It’s been the year Australians truly fell in love with river cruising. With many lines virtually sold out for 2025 and now selling 2026 and 2027, this week is Cruise Lines International Associate Australasia’s River Cruise week – and here at the River Cruise Collective, we’re happy to mark it.
We surveyed almost 3000 people to find out what they thought about river cruise holidays, holidays on inland waterways. Nearly nine in 10 Australians said they would consider river cruising.
Today, there are more major global river cruise lines with offices in Australia than ever. Lines like Tauck and AmaWaterways are recent entrants, and lines like Uniworld, Viking, and Avalon are well-established, alongside Scenic and APT.
But what exactly is driving this trend?
The Allure of the River
Unlike most major ocean liners, river cruise ships are smaller and more intimate, fostering a sense of community among passengers. They navigate the heart of a destination, sailing along scenic yet mighty waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Mekong, and Nile, offering ever-changing views of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic landmarks right from your window.
This proximity to the destination allows for a more immersive experience, with easy access to local life and culture.
Effortless Exploration
One of the greatest appeals of river cruising is its convenience. Unpack once and settle into your floating hotel, waking up in a new, exciting destination each day. Forget the hassle of navigating train stations, airports, or unfamiliar roads. River cruises take care of the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey. With shore excursions often included, exploring iconic sites and hidden gems becomes effortless and enriching.
A Feast for the Senses
River cruising caters to a wide range of interests. History buffs can delve into the stories behind medieval castles and ancient ruins, while food enthusiasts can savour regional delicacies and local wines. For those seeking relaxation, the onboard amenities and leisurely pace of river cruising provide the perfect setting to unwind and recharge.
Beyond the Expected
River cruising isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about experiencing a destination’s soul. Many itineraries include unique cultural encounters, such as cooking classes with local chefs, wine tastings in family-owned vineyards, or visits to traditional crafts workshops. These authentic experiences create lasting memories and provide a deeper understanding of the places you visit.
So why do it?
Top 10 Reasons to Choose a River Cruise:
- Hassle-free travel: Unpack once and let the river take you to your next destination. No need to worry about transportation, accommodations, or navigating unfamiliar cities.
- Immersive experiences: Get closer to the heart of a destination, exploring smaller towns and villages often inaccessible by larger cruise ships.
- Cultural enrichment: Engage with local life through included shore excursions, onboard lectures, and unique cultural encounters.
- Scenic beauty: Enjoy ever-changing views of stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and charming riverside towns.
- Intimate atmosphere: Smaller ships foster a sense of community and personalized service.
- All-inclusive value: Many river cruises include meals, drinks, shore excursions, and onboard amenities in the fare.
- Variety of destinations: Explore iconic rivers and waterways around the world, from Europe and Asia to Africa and North America.
- Unique itineraries: Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations often overlooked on traditional tours.
- Relaxing pace: Enjoy a leisurely journey with ample time to unwind and soak in the scenery.
- Catering to all interests: Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, there’s a river cruise to suit your passions.
As more travellers seek authentic and enriching experiences, the allure of exploring the world’s waterways will only strengthen. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, a river cruise offers a truly unforgettable way to see the world.
There is one other reason river cruising makes sense. When cruisepassenger.com.au investigated how this type of holiday compared to a drive-stay journey on the popular Amsterdam-to-Budapest route, we discovered the savings for a couple was as much as $13,000.
During CLIA’s River Cruise Week, there are also lots of savings – especially among lines offering early bird bookings.
So snap up a bargain and see you on the rivers soon!
