Several river lines have added additional sailings in regions across Europe and Asia due to an increase in popularity.
It comes as AmaWaterways announced this month it would be building a dedicated ship for the Mekong.
Other lines like Uniworld and Avalon Waterways have added additional sailings for both 2024 and 2025 for Asia as well as new French itineraries.
Uniworld has added two departures in 2024 on the Seine and on the Danube, for those looking for last-minute European holidays.
The line also has additional sailings on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia for 2025.
Guests have the option to sail aboard the S.S. Joe de Vivre on the Seine in France, the S.S. Maria Theresa on the Danube River in central Europe, and on the Mekong River on the Mekong Jewel.
The new additional sailings are:
- November 10, 2024, for the Paris & Normandy itinerary aboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre
- November 10, 2024, for the Enchanting Danube aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa
- March 27 and March 31, 2025, for the Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong itinerary aboard the Mekong Jewel
It comes as other river cruise lines have added more sailings to popular itineraries. Avalon Waterways for instance earlier this year, announced new one-, two-, and three-week sailings through the French region of Bordeaux.
The cruise line found interest has grown in French and wine-themed cruises by 30 per cent, after surveying guests.
Now, Avalon Waterways has added sailings on Garonne and Dordogne Rivers and multiple cruise combinations that also include the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers.
These new itineraries for 2025 will be designed around wine tastings as well as visits to historic castles and Châteaux, incorporated in the line’s Active, Discovery and Classic shore excursions.
“Along the shores of the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, we’re elevating immersive experiences for guests, offering them deeper discoveries of the richest traditions in Southwest France,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways.
“From unparalleled panoramic cruising aboard the Avalon Artistry II to shore Châteaux visits, Sauternes tastings and crème puff baking classes mixed with e-biking through vineyards and free time in postcard-perfect places like Saint-Émilion, Bourg, and Arcachon, for Avalon guests in Bordeaux, the world is their oyster to enjoy as they please,” said Hoffee.
Avalon Waterways’ new Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages eight-day itinerary visits Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, Blaye, Bourg, and Libourne.
Here is a sample itinerary of what to expect:
Day 1: Bordeaux – Welcome aboard
Embark on the Avalon Artistry II.
Day 2: Cadillac-Sur-Garonne – On the Steps of Montesquieu
- Classic sightseeing: Take a guided tour of Château de la Brêde – birthplace of Montesquieu, political philosopher, and author of “The Spirit of Law.” This fortress-style castle sees its reflection in the encircling moat while offering guests a reflection of the past.
- Discovery excursion: Join a guided visit and wine tasting at a local château to sip sweet notes of Sauternes, the beloved golden-yellow wine of the region.
Day 3: Cussac Fort Médoc – Bikes, Vines & Wines
- Active excursion: Enjoy an e-bike guided tour through the picture-perfect vineyards and countryside of Bordeaux’s finest wine region.
- Discovery excursion: Take a guided visit of a historic Château in the Médoc area and enjoy a wine tasting of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Day 4: Blaye to Bourg – Fine Art, Fine Bubbly, and a Fine Day for a Drive
- Classic sightseeing: Enjoy a guided visit to the Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a panoramic drive of the famous Route de la Corniche along the right banks of the river Dordogne.
- Discovery excursion: Join a guided tour of Blaye from a different perspective – one of an eclectic art gallery with wine tasting. Plus, free time in Bourg, including a Discovery excursion to join enjoy a Rémy Martin Cognac tasting at its distillery.
Day 5: Libourne plus Saint-Émilion – A Village Amid the Vineyards
- Classic sightseeing: Join a guided tour of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion – a UNESCO World Heritage site of legends and legendary landscapes. Once complete, guests are invited to spend the day walking the cobblestones of this charming village, stopping to shop or enjoy its café culture.
- Discovery excursion: Alternatively, Discovery options include a pastry baking class or chocolate and wine pairing tasting in a beautiful Bordeaux chateau.
Day 6: Bordeaux – Sights and Brilliant Lights.
- Classic sightseeing: Join a guided walking tour through the heart of Bordeaux to stroll its stunning squares, avenues and cathedrals.
- Discovery excursion: Guests are also invited to enjoy an optional Discovery excursion to Marche des Capucins – the “Belly of Bordeaux” – via tram to enjoy an insider peek into French market culture. Also on the menu is the Les Bassins de Lumiéres for a visit to the original Nazi submarine base that’s been transformed into an art and music installation.
Day 7: Bordeaux plus Arcachon’s Bay – Seas, Shells and Sips
- Classic sightseeing: Join a full day guided tour of the seaside resort of Arcachon on the Atlantic coast, including an oyster farm visit for a tasting of the French delicacy.
- Alternatively, guests can stay in Bordeaux to enjoy the day their way, including biking along the postcard-perfect views of the Les Quais.
