FORT LAUDERDALE — During a panel discussion, river cruise line representatives pointed to new and exotic destinations from Colombia to Italy to India. cruise world Thursday.
As Travel Weekly river cruise editor and presenter Brinley Hineman puts it: “River cruising is no longer just for Europe.”
AmaWaterways Chief Brand Officer Kristin Karst was the first to speak during the panel discussion. She and chairman Rudi Schreiner have been outspoken about the company's pursuit of new river destinations, and the company just launched a second vessel on Colombia's Magdalena River, ama melodia.
“It’s always great to be the first somewhere,” Custer said.
“The beauty of a river cruise is discovery,” she said. “The Colombian and the Magdalena rivers, those are just the latest examples.” She also listed other non-European river names for the Arma waterway, such as the Chobe River in southern Africa, the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Riviera Travel is just starting to branch out: it has new itinerary Set to sail on the Mekong in 2027, it will be the first time the ship will not sail on a European waterway. “It’s already been well received by our travel partners,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera’s executive vice president of business development.
The discussion shifts to China, with Northstar editorial director and co-host Ken Shapiro focusing on Yangtze River experts Century Cruises. David Fredericks, president and general manager of the Americas, said Century is “re-introducing China” to trade now that China is open to travel again after a long coronavirus-related pause. “It's more about promoting the entire destination and showing the beauty of China,” he said of Century's marketing strategy.
Arjun Sinsinwar, Chief Inspiration Officer AntaraAs his interest in cruising in India grew, he stepped to the front of the stage and described the cultural, natural and spiritual touch points that travelers could experience during their cruises in India.
He noted that India may “not be someone's first choice as a river cruise destination. It's people who travel a lot, maybe people who haven't quite been to India before. People who may have been to other rivers and are now looking for the next frontier, the next destination.”
What's new in Europe?
But as the discussion continued, it became clear that Europe still had rivers yet to be discovered. Viva Cruises Cruises along Italy's Po River will begin in 2027, using Venice as a base. John Dennis, Viva's vice president of sales for the U.S., Canada and South America, describes it as “uniquely different.”
It's not just new rivers: new products are also on the table. For example, some lines are trying to extend the season. exist Avalon WaterwayRichard Hickey, senior director of key accounts, introduced the company's new Cozy Collection, which offers sailings in October and November, the months before Christmas market cruises. Demand is so strong that all ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers will be put into operation during the comfort season, he said.
