We’re hearing it more and more. An increasing number of travelers are booking river their cruises closer to their departure dates. In previous years, folks planned and booked at least a year ahead, and while many still do, quite a few travelers are pulling the trigger only a few months before their planned sailings. The heads of river cruise companies tell us that they too see the trend. What’s driving it is anyone’s guess, but no one is complaining.
”We continue to see a late booking trend,” says Michael Lundquist, director of business development for CroisiEurope. ”North American travelers are still depositing on river cruises and barges for spring of 2025, and we are even receiving new group requests. We are pleased that demand for international river cruising remains high after the holiday season.”
Michael Lundquist, CroisiEurope’s director of business development, on a recent river cruise in Bordeaux.
There can be advantages to booking early. You stand a better chance at getting the itinerary, date and the stateroom you want. And some companies offer greater savings to those who book early. Still, some travelers feel it’s okay to wait to book.
When I look at River Cruise Advisor’s Get Our Recommendations form, only eight of the 40 requests for help that we received recently were planning for next year or later. The majority (17) wanted to river cruise within 12 months, 14 wanted to cruise within six months, and three were eager to go as soon as possible. Summing it up, more than 75 percent of those who asked for our help in the past couple of weeks wanted to river cruise before the year ends, and more than half of those wanted to cruise before the summer.
While I plan my hosted trips more than a year in advance, I do so because they take a lot of planning. But I’m a late-booker for business class air, and knock on wood, I have always managed to get a good fare. I hope my luck continues to hold for my barge trips this spring.
CroisiEurope tells us they are seeing both sides of the booking trend, people booking early and people planning for next year and beyond. The company is expanding its operations in North America to meet rising demand. “We have seen more travelers planning ahead and booking now for 2026, so we are happy that we opened for sale on our 2026 product earlier than ever before,” Lundquist tells us. “We are optimistic that river cruising demand will continue to grow in the North American market for 2025 and 2026 – and beyond.”
Cruising has long been a popular option for family vacations, offering unparalleled convenience. There’s no constant packing and unpacking, lugging bags through train stations, or figuring out a daily itinerary. The ease and simplicity of cruising are what make it such an appealing choice for travelers of all ages.
But still, many families overlook river cruising as a viable option. Traditional river ships weren’t designed with families in mind. But times are changing. New ships now feature connecting staterooms, as well as triple and quad cabins, making river cruising more accessible for families, including those with younger children. Read the rest of this entry »
We’ve always loved the quieter side of travel – those moments when you can really connect with a place without the rush of peak-season crowds. So, when AmaWaterways invited us to sail its Best Of The Danube itinerary in February, we didn’t hesitate to say yes. This round trip journey from Budapest gives us a chance to experience the Danube at its most peaceful, with fewer tourists and a fresh perspective on some of our favorite destinations. Read the rest of this entry »
How do you solve a problem like Maria? You don’t. In fact, you let Maria solve your problems.
On my recent Avalon cruise, I sat down with Maria Pascual to ask her about what she’s learned in the 31(!!) years with Globus. She reflected on her career with Avalon, the evolving demographics of river cruise guests, and how her team goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and unforgettable experience for everyone on board. Read the rest of this entry »
With the holiday season upon us, Tauck has announced a new 2025 river cruise celebrating the traditional Christmas markets and other holiday happenings along the River Seine in France.
The Seine: Holiday Magic begins in Paris, where guests will board Tauck’s ms Sapphire riverboat and enjoy three nights and two full days in the city.
For years, I celebrated Christmas with friends and family in an unlikely setting — on the rivers of Europe. It’s a tradition that I have very much enjoyed and one that I hope to continue.
I love the cozy feeling of being on a vessel that transports me, and a hundred or so others, along the main arteries of Europe during this festive time of year . I enjoy bundling up to stroll historic city streets among the Christmas markets and returning to the ship to sip on hot mulled cider or, when the mood strikes, Gluhwein.
Think of it this way…Endless charming towns, historic landmarks and the beauty of Europe’s waterways rolling by as you sip wine on a sunny deck. That’s what I knew I was signing up for when I was invited on a 15-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Avalon Waterways. But many people who haven’t river cruised before often wonder about the perfect itinerary length. Is two weeks too long?
My “Dream Cruise” had been nearly two years in the making. The idea took root in January of 2023 and became a reality this past October when three dozen of us trundled off to Amsterdam to board AmaPrima for an 11-night river cruise. Here’s how the Dream Cruise came to be and how it played out.
After our Dream Cruise came to an end, I found myself wanting more time on the water and away from the tragedy that was impacting my hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. So, I extended my vacation by two weeks to sail through the heart of Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest, with Avalon Waterways on Avalon Tranquility II. I’ve sailed with Avalon a few times now, and each time I find myself appreciating the thoughtful touches and comforts that make their cruises truly special. Here are some of the small details that always make a big difference for me.
