The Rebirth of River Cruising Home > Features > Trendwatch > The Rebirth of River Cruising
It's a sign of the times: The largest river-cruise ship ever built -- the 416-passenger, 10,000-ton, 439-foot-long Victoria Jenna -- debuted for Victoria Cruises in 2009. The launch of this technologically advanced vessel, which cruises China's Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang, is yet another signal that river boats, from Western Europe to Russia and from the Nile to China, are starting to catch up in style, sophistication, amenities and environmental applications to oceangoing vessels.
While Victoria Cruises may be striving for a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records with its new-build, it's not the only river-cruise line that's been upping the ante with innovative new ships this year. It seems like each of the major river lines is claiming bragging rights for the most suites, the biggest cabins or the youngest fleet. Interactive TV systems, specialty dining and even Wii game systems are trends that are trickling from the newest oceangoing ships down to their smaller, rivergoing cousins. And, it's much more impressive when Uniworld's 82-passenger, five-deck-high River Tosca finds room for cabanas around its swimming pool than when Holland America's 2,104-passenger, 11-deck-high Eurodam does the same.
So what's behind this race for bigger and better river boats? In particular, most river boats have always been constrained, in terms of size, by locks and low-lying bridges (except in China, where larger size is not as much of a handicap). Until recently, they were content to offer what they could -- small staterooms, minimal amenities, middling comfort levels. But, with oceangoing ships stealing the spotlight for their innovative offerings and travelers demanding higher levels of luxury and more amenities in their onboard experience, river cruise lines decided to push the envelope, as well. With a little ingenuity, they realized that smaller ships could offer deluxe suites, multiple dining venues and active pursuits.
You can find these new river ships sailing everywhere from the many rivers of Europe to the Yangtze River in China and the Nile River in Egypt. If you're looking for the latest and greatest on the rivers of the world, here's what you can expect.
Avalon Waterways
Ship Debuts:Avalon Waterways boasts the youngest river cruise fleet afloat with the debut of two new ships, Avalon Creativity and Avalon Affinity, which launched in 2009. It has released eight new ships since 2004.
New & Nifty: Staterooms on Avalon's new ships measure a reasonably roomy-for-riverboat 172 square feet, with Junior Suites as large as 258 square feet. Ninety percent of cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with sliding glass doors. High-end touches include flat-screen TV's, modern bathrooms, large closets and Egyptian cotton linens.
On the Map: The line is particularly creative with new itinerary options, including short cruises, theme cruises and new pre- and post-cruise land extensions. In 2010, the line is expanding its itinerary options in France, and Avalon Creativity will sail two new routes: Grand France and Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches.
AMAWATERWAYS
Ship Debuts:AMAWATERWAYS is also pushing hard for new ships, with 2009's Amadolce and Amalyra becoming the fleet's fifth and sixth new ships in three years.
New & Nifty: Modern amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi and an in-cabin "Infotainment system" (an interactive TV with options for watching movies, surfing the Web and sending e-mail), and multiple fitness options (including a small fitness center, walking track and bicycles for passenger use). French balconies, now a standard feature on newer riverboats in Europe, are on more than 82 percent of cabins.
On the Map: A mainstay on Europe's rivers, AMAWATERWAYS has branched out to Southeast Asia, beginning in September 2009. New itineraries include the 15-day Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong cruise tour, featuring a seven-night Mekong River cruise on MS La Marguerite, an overnight cruise on a junk in Ha Long Bay, plus land stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tauck Cruising
Ship Debuts:Tauck launched its newest ship, Swiss Jewel, in April 2009. Its three European river ships all debuted within the last three years.
New & Nifty: Swiss Jewel and siblings Swiss Sapphire and Swiss Emerald boast such modern amenities as Nintendo Wii in the Lido Bar and an alternative dinner option -- common oceangoing mega-ship amenities, which rare on the smaller river boats. In addition, these ships boast a higher-than-average number of suites and junior suites. The biggest suites, measuring 300 square feet, sport floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies, walk-in closets and marble baths with full-size tubs.
On the Map: New itineraries for 2010 include a 12-day Strasbourg to Prague Serenade and a 19-day Romance of the Rhine and Danube.
Uniworld
Ship Debuts:Uniworld debuted two new ships in 2009, River Beatrice in Europe and River Tosca in Egypt.
New & Nifty: River Beatrice sports more junior suites than any comparable ship, as well as a luxurious Owner's Suite, French balconies on 80 percent of cabins and an art collection worthy of a museum. The all-suite River Tosca features 300- to 650-square-foot cabins with marble-floored bathrooms, a swimming pool lined with cabanas and a rooftop bar.
On the Map: Uniworld's newest itinerary, Springtime Along the Rhine, debuts in March 2010 and will highlight the natural and manmade splendors of the Netherlands and Germany. Plus, Uniworld is courting families with summer cruises aimed at multigenerational groups, with 50 percent off cruise fares for kids, ages 8 to 18.
Victoria Cruises
Ship Debuts: The 416-passenger, 10,000-ton, 439-foot-long Victoria Jenna debuted in September as the largest river cruise ship ever built.
New & Nifty: According to Victoria Cruises, Victoria Jenna is a trendsetter with a number of river cruise ship firsts: four elevators, two full-service kitchens, CDMA-based Wi-Fi, full bathtubs and high-tech toilets onboard. Its 208 all-balcony staterooms include 42 suites -- more than any other river ship cruising the Yangtze River. It even offers an exclusive Executive Suite Deck with concierge service, a lounge and a private restaurant that's reserved for suite guests only. Environmentally conscious cruisers will be pleased to note that the kitchen serves up grass-fed and hormone-free meats, and the ship employs green technology, so it can have one of the best fuel-to-passenger ratios and reduce paper use onboard.
On the Map: Victoria Cruises hasn't expanded on its popular Three Gorges and Yangtze River cruises, but it is offering a new shore experience for 2010. The optional tour, available during the warmer months only, takes cruise travelers to White Emperor City, which overlooks the western end of Qutang Gorge and offers beautiful views.
New & Nifty: Viking Legend employs the latest engine technology to ensure a quiet ride and use 20 percent less fuel. The ship also sports the largest suites on a European river ship, with high-quality amenities, European linens and complimentary room service. It also has five cabins for single travelers.
On the Map: Viking is launching three new itineraries in 2010, including an eight-day Danube Waltz itinerary through Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia; a 10-day China Discovery cruisetour that includes a six-day Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges and a visit to Beijing's Olympic Village; and a nine-day Nile Explorer that includes a five-day Aswan-to-Luxor cruise.
It's a sign of the times: The largest river-cruise ship ever built -- the 416-passenger, 10,000-ton, 439-foot-long 
