Opportunity along America’s riverbanks

Last week’s announcement that Viking River Cruises is planning to build six new vessels for the Mississippi River signaled more than just continued growth of the river cruise industry: The move opens up additional economic opportunities for the communities along America’s most fabled inland waterways.

In Europe, the booming river cruise industry contributes about $1.1 billion in passenger revenue to Western European economies annually, according IG River Cruise, an association of river cruise lines based in Basel, Switzerland. 

Imagine if the small and large towns along the Mississippi River began to see even a fraction of that contribution?

Michelle Baran

In fact, they have already been experiencing a boost. The cities on the banks of the Mississippi River System have been witnessing something of a tourism economy revival since Mississippi River cruising was resurrected in 2012 with the relaunch of the 436-passenger American Queen and the christening of American Cruise Lines’ 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi. 

For instance, when the Great American Steamboat Co. decided to make Memphis the homeport of the American Queen in 2012, the deal created 250 new jobs as well as the promise of $1.5 million in annual taxes and fees to Memphis, 10,000 filled hotel rooms each year and $90 million in annual economic impact for the city, the Memphis-based Riverfront Development Corp., which was overseeing the revival of the city’s waterfront, projected during the relaunch of the American Queen.

And Louisiana is hoping that the addition of not just one, but six new Viking vessels that will call New Orleans home will indeed give its tourism economy — which has been making significant recovery strides since Hurricane Katrina — yet another bump. Viking's new venture is expected to result in the creation of 416 new jobs for Louisiana-based operations and crews, and an additional 368 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 780 new jobs in southeast Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Economic Development (LED).

“Viking’s project will generate major opportunities for our citizens, boost our tourism industry, and continue to turbocharge the Port of New Orleans,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in a statement.  

With Viking’s plans to build six vessels on the Mississippi, starting with two in 2017, and American Cruise Lines having unveiled its own ambitious strategy to begin building a fleet of modern river cruise vessels alongside its existing and forthcoming paddlewheelers, the Mississippi is about to see a significant increase in capacity. 

And according to Bruce Nierenberg, CEO of United Caribbean Lines, who served as president of former Mississippi River heavyweight the Delta Queen Steamboat Co., that could mean awesome opportunities for the smaller towns along the rivers if they work together with the river cruise lines to really develop interesting and innovating on-shore experiences and programs and highlight this country’s culture and heritage.

“I hope that Viking and the others really start to spend a lot of time developing the stories in the cities and the towns [along the Mississippi],” said Nierenberg. “There’s a tremendous amount of relationship between the birth of this country and the river. If you can really tap into that … there’s an opportunity there.”

As to whether U.S. river cruising can ultimately be as successful as European river cruising, Nierenberg said, why not?

“There are no Vienna opera houses on the Mississippi,” said Nierenberg, “but there are a lot of things that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world.”

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Viking to Launch American River Cruises from New Orleans

Viking to Launch American River Cruises from New Orelans

ON 24 FEBRUARY 2015.

Today, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisana and Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen announced the selection of New Orleans as the homeport for Viking River Cruises’ first North American river cruise itineraries, starting in late 2017.

The Mississippi River cruises will operate from docking facilities near the French Quarter in New Orleans. According to the Governor, Viking’s new service will result in the creation of 416 new direct jobs for Louisiana-based operations and vessel crews, with an average salary of $40,000, plus benefits; and the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the project will result in an additional 368 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 780 new jobs in the Southeast Region of the state.

Plans call for the construction of six new vessels over the next three years at an estimated cost of $90 million to $100 million per vessel, all of which will be built in U.S. shipyards and crewed by U.S. citizens. The vessels will be owned by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based alternative investment management firm, and time-chartered to Viking.

Viking River customers are expected to travel to New Orleans from across the U.S., Europe and beyond, and bring new business to hotels, restaurants, museums and other attractions in the city, expanding sales for local merchants. More than 90 percent of sales created by the project are expected to come from out-of-state customers.

With the launch of cruise operations on the Mississippi River in late 2017, two boats will be deployed per year, for a total of six new boats in the first three years. Cruises will take passengers on a journey along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to itinerary stops in St. James, East Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes; continuing upriver to Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis; or St. Paul, Minnesota, depending on the season.

The specialty-built riverboats will have a full complement of luxury amenities and host up to 300 passengers.

LED began discussing expansion possibilities with Viking in November 2013. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a competitive incentive package that includes a $4.5 million performance-based grant for site preparation at the company’s docking locations in Louisiana. The company also will receive the customized solutions of the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program, LED FastStart®, which will include partnerships with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and local educational institutions.

“Having the top river cruise company homeport in New Orleans will be an outstanding chance to tell the story of the Louisiana renaissance to the world,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “Viking River Cruises choosing greater New Orleans is a testament not only to our culture and river, but also to our outstanding teamwork at the state, regional and local level. GNO Inc. is proud to have been an integral part of the team that met with Viking on two continents to bring them to New Orleans."

“We are thrilled by the choice of the Port of New Orleans as Viking’s initial entry into the North American market,” said Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “Viking is one of the premier cruise brands throughout Europe and Asia. Their worldwide reputation underscores New Orleans as a destination city for both international and domestic leisure travelers. The Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans has worked with the Viking team for nearly two years to determine the proper venue for the new ships within the port and along the Mississippi River, and we couldn’t be happier to add Viking to the port’s cruise portfolio.”

