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Madeleine Barber rounds up the new river ships set to traverse Europe’s waterways and carry passengers deeper into Africa and Asia in 2021
The river cruise sector hopes to experience a busy 2021, with many new ships that were scheduled to sail last year – and whose debuts were put on hold by the pandemic – now making their maiden voyages in the coming months.
The government’s announcement that international travel might be able to resume from 17 May provided further hope for a prosperous summer season, and has driven a plethora of cruise-loving customers to take the leap and book their next waterward break.
Here, we highlight a selection of new river cruise ships taking to the world’s waterways on enticing itineraries in 2021 and ask the experts how you can reassure customers that passenger safety is being taken seriously onboard.
Set to glide past the palm trees, plantations and ancient attractions on the banks of the Nile from September, AmaWaterways’ AmaDahlia (pictured above) will carry 68 passengers in 34 staterooms through the heart of Egypt. The luxury ship has a heated pool on its sundeck, one speciality restaurant, a beauty salon and two massage rooms.
“For more peace of mind, there’s no recirculation of air onboard, and we’ve replaced breakfast and lunch buffets with new-style menus, Chef’s Culinary Stations and full table service,” says Jamie Loizou, AmaWaterways’ managing director.
Book it: AmaDahlia’s 11-night Secrets of the Nile and Egypt trip costs from £4,076pp for seven nights onboard and four in Cairo. Based on 10 September 2021 departure. amawaterways.co.uk
The 166-passenger Avalon View will make its maiden voyage on the Danube this year as the newest addition to Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ship fleet. The vessel’s biggest selling point is its wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, alongside the Adventure Centre distributing bikes and active gear, and three flexi-dining venues.
Sales and marketing director, Janet Parton, says the line has enhanced its safety protocols in light of the pandemic. “From our commitment to the cleanest ships to new embarkation procedures, we have gone above and beyond to make sure the cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards.”
Book it: Avalon Waterways offers a four-day cruise sailing from Budapest to Vienna onboard Avalon View from £1,004pp, departing 17 August 2021, excluding flights and transfers. avalonwaterways.co.uk
The Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers will welcome Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Luna this spring. The vessel will carry 180 passengers in 92 cabins and feature an indoor heated pool that transforms into a cinema at night, plus a panoramic sundeck that will host yoga. It also has a gym, massage room, hair salon and putting green.
“Updated protocols include pre-departure medical evaluation and PCR testing for guests and crew, contact-free check-in and check-out, enhanced cleaning protocols, socially aware dining, and air systems that ensure there is no re-circulation,” says Joseph Grimley, director of UK trade sales. Shore excursions will also depart in smaller groups.
Book it: An eight-day Holland and Belgium in Bloom round trip from Amsterdam departs on 4 April 2022 and costs from £1,995pp, including transfers, tips and six shore excursions. emeraldcruises.co.uk/agent-portal
Passengers on Uniworld’s La Venezia can experience a city break on the water, with the new Super Ship set to carry a maximum of 150 guests around Venice, its islands and the River Po. The vessel has been designed with the Venetian aesthetics of the early 20th century in mind and has three dining venues – one of which will host live music – and a fitness centre.
“The exclusive feel of this cruise is not just about the onboard experience though,” says Chris Townson, managing director UK and Ireland for the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. “One of the highlights of the itinerary is an after-hours private visit to St Mark’s Basilica, just for our group, when the crowds have gone.”
La Venezia’s health and safety protocols are still under review but are likely to include physical distancing, mask wearing in communal areas, dining reservations and table service.
Book it: Priced from £1,959pp based on 13 June 2021 departure, Uniworld’s eight-day Venice and the Gems of Northern Italy cruise includes flights and a choice of excursions every day. Based on two sharing. traveladvisors.uniworld.com
New line Tui River Cruises will make its delayed debut this May with three new ships – Tui Isla, Tui Maya and Tui Skyla – on 32 itineraries spanning the Danube, Rhine, Moselle and Main, plus Dutch and Belgian waterways. The vessels have had multi-million-pound makeovers and will feature 77-79 cabins across seven categories and two restaurants and two bars, with passengers on seven-day cruises given £120 to put towards shore excursions.
“Health and safety protocols [include] deep-cleaning, having hand sanitiser available and ensuring crew have had comprehensive Covid-19 training,” says Chris Hackney, managing director of cruise at Tui UK and Ireland.
PPE-wearing crew will serve passengers at the breakfast buffet, while lunch and dinner will be table service.
Book it: The Moselle Valley: Vines and Views onboard Tui Maya is an eight-day round trip rom Frankfurt priced from £1,260pp, including flights, transfers, tips and service charges. Based on two sharing, departing 15 August 2021. tui.co.uk/river-cruises
Purpose built for the Mekong River and carrying 80 passengers, Viking Saigon will embark on its inaugural sailing this August. The Scandi-style ship has a veranda or balcony in all staterooms, as well as an infinity pool, open-air bar, library, spa and fitness centre. Daily PCR tests for all guests and crew, social distancing, sanitisation and new air purification technology are part of the Viking Health and Safety Programme.
Highlights on a Viking Saigon itinerary spanning Vietnam and Cambodia include visits to Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, the Cu Chui Tunnels and Old Hanoi’s markets. Elsewhere in 2021, the cruise line will debut Viking Osiris on the Nile as well as Viking Kari, Viking Ragrid, Viking Skaga and Viking Fjorgyn on the Seine.
Book it: Viking’s 15-day Magnificent Mekong cruise-tour travels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min City. Departing 1 September 2021, it costs from £4,915pp including all flights, seven nights on land, 16 guided tours and tips. myvikingjourney.com
Saga has announced it will expand its river cruise fleet in 2022 by welcoming a brand-new ship, Spirit of the Danube. Currently under construction, it will have capacity for 190 guests, a lounge, library, bar and two restaurants when it departs Amsterdam for its maiden voyage next year. Spirit of the Danube is scheduled to visit the likes of Budapest, Vienna, Rousse and Tulcea, and welcome celebrities such as Miranda Krestovnikoff, Eric Knowles and Sir Roddy Llewellyn onboard. sagaagents.co.uk/trade.aspx
