What is New in River Cruising 2017?
Updated: Oct 8, 2020
There are some big changes happening with the various river cruise companies this year. It is less about the newest ships being built but rather new itineraries, upgrades to existing ships and specialized cruise offerings. What hasn't changed? Having a travel agent help you take care of all the details. It doesn't cost more to use me, so there is no reason why you shouldn't. Here is what is new by cruise company:
AmaWaterways They have a new 158-guest ship, AmaKristina, that will sail on Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers in March. They are also continuing their relationship with Adventures by Disney with 15 family cruise sailings. They will even have a new adults-only food-and-wine-themed sailing with Disney’s, departing Oct. 21 from Basel, Switzerland.
Avalon Waterways They are focusing on active, health conscious travelers with the introduction of Avalon Fresh. It is a vegetarian and healthful dining experience designed by Viennese chefs Karl and Leo Wrenkh. They are also emphasizing on active travel for any age group. For instance, they have bicycle tours that appeal both to the active traveler and anyone who wants to explore like a local.
Crystal River Cruises They are launching its first all-suite vessels in June and August with two 110-passenger ships which will sail on the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube rivers. If space is important to you, then you won't want to miss out. Crystal is also launching new features (both onshore and onboard) for the decidedly luxury passenger.
Emerald Waterways Now they are offering a premium product for a younger demographic. Emerald will add three new ships and one of those will on the Douro River in Portugal. They even have a dedicated LGBT cruise on the Danube on board Emerald Sky in July.
Scenic They are expanding their offerings onboard with a pool, new dining areas, a culinary center and new suites to Scenic Diamond (cruising the Dordogne and Garonne rivers in France’s Bordeaux region) and Scenic Sapphire (cruising France’s Rhone and Saone rivers).
Tauck Like Scenic, Tauck is changing its existing ships by reducing the number of passengers by adding a few 300s sqft suites that can take families of four. They are also adding an alternative dining option as well. Tauck is also doubling its family cruises from 10 to 20 in 2017.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection They will have a new ship this spring on the Seine River in Northern France. Uniworld is also adding a biking partnership with Butterfield & Robinson, pre-cruise voluntourism opportunities in India and a new immersive Jewish heritage tour in Germany.
Viking River Cruises
They will have two new ships on the Rhine river this year, the Viking Herja and Viking Hild. Viking is also expanding their offerings for the Eastern market by having select European cruises specifically for Mandarin-speaking passengers.
