River tours go beyond traditional travel experiences, promising participants extraordinary routes, rich cultural content and unforgettable memories. Thanks to these tours, discovering the beauties of the world’s most fascinating rivers is at the top of many travellers’ dream lists. So, what do we know about river tours and excursions? Cruisezone Cruise Department Director Zafer Alten shared questions about river tours with Tourism Diary readers.
“River cruises have become increasingly popular among travelers in recent years. River cruises along Russia’s Volga River and Egypt’s unique Nile River are etched in the memories of many people. However, the appeal of river tours is not limited to just these two destinations.
Rich Destination Options Increase Interest in River Tours
Especially in Europe, the connection of two important rivers such as the Rhine and the Danube with the opening of the Main Canal increased the interest in river tours. This development has led to an incredible increase in demand for both commercial and tourist ships. In the last decade, river cruises in Europe have become one of the most preferred travel types with a rich choice of destinations.
The Magic of Themed River Tours
Travel operators in our country offer package tours on the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhone and Douro rivers every year. Additionally, private river cruises with a wide variety of themes, such as Christmas markets, New Year’s celebrations, lavender season in France or tulip season in the Netherlands, also offer unique experiences for travelers.
River Cruises Combining Culture, Art and Entertainment
In order to offer richer experiences to their passengers, river cruise companies are increasing the diversity, from concerts featuring the works of famous classical music composers to sports, educational and artistic tours. In addition to exploring the world, such trips also offer participants unique learning opportunities on subjects such as culture, art and history.
The Rise of Global River Cruises
River cruises are increasingly popular, offering luxurious and adventurous journeys on the world’s most fascinating waterways. In 2024, the industry’s turnover is expected to reach 2.5 billion US dollars and exceed 7.5 billion US dollars by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 11.20%. This is a clear indication that river cruises have a bright future, with turnover set to triple within 10 years.
River tours spread all over the world, going beyond Europe and promising a luxurious experience with options for every budget offered by companies on China’s Yangtze, Vietnam’s Mekong, India’s Ganges, America’s Mississippi and Africa’s Chobe rivers. .
Ideal for Older Travelers
River cruises in particular have become an attractive opportunity for companies targeting the elderly consumer segment. For older travelers, river cruises offer a less physically demanding travel alternative. This also increases demand in the industry by offering a comfortable journey that replaces exploring destinations on foot.
River Cruises Designed for Every Traveler
River cruises are designed to suit the needs of every traveler. Many river cruise lines, which include accessibility features such as wide corridors, elevators and modern cabins, appeal to different ages and interest groups. Additionally, operators targeting families offer a variety of travel packages for everyone from young travelers to older middle-aged travelers.
Special Design of Ships, Cabin Variety and Comfort
River cruise ships are specially designed to navigate narrow waterways and low bridges comfortably. This means they are smaller and simpler in construction than their ocean-going counterparts. In terms of physical design, all types of river cruise ships, from economy to luxury, display similar characteristics. While the capacity of ships generally varies between 100 and 250, most cabins are of standard design and some are equipped with small, high windows to let in natural light.
River ships, unlike ocean giants, offer a more calm-oriented experience. While these elegant travel vehicles provide comfortable accommodation with restaurants, lounges and sun decks, they do not include activities offered by ocean liners, such as theaters and casinos. However, with health and relaxation at the forefront, some river ships are equipped with amenities such as a fitness room, SPA, hair salon, jacuzzis and even mini pools.
Advantages of Slow Travel: Detailed Regional Discovery
Although the ships are similar to each other, the variety of voyages and routes offered is quite wide. Guests can make a wide range of choices, from companies offering luxury services to companies offering more economical options. The slow-travel nature of river cruises offers the opportunity to dive deeper into a region or explore diverse cultures with routes spanning multiple countries.
Activities organized during the trip often focus on region-specific experiences, such as informative talks about the castles, villages and historical sites visited, and the opportunity to sample local delicacies. Many routes include leisurely walking tours, and onboard sessions provide valuable insight into the places guests will experience on land.
The Importance of Water Level in River Cruises and Creative Solutions to Transportation Challenges
The biggest risk of river travel is fluctuating water levels. High water levels can prevent ships from passing under bridges, while low levels can make it difficult for ships to navigate certain parts of the river. In case of unexpected situations such as low or high water levels, river cruise companies often use the ship as a moored hotel and organize bus-based trips to inaccessible places on the river. In some cases, companies with a large fleet will transport passengers by bus to their replacement ship to join a different ship.
If You Like the Idea of Traveling with Fewer People, River Cruises Are Always Worth Considering
River cruises offer a more intimate experience as they are made with fewer people than ocean cruises. In this way, you will have the opportunity to get to know your companions better throughout the journey. Many services offered on river cruises, such as accommodation, meals, selected beverages, onboard activities, airport transfers, group excursions and, in some cases, tips, are often included in the fares offered by larger companies.
Investment Potential in Turkey
Despite factors such as climate changes and rainfall patterns, river tours will continue to grow in the next 10 years and become even more popular on different continents. We are very confident that travel agencies in Turkey will see this potential and invest more in river tours, and the interest of Turkish guests in such trips will increase. This will bring new vitality to our industry.