Avalon's first new "Suite Ship", Avalon Panorama. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
The rest of the travel industry must look on the river cruise industry with unrestrained envy; after all, twenty years ago river cruising was just a shadow of the multi-billion dollar industry it is today. The past decade alone has seen the creation of new lines, new itineraries, new ships and above all else, more choice than ever.
Instead of resting on their laurels, many river cruise lines are hard at work competing with each other in the bid to attract new and old passengers alike. In doing so, they’re managing to revolutionize the industry, developing new innovations and creature comforts that are beginning to rival many deep-ocean river cruise ships.
A rendering of one of the elegant, modern staterooms featured aboard AmaWaterways' upcoming AmaCerto. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.
AMAWATERWAYS is one such line. In the past few months, they’ve announced details of three new ships, new specialty onboard programs, and even the construction of an English school in Siem Reap, Cambodia; an opportunity for the company to give back to a country that has afforded it some remarkable successes in developing its Asian itineraries.
Perhaps most striking is the revelation that AMAWATERWAYS is only a decade old. Founded in 2001, the line celebrated its 10th anniversary with – you guessed it – details of another new ship to come: the MS AMACERTO.
AMAWATERWAYS President Rudi Schreiner noted that, “We are extremely proud to mark the 10th anniversary of AMAWATERWAYS with the launch of the MS AMACERTO. She truly represents a new generation of ship design, with a distinctive exterior and interior that surpasses any other vessel ever seen on European rivers. We’ve worked closely to custom-design a beautiful vessel that will set new standards in the industry for many years to come,”
Fans of deep-ocean cruise ships will find plenty to like about AMACERTO when she launches next year. Her interior design derives from some of the most classic cruise ships and ocean liners afloat, including an al fresco Café at the forward end of the ship, a heated swimming pool on the Sun Deck (complete with a swim-up bar), and two Tapas and Wine venues. Taking a nod from a recent popular cruise ship trend, AMACERTO also includes an elegant Chef’s Table Restaurant featuring a different tasting menu each evening.
Many river cruise vessels still lack an elevator, but AMACERTO bests them in this department: a glass elevator whisks passengers throughout her decks.
The new Explorer Suites are the crown jewel of staterooms aboard the new Viking Longships. Illustration courtesy of Viking River Cruises.
Hot on their heels is Viking River Cruises, which turned the industry on its head when it made the surprise announcement that it intended to construct four new sister-ships, based upon a brand-new design, in time for the start of the 2012 river cruise season. This game-changing decision was matched only by the details of these new vessels, dubbed “Viking Longships.”
Environmentally-friendly, these innovative vessels offer more of the amenities passengers have been asking for, like full-depth balconies in most staterooms, redesigned accommodations, and modern, stylish interiors crafted by Norwegian firm Yran & Storbraaten, who have been designing deep-ocean cruise ships for over twenty years.
Viking’s Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen noted, “What has emerged are vessels that will deliver a peerless travel opportunity to aficionados of river cruising and those that have yet to try this unique way to see the world.”
The Viking Longships will be an entirely new class of river cruise vessel. Illustration courtesy of Viking River Cruises
Named after members of the Norse pantheon, the four ships – Viking Freya, Viking Idun, Viking Njord and Viking Odin will operate some of the line’s most popular itineraries, including
including the popular 10-day Tulips and Windmills voyage, the 8-day Romantic Danube, the 8-day Danube Waltz and the spectacular 15-day Grand European Tour.
Between next year and 2014, Viking will add ten ships to their fleet; a remarkable achievement in such a short amount of time.
Meanwhile, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has enhanced their operations in Portugal’s breathtaking Douro River Valley with the launch of the brand-new Douro Spirit.
In order to take advantage of the magnificent vistas along the Douro Valley, every stateroom aboard the new Douro Spirit features a French balcony. Carrying just 128 guests, Douro Spirit’s diverse public areas add to the passenger experience and include a main lounge complete with full bar and dance floor, a main restaurant, a spa, beauty salon, boutique and an expansive sun deck with a Jacuzzi and even a small swimming pool – a rarity among many river cruise vessels.
The stunning Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises.
A UNESCO World Heritage region, the Douro Valley was ranked by National Geographic Traveller magazine as one of the World’s Great Places in their annual Destination Survey.
Avalon Waterways also made a splash recently when they took delivery of the brand-new Avalon Panorama, the line’s first “All-Suite” ship.
Dining arboard Avalon's new Suite Ships. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.
Boasting two decks of suites, floor-to-ceiling windows and the line’s innovative Open-Air Balconies that transform the entire suite into a stunning outdoor experience; a feature of growing importance among river cruisers, many of whom choose this method of travel precisely for the breathtaking scenery.
In this case, Avalon’s passengers also spoke with their wallets: the line revealed that thanks to unprecedented demand for Avalon Panorama, she’ll be given two sister ships in 2012: Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary.
Like Avalon Panorama, the new Vista and Visionary will have 178 Panorama Suites measuring 200 square feet and six fantastic 300 square-foot Royal Suites, an almost unprecedented amount among river cruise vessels. Each suite features marble bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, fresh flowers, and Avalon’s own deluxe Comfort Collection bedding.
To top all it off, in 2012 Avalon guests will enjoy free Wi-Fi access fleet-wide, and guests staying in the impressive Royal Suites will be able to use in-room Apple iPads.
What does all this mean for river cruisers? The next few years will see an unprecedented amount of variety and choice, both onboard and ashore.
And there’s never been a better time to experience it for yourself.
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