GROWING demand for river cruising during shoulder seasons has led AmaWaterways to boost European departures outside the peak summer months of Mar, Apr, Nov and Dec.
Amid record-breaking sales volumes already for the year-to-date, the river cruise brand has now reported seeing triple-digit year-on-year increases for departures in Mar and Apr.
This demand led it to introduce new Rhine and Danube sailings in Feb 2024, with the line repeating the move in Feb next year.
At the other end of the year, the appetite for Ama’s ‘A Taste of Christmas Markets’ themed cruises has seen the line extend these departures from mid-Nov to the new year.
AmaWaterways Managing Director Australia/NZ, Steve Richards, told Cruise Weekly that even though the line’s local office only opened two months ago, almost 70% of the bookings taken have been for off-peak or shoulder season departures.
“The main reason is [because] it’s less crowded,” Richards said.
“You don’t have the European domestic tourists and their school holidays to compete with.
“It’s also a lot cooler than the peak summer months.
“Traditionally, the Christmas Markets season only lasted a few weeks, however, with growing popularity, many iconic Christmas Markets have announced earlier opening dates starting mid-Nov.
“[This is] allowing the introduction of ‘A Taste of Christmas Markets’ cruises during which guests will enjoy an early start to the festive season on beautifully decorated ships, and visits to one or two Christmas markets,” he added.
Richards said the current hottest tickets, according to its sales figures, include Mar and Apr 2025 for cruises on the Rhine and Danube, along with Oct-Dec sailings on the Mekong. ML