The Rise of the River Cruise: Sail Iconic Rivers While Visiting Distinctive Corners of the World
WASHINGTON, DC --(Marketwired - April 07, 2016) - How can travelers leisurely explore several countries and discover multiple cultures in a matter of days? The answer is sailing on an iconic river aboard a river cruise. According to Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, the demand for the river cruise experience is at an all-time high; as of 2015, there were 169 river CLIA member cruise ships* on the water with 18 additional ships ordered for 2016.
"These intimate voyages allow passengers to experience multiple, memorable destinations in a short amount of time all while travelling the world's most famous, historic rivers," said Cindy D'Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. "As the demand for river cruising grows, there are now more experiences and destinations than ever before. In addition to cruising through Europe on the Rhine or Danube rivers, passengers can take river cruises through South America, Asia, Africa and even the U.S., offering access to some of the most authentic and treasured travel destinations in the world."
From Egypt to Asia, following are six iconic rivers around the world made easily accessible by river cruising:
-- The Magic & Mystery of the Nile: One of the world's most famous
waterways, spanning more than 4,000 miles, the Nile River offers
unbelievable sights of ancient temples, lush rainforests and impressive
mountains. Avalon Waterways offers a 9-day river cruise from Cairo that
takes cruisers on a voyage through 5,000 years of history, visiting
temples built in the time of Cleopatra, the famed Sphinx and the Great
Temples of Giza.
-- The Battles & Beauty of the Mekong: Stretching through thousands of
miles of authentic Asian rice paddies and fish farms, the Mekong River's
beautiful deltas have been site to famous battles, specifically during
the Vietnam War. Now, the peaceful waterways provide the perfect
atmosphere for cruising. New options in Vietnam and Cambodia include
AmaWaterways' 15-night Mekong upstream and downstream itineraries. The
voyage takes cruisers along the fabled Mekong River for an unforgettable
authentic experience exploring rural villages, floating markets, and a
Buddhist monastery. The itinerary includes Ho Chi Minh City with
additional stops in Siem Reap, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
-- The "River Sea" of the Amazon: The longest river in South America and
world's largest resource of fresh water, the Amazon offers thousands of
years of tropical history and beauty. Seabourn offers the chance to
blend the beauty of both river and ocean, including sailing along the
iconic Amazon River with a 15-day Amazon & Caribbean Isles Cruise. This
cruise takes passengers on a luxurious journey along the Amazon with
excursions into the jungle and beyond.
-- A Trek through American History on the Mississippi: The Mississippi
River is drenched in rich American history weaving through 1.2 million
square miles and multiple states. Adventurers on American Cruise Lines
sail on a Mississippi River Cruise paddlewheeler journey taking them
along the famed domestic waters and through 10 states. Guests experience
the jazz of New Orleans, French-inspired beauty of Natchez, the Gateway
Arch of St. Louis and more.
-- A Rise Along the Rhine: Known for enchanting castles and dramatic
landscapes, the Rhine River has been crossed by the likes of Julius
Caesar and George Patton. CroisiEurope's Christmas Market Cruise
celebrates the holidays along the Rhine, visiting multiple Christmas
markets in the European capital of Strasbourg, the "Christmas Cities" of
Nuremberg and Rudesheim which feature the Christmas Market of Nations.
Tauck's Rhine and Moselle cruise blends the beauty of two historic
rivers and allows passengers to experience the Netherlands to
Switzerland, through Germany, France and Luxembourg. Cruisers can pay
tribute to the fallen in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg
American Cemetery and Memorial, view medieval masterpieces like
Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem, and experience an exclusive dinner at a
medieval moated castle in Germany.
-- The Gorgeous Ganges: Boasting the highest population of any river basin
in the world and winding through India and Bangladesh, the sacred Ganges
River is not only gorgeous but constantly changing. The river is slowly
changing its path, naturally shifting 2.5 kilometers since 1990 so the
river offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime course. Uniworld Boutique River
Cruise Collection exclusively offers a chance to sail this fertile and
unique waterway with India's Golden Triangle & Sacred Ganges river
cruise and tour. Highlights include Delhi's Humayun's Tomb, the Taj
Mahal, the Agra Fort, Jaipur's City Palace, Mother Theresa's home and
tomb in Kolkata, Verdic temple in Mayapur, and Kalna's Rajbari Temples.
"River cruising is the ultimate experience offering an immersive, cultural and pampered vacation, complete with exceptional land excursions and vessel amenities," D'Aoust continued. "Travelers can sail on storied waterways and discover new pockets of the world."
For images and more information on the 8 Reasons to River Cruise please visit, http://cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/plan-a-cruise/8-reasons-to-river-cruise.
About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) -- One Industry, One Voice
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association has 15 offices globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promote the cruise travel experience. Members are comprised of the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organization's mission is to be the unified global organization that helps its members succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA Facebook and Twitter pages.
*CLIA cruise line Member cruise ships as reported in the Cruise Lines International Association State of the Industry Report
Contact Information:
Sarah Kennedy Manager, Public Relations & Marketing 202-759-9313 [email protected]
CLEAR , the secure identity company, today announced it is launching its identity verification technology at Buffalo Niagara International Airport's (BUF) Main Terminal, bringing frictionless and predictable travel experiences to Upstate New York....
As a perfect mix of tradition and modernity, Suzhou City in east China's Jiangsu Province is not only a historical and cultural city, but also a manufacturing powerhouse in the Yangtze River Delta. ...
On September 19, 2023, the exhibition titled "The Way Is Infinite: Centennial Retrospective Exhibition of Zao Wou-Ki", co-curated by the Art Museum of CAA and the Zao Wou-Ki Foundation, officially opened at the Art Museum of China Academy of Art in...
Over half (52%) of people feel the most independent in their car, whereas just under half (49%) say it's their happy place because they can travel with their family38% say the most exciting thing they have ever done in a car was creating memories...
After three days of qualifying, preliminary and final rounds, 2023 China Mermaid Open Championship Atlantis Station and International Mermaid Performance Contest came to a successful end on the afternoon of 20 September 2023. The champions and first...
On September 16th, the 2023 Head of Shanghai River Regatta was held along the Suzhou Creek. This year marks the third edition of the Regatta, which has been expanded to include not only the university group and club group, but also the elite group...