- There has been a huge increase in Australians booking in the European shoulder season.
- Flight prices and crowds have been a major deterrent.
- River lines are now adding more capacity for cooler months like March, April, October and November.
While river cruising in Europe has traditionally been designed for the warmer months of the year, more Australians are cruising in the region’s shoulder season.
Typically, river cruising would stop at Christmas and resume in May, but because of flight prices and for cruisers who want fewer crowds, the season is starting much earlier and finishing later.
Cruise lines are now offering voyages starting from mid-March and regular itineraries (before Christmas) will end in November.
Lines like Avalon Waterways say shoulder season is now nearly more popular than summer river cruising.
“Shoulder season has become one of the most popular times to travel with us – we’ve seen a whopping 189 per cent increase year-on-year (2023 v. 2024) with a large portion of our guests opting for an early (or late in the season) cruise,” said Chris Fundell, Head of Marketing Asia Pacific for Avalon Waterways and the Globus family of brands.
He said that with milder weather and more affordable flight prices have driven the demand for the increase.
“There are a few different factors at play; from more affordable flight prices to milder weather and less crowds than typically seen in the European summer months,” he said.
“The shoulder season can be seen as the sweet spot between peak and off-peak travel times.”
Where are Australians going in Europe during the shoulder season?
Like Avalon Waterways, APT too has also seen an increase in demand for the shoulder season for exactly the same reason.
The company, which is also launching two new ships on the Danube River this year, has had to craft specific colder-month itineraries to accommodate for the demand.
“Our Western Front Explorer itinerary is crafted specifically for Europe’s shoulder months. This evocative journey explores World War I history through the battlefields of the Somme. Guests visit the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and Polygon Wood, while also experiencing the culture and cuisine of cities from Amsterdam to Bruges. Cooler weather and fewer crowds allow for quiet reflection and deeper exploration,” said David Cox, the CEO of APT Travel Group.
With the launch of the APT Solara and the Ostara, APT has also designed the ship’s itineraries to run from March until December.
One of its most popular itineraries, the 15-day Magnificent Europe sails on three rivers – the Rhine, Main and Danube – and takes in the heart of Europe.
“While summer boasts postcard scenes, may of our guests are increasingly opting for shoulder season to see another side of Europe that is equally as beautiful.
In spring, gardens are beginning to bloom and the air is crisp with possibility – a highlight of the season is a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, when tulips and spring blooms are at their peak,” said Cox.
“In autumn, vineyards and riverbanks are brushed with gold, and the light takes on a warm, cinematic quality. Touring during these months means wandering cobbled lanes with a little more ease, lingering a little longer at castles and cathedrals, and finding a riverside café seat without the summertime bustle.”
Avalon Waterways’ most popular itineraries for the shoulder season are its newest – Portugal is proving to be a top seller, with most of 2025 and 2026 gone.
The line recently added two more Douro River itineraries for November.
AmaWaterways last year added extra sailings in March, April, November and December.
Following the success of new Rhine and Danube cruises introduced this February, the luxury line is keeping these departures as part of its 2025 offering.
“We’ve been taking reservations for a few months now and somewhere from 60-70% of our reservations have been for the shoulder season and off-peak times,” Steve Richards, AmaWaterways Managing Director Australia told River Cruise Passenger.
AmaWaterways concur it is more economical to travel outside of peak hours with cruisers also able to save between 10-15% in shoulder periods, in addition to being offered other promotions that offer additional savings.
Where are we river cruising outside of Europe?
Abercrombie & Kent, one of the newest entrants into the river cruise space has put a huge focus on soft adventure-led itineraries.
“The most popular river cruise itineraries for Australian travellers are Egypt & the Nile, Petra to the Pyramids & a Nile Yacht Cruise and Pharaohs & Pyramids,” said Michelle Mickan, VP of Marketing for Abercrombie & Kent.
“Shoulder season in Egypt can be good because it is a little cooler. But Egypt is spectacular year-round, which is why it’s an all-time Australian fave.”
With the upcoming launch of its newest ship, the Pure Amazon, Mickan advises to get in early.
“Peru is a trending destination and is set to become massive next year so getting in early is always a good idea. The shoulder season in the Peruvian Amazon, typically from May to October, can be a good time to visit.
“While the dry season is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, the shoulder season offers a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak season.
“Everyone loves a less crowded experience but the good thing about the Amazon is that it’s an emerging destination, so it isn’t crowded yet at all.”
