The River Cruise sector is currently growing by around 10% annually, which translates to twice the scale of ocean-going cruising. So what’s the attraction is behind River cruising?
Well firstly, the American River cruising market has not actually witnessed the same level of growth, although it’s now picking up pace and beginning to become trendy.
For this reason, the decision of American Cruise Lines to order 4 new River Ships for dispatch in 2017 is a clear signal of the confidence in the market.
The rapid recent development of the River Cruise sector is in many respects due to the fact that it offers passengers a higher level of safety and security along with excellent access to an array of wonderful inland destinations. Logically speaking River Ships are always close to shore and thus not so susceptible to the risks of the exposed ocean and the convenience of docking close to some of the great cities of Europe for example are unparalleled. However on balance, River Ships do not offer the conveniences of the mega-ocean going ships such as Casinos, Dining Rooms, Duty Free Shops, Ice Rinks, Theatres etc.
River Cruising in recent years has been progressing without haste with the core focus being on the destination itself and reaching the key points of interest with easy access. Typically no more than 200 Guests are on board a River Ship, ensuring a more personalized, friendly and furry experience. On the contrary, ocean-going ships concentrate on what the vessel itself has to offer; with the aim of keeping thousands of passengers on board longer to generate income based on a variety of Revenue orientated activities.
Another strategic difference between Ocean Cruising and River Cruising is the packaging offered. River Ships provide ‘All-Inclusive’ packages and tickets include shore excursions also, as passengers do not stay on board the ship for such long periods.
As a result of scalability and packaging River Cruises are notably more expensive to purchase than their Ocean Cruises counterparts. One can expect to pay around $3000 to $5000 dollars per passenger on a River Ship for a weeklong Cruise. Ocean Cruise fares are roughly 50% less than that (excluding the Luxury Cruise Lines).
Single passengers are more likely to select River Ships as well. Reason being, single passengers do not pay a penalty for “Cruising Solo” and this is not the case for Ocean-going ships.
In conclusion the rise of the River Cruising Industry is set to progress dramatically in the coming years and one only has to look at the number of vessels on order to substantiate this fact. Smaller friendlier ships, a more personable service, close convenient access to a host of inland appealing destinations and advantages for single passengers all contribute to the success of the River Cruise Industry.
