said Becker.

But, at the end of the day, Thompson insists the shift to river cruise sales by agents still boils down to the ease of the sale. “It’s the streamlined booking process!” she said.

Regardless of the reasons for the surge in interest, river cruising has crept its way onto the bucket list of travelers, and travel agents couldn’t be more pleased at the outcome.

FROM THE SPONSOR: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise line, features stunning, one-of-a-kind boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests and one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios on the rivers. Uniworld offers the most all-inclusive itineraries in Europe, as well as voyages in Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, India, and Egypt — a total of 23 rivers in 24 countries worldwide. With the guiding principle of “no request too large, no detail too small,” Uniworld provides guests with conveniently coordinated itineraries, offering exclusive cultural excursions with the benefit of only having to unpack once. Every ship offers innovative dining options, such as progressive dinners with different courses served throughout the ship, intimate cooking classes, and farm-to-ship cuisine. The line also boasts the most luxurious suites on the rivers with in-suite butler service; Hermes, Asprey and L’Occitane bathroom amenities; and handcrafted Savoir® of England beds. Uniworld is dedicated to maintaining the excellent quality of their fleet with plans to convert all ships into newly renovated Super Ships, continuing with the launch of their sixth Super Ship, the S.S. Bon Voyage, in April 2019. Uniworld will also launch their first wellness-dedicated cruise on the Ganges River in 2019. For more information, visit www.uniworld.com.