River cruises have advantages to exploring Europe when it comes to post-Covid-19 recovery. They generally tend to sail in one or two countries, meaning quarantine laws and travel restrictions will not have such a significant impact on business.
Secondly, river cruises generally have a smaller number of passengers than ocean cruises. This makes health and safety procedures more manageable and will also allow cruise lines to react more effectively if passengers onboard become ill. Having a smaller number of passengers may also make customers feel safer. They also tend to be shorter than their ocean counterparts. This could be reassuring for customers who want to return to cruising but do not want to commit to a lot of time onboard. All of this may lead to cruise-goers opting for river cruises over ocean cruises.
What’s new for ’22?
River cruise fans can look forward to a host of new ships and experiences this year.
On U.S. rivers, American Cruise Lines will debut two more “modern riverboats.” Its fleet of four classic paddle-wheelers is also being redecorated and remodeled in time for the 2022 season launched in March.
The 386-passenger Viking Mississippi, launching in July, will be Viking’s first U.S.-based ship and will feature the Scandinavian design the line is known for.
It is just one of six ships Viking plans to debut next year. Earlier this year, March saw the naming of four new Viking Longships in Europe, and in late 2022, the 82-passenger Viking Osiris will launch on the Nile and the 80-guest Viking Saigon on the Mekong.
Emerald Cruises will also launch a new Star-Ship, the Emerald Luna, bringing its river fleet to nine.
Other new river offerings include Uniworld’s debut of Nights Out evening experiences in Europe this year that aim to “showcase European cities in a new light” and include an after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice; an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam; a tour and tasting at a brewery in Basel, Switzerland; and an evening at Cochem Castle, 348 feet above the Moselle River in Cochem, Germany.
SPECIAL OFFER:
Receive FREE Airfare from select Canadian Cities (plus, SAVE $1,000 per couple) on 2022 Avalon Waterways Storyteller Series River Cruises.*
Booking window: Until May 30, 2022
Travel window: From now through December 31, 2022
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before travelling.
