Typically, spring and fall are the most favored seasons
for river cruising, with May and September seeing the
highest numbers.
Yet, some cruise lines are looking at offerings beyond the
peak season. In the winter of 2023, Viking River Cruises
became the first line to operate year-round in Europe with
a new itinerary for the Rhine
7
. January and February are
also good months to go on a river cruise in Asia and Africa.
One advisor said, “We run a large group on Facebook,
just under 400,000 members, many of whom want to
visit the Christmas markets. So that itinerary is our most
popular one.”
Another advisor shared:
SEASONALITY IN RIVER CRUISE BOOKINGS
7 https://www.cruisecritic.com.au/articles/a-viking-rhine-river-cruise-in-winter?stay=1&posfrom=1
I will sell river cruises in summer but tend to let people know that Europe is
overcrowded in summer and very hot. Likewise for Egypt. Stay away from Egypt in
August. September is usually higher in cost… these are all things I let people know
but if they want summer or those times I do sell them.
1%
1%
6%
29%
56%
34%
16%
18%
62%
35%
9%
12%
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
TRENDS IN RIVER CRUISE 2024
18
|
CHART 5
The top motivators for river cruising consis-
tently remain the number of guests on the ship
(80%) and the ease of access to city centers
(80%). The third most popular key motivator
is the value that a river cruise offers, said 67%
of the advisors this year, compared to 45% of
advisors in the TMR River Cruise Outlook 2023.
With stay, food and drinks, evening entertain-
ment, and tours included in the cruise pricing,
opting for a river cruise offers not only a more
unique experience to the traveler but also a
more value-for-money option.
8
KEY MOTIVATORS FOR TAKING A RIVER CRUISE VACATION
8 https://travelobservations.com/river-cruising-great-value/
7%
20%
20%
33%
40%
53%
67%
80%
80%
8%
29%
34%
37%
42%
64%
45%
67%
85%
Celebrate professional achievements
Lifestyle/Element of exclusivity
Explore the unknown and have fun
Celebrate personal occasions
Create new memories
Bucket list experience/destination
The value river cruising offers to the client
Ease of access to city centers
Cruising on a smaller ship with fewer number of guests
2023
2024
TRENDS IN RIVER CRUISE 2024
CHART 6
|
19