Now entering its third year of Soulful Experience offerings, AmaWaterways has announced four different itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Guests booking 2025’s Egypt’s Nile (May 14), France’s Provence region (Aug. 21), Portugal’s Douro (Nov. 14), and Colombia’s Magdalena River (Oct. 18) by December 31, 2024 can save up to 20% off cruise fares and enjoy AmaWaterways’ special AirPlus fixed rates on airfares. Read the rest of this entry »
Note: For privacy reasons, photos of the crew cannot be included in this article with the exception of our cruise manager, Jasmina. Instead, I’ll try to bring their warmth and personalities to life through words.
When I stepped aboard the AmaPrima, it wasn’t just the ship’s polished floors, elegant public areas, or cozy cabins that stood out. It was the crew who set the tone from the very first moment. They greeted me with such warmth and sincerity, but that is what I have come to expect from AmaWaterways – a crew that doesn’t just do their jobs but makes you feel like part of a little family. Read the rest of this entry »
AmaWaterways, the first major river cruise line to navigate the Magdalena River in Colombia, shared its latest updates in preparation for the inaugural sailing of its first ship in Colombia, AmaMagdalena, set for 2025. The company is focused on enhancing the luxury cruising experience along this river, a new destination for river cruising, ensuring guests enjoy authentic and enriching connections to the region’s culture and heritage. Read the rest of this entry »
Helene devastated Western North Carolina, taking lives and livelihoods. Many homes, restaurants, shops and even entire villages were swept away by torrential flooding and landslides. High winds took down trees that blocked roadways and destroyed houses. The death toll now stands at more than 230, with many more missing. Read the rest of this entry »
We can all agree that one of the least exciting parts of planning a trip, second to paying your cruise fare, is packing. The great news, though, is that someone always seems to have advice for how to make packing easier.
Ralph writes many articles on packing tips. In his article, Ralph provides a lot of great insight how and what to pack. But his advice doesn’t always work for me – convertible pants that zip off into shorts? No, thank you. But Ralph does this so that he can pack for a week in just a carry on. For those who mind hauling the extra luggage, that could be a good idea. I don’t mind bringing a checked bag, rolling carry on, and backpack (I know, it’s a lot!) Read the rest of this entry »
This is an update to an article I wrote a few years ago about the value of travel agents (or advisors). When I first wrote this article in 2019 I stated that “I was confused about why people used travel agents. Why have someone else do something that you can do yourself?” Fast forward five years, and I’ve become a travel agent myself.
A lot of people ask the same question I asked, though. Why use a travel advisor? The answer is simple – while it’s true that you can handle the logistics yourself, a travel advisor provides expertise, added value, and personalized service that can enhance your entire travel experience. Read the rest of this entry »
As the cruise market for Spanish-speaking travelers continues to grow, AmaWaterways adds more opportunities to meet the demand for these popular sailings. AmaWaterways, known for its Latin Touch cruises dedicated to Spanish-speaking travelers, is adding the popular Enticing Douro itinerary to its Latin Touch series for 2025. Departing on November 25, 2025, this eight-day luxury cruise aboard the 102-guest AmaDouro will journey from the pastel-colored city of Porto, all the way to picturesque port of Vega de Terrón, Spain before returning. Pricing starts at $3,283 per person, double. Guests can add a three-night pre-cruise Lisbon land option, inclusive of luxury accommodation, daily tours and daily breakfast, priced at $990 per person, double. Read the rest of this entry »
On the heels of a record-breaking year for Avalon Waterways in 2024, the river cruise company is poised to smash sales goals for 2025.
“We’re coming to the finish line of our strongest sales year ever. And I’m thrilled to share that 2025 is on another record pace and gaining. In recent weeks, 2025 bookings are outpacing 2024 by more than 50 percent year-over-year,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “Leading the way are France and Portugal as well as off-season, ‘special interest’ cruises, including our exclusive series of ‘Active & Discovery’ itineraries.” Read the rest of this entry »
Europe’s Christmas markets are a beloved tradition, drawing in visitors from all corners of the world. These quaint, open-air markets are more than just shopping spots; they’re a festive celebration where you can pick up one-of-a-kind gifts like nutcrackers and handmade toys, all while sipping on mulled wine and savoring local delicacies. For those looking to experience these magical markets as they first come to life, before the crowds descend, AmaWaterways‘ Taste of Christmas cruises offer a tempting way to enjoy the holiday spirit on the water. Read the rest of this entry »
Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers, Lahnstein offers a gateway to captivating historical sites and natural beauty. In Lahnstein, you’ll have to opportunity to visit a towering fortress, take a scenic bike rides, or hike through lush landscapes. Here’s a closer look at these excursion options.
Perched atop a hill overlooking the town and the rivers below, Burg Lahneck is a stunning medieval castle with a history dating back to the 13th century. Your guided tour through its ancient halls reveals tales of knights, nobility, and the castle’s strategic importance during various European conflicts. Read the rest of this entry »
Ludwigshafen is your starting point for a range of excursions – whether you’re drawn to the medieval charm of Heidelberg, the opulence of Schwetzingen Palace, or the peaceful trails along the Neckar River. Read the rest of this entry »
