Figures from CLIA suggest that 80% of travel agents find that a river cruise is what entices new travellers into cruising. So, will 2020 be the year that you decide to give this kind of holiday a go for the first time?

There are so many great reasons to dip your toe into the world of river cruising and, once you do, you’re sure to be hooked for life. Here are just a few arguments as to why this should be your year to sail one of the world’s breathtaking waterways.

The Trend Is Growing

The number of UK holidaymakers cruising in general is growing each and every year and so there is a definite trend towards more people choosing a river cruise. In 2017, the total number of river cruises taken by people in the UK increased by 21% and then by another 11% in 2018. Indications show that 2019 was another good year in this respect and 2020 is sure to see yet more growth.

These rising numbers are helped by the regular increase in capacity that occurs every year thanks to new ships joining the market. This means more space, more itineraries and, ultimately, more choice.

There Are Plenty Of Themed Options

One thing that might help to pique your interest in river cruising is the number of themed cruises that are available. Do you have a passion for music, golf, wine, history? Why not indulge this on a holiday that allows you to learn from experts, share your stories and make friends with likeminded people who enjoy the same interests?

The themes mentioned above are some of the most common options, but there are also much more niche itineraries out there. Consider a Jewish heritage sailing along the Rhine or Danube, a Mark Twain inspired jaunt along the Mississippi with American Cruise Lines or even a celebration to honour 250 years since Beethoven’s birth with Amadeus River Cruises.

Exciting New Ships Are On The Way

One of the biggest draws that should tempt you to begin your love affair with river cruising in 2020 is the collection of new ships on the horizon. These state-of-the-art additions are sure to bring added luxury and new features to the GoRiverCruise and you could be one of the first people to sail on board their decks.

Specific examples include Amadeus Imperial, made in the mould of so many of her elegant sisters; American Jazz, a riverboat that continues to buck the trend along the Mississippi; and Zimbabwean Dream, a ship that will allow you to experience Africa from Lake Kariba on the Zambia/Zimbabwe border.

More Choice Than Ever

2020 is set to be the year in which more choice is on the table than ever before. Whilst some cruise lines continue to expand their offering within Europe, others are branching out to provide sailings in unique regions such as the Peruvian Amazon and Egypt.

Throw in the fact that you can choose how active or leisurely you want your holiday to be, whether you want to enjoy a multi-generational trip or one aimed at millennials, and even if you would like to add a land extension before or after your cruise and you start to see the kind of choice we are referring too.

If you are planning to make 2020 the year in which you take your first river cruise, GoRiverCruise can offer options on six different continents. Call us on 0800 954 0064 to see how we can be your one-stop-shop for river cruising.

‍