FORT LAUDERDALE — River cruise representatives highlighted an exciting array of new and exotic destinations during a recent panel discussion at CruiseWorld. As Brinley Hineman, river cruise editor at Travel Weekly, noted, "River cruising isn’t just for Europe anymore."
Kristin Karst, the chief brand officer of AmaWaterways, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of exploring uncharted waters. AmaWaterways recently launched its second ship, the AmaMelodia, on the Magdalena River in Colombia. "It’s always great to be the first one somewhere," Karst remarked, reflecting on the allure of discovering new destinations. She also mentioned other non-European rivers, including the Chobe in southern Africa, the Nile in Egypt, and the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Expanding its footprint, Riviera Travel is set to introduce a new itinerary on the Mekong River in 2027, marking its inaugural venture outside European waterways. Marilyn Conroy, Riviera’s executive vice president of business development, stated, "It’s already very well received by our travel partners."
As the panel progressed, the focus shifted to China. Ken Shapiro, editorial director at Northstar and co-moderator of the panel, brought attention to Century Cruises, specializing in cruises along the Yangtze River. With travel resuming to China after Covid-related restrictions, David Fredericks, president and general manager of the Americas at Century, highlighted the company’s efforts to "reintroduce" China as a travel destination. "It’s been more about promoting the destination as a whole, showcasing the beauty of China," he elaborated.
Arjun Sinsinwar, chief inspiration officer at Antara River Cruises, passionately discussed the unique experiences available while cruising in India. He noted that India might not be the first choice for many river cruise travelers, but it appeals to well-traveled individuals seeking new horizons. “It’s someone who has done other rivers and now is looking for that next frontier,” Sinsinwar explained.
Exploring New Horizons in Europe
The conversation also underscored that there are still European rivers waiting to be explored. Viva Cruises is set to commence its operations on Italy’s Po River in 2027, with Venice serving as the home port. John Dennis, Viva’s vice president of sales for the U.S., Canada, and South America, described this venture as "uniquely different."
Additionally, the panel showcased innovative products. For example, Avalon Waterways is expanding its offerings with the new Cozy Collection. This program provides voyages in October and November, preceding the Christmas market cruises. Richard Hickey, senior director of key accounts at Avalon, shared that the demand for these off-peak cruises has led to all ships on the Rhine, Main, and Danube being put into service during this season.
As river cruise lines continue to diversify their itineraries beyond traditional European destinations, the future of river cruising looks bright and varied, inviting travelers to embark on new adventures all around the globe.