“Viking River is an exciting and compelling addition to the opportunity-rich New Orleans destination,” said President and CEO Stephen Perry of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. “They will bring a diverse domestic and international clientele drawn not only to enjoyment of the river through cruising, but to the New Orleans part of their visit in this historic capital of American music and food as well.”

“It was an honor to be part of Governor Jindal’s recent economic development trip to Europe, encouraging companies to locate in our great state,” said Chairman Greg Rusovich of the Louisiana Board of International Commerce.

“The decision to locate Viking’s North American homeport in New Orleans speaks to the operational capabilities of our port, the expertise of our hospitality workforce and the increasing popularity of river cruising around the globe,” said executive board Chairman Henry Coaxum of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “We welcome Viking to the New Orleans business community and look forward to its success.”

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Buzz versus basics

Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River 

Paul Strachan, who started taking passengers up and down Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River exactly 20 years ago, is still building ships much in the same way they were constructed back then. 

After interviewing Strachan, the founder of Pandaw River Expeditions, this week (look for the story in Monday’s Travel Weekly), it occurred to me that he is one of the few entrepreneurs in the constantly evolving river cruising segment that has opted for simplicity over swimming pools and sprawling suites.

There was a time when Viking Chairman Tor Hagen was equally skeptical about amenities. Balconies? Nope, Hagen used to say. A spa on board? Not worth the space, he would claim.

Michelle Baran

Obviously Hagen has changed his tune on balconies, having since rolled out dozens of newbuilds with a variety of balcony configurations. And he isn’t alone. The race to have more and splashier amenities onboard river cruise vessels has heated up in step with the competition within the category.

And it’s true, sexy new amenities look good in brochures. I don’t know how many times river cruise executives have told me that not that many passengers actually use their balconies, but that balconies sell cabins.

But I have to say, as a member of the media who covers river cruising, I’m often just as guilty as those amenity-loving brochure oglers. In an attempt to differentiate one river cruise ship from the next or to find a new angle to write about, I often inadvertently applaud new and innovative onboard features whether or not they are actually all that useful.

Which isn’t to say that all the new amenities aren’t useful. I have personally taken advantage of them plenty, whether it’s taking a dip in an onboard swimming pool or bringing my laptop out onto my stateroom balcony while I write or opting for a more casual lunch in the alternative dining venue.

A lot of these new amenities are about buzz, right? Buzz is fun. Buzz keeps things interesting, and for river cruise lines and travel sellers, it can attract the attention of new and repeat passengers. In theory, there’s nothing wrong with buzz — it actually serves an important purpose.

But perhaps in all the buzz, fun and hoopla surrounding river cruising, we kind of forgot why river cruising was so great to begin with. That is what Strachan inadvertently reminded me of when he talked about his practical approach to river cruising, about building simple ships that are meant to sail into ever-more exotic river destinations. Perhaps what’s so amazing about river cruising has very little to do with onboard cinemas and balconies and swimming pools. Maybe what’s so great about it is that original, simple concept of gliding down the river, stopping in curious cities along the way, discovering sights both known and unknown, and meeting interesting travel companions onboard in between sips of wine and bites of local cuisine.

I’m not sure how well that message sells, but it’s a good one to remember every once in awhile.

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River cruising’s staying power

For those of us steeped in the world of river cruising, the fact that river cruising is a hot trend is old news. 

But last week Virtuoso released the results of its annual survey of travel advisors, who for the first time picked river cruising as the top trend for the coming year, beating out heavyweights such as multigenerational travel, adventure travel and celebration trips.

Clearly, there are still plenty of travelers and travel sellers who are only just now discovering and fully embracing river cruising as a travel style, which indicates that it likely has a long journey of growth ahead of it, despite the rapid rate at which Viking Cruises and others have been churning out new river cruise vessels in Europe and farther afield in recent years.

Michelle Baran

While it may seem like there is only so much that the river cruising segment can grow, the Virtuoso survey results are a reminder that in many ways the segment is arguably still in its infancy.

With demand and hype still strong, we can only expect to see more new ship announcements in Europe as well as further development of exotic river destinations such as Myanmar’s Irrawaddy and India’s Ganges. We can anticipate that some more new players will try to enter the market and that the competition will become even fiercer. I see greater design innovation and even more amenities on the horizon. 

Perhaps there will come a time when we all realize that river cruising isn’t just a hot, new trend, but that it is here to stay;  dynamic and permanent fixture of the travel industry. What has been a booming trend over the last several years, will eventually just be a travel reality.

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Preview 2015: River Cruise

In recent years, the river cruise market has been one of if not the hottest growth sectors in the industry, but heading into 2015, it finds itself on the cusp of a market-changing development in the form of greater diversification among river cruise players.

As they seek to better differentiate themselves, river cruise lines are gradually creating stronger brand identities. 

For example, the Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is going after the uber-luxury river cruise space with its six-star brand promise and over-the-top hardware that will extend to its 2015 launch of the 155-passenger Danube cruiser S.S. Maria Theresa. 

AmaWaterways has made a name for itself among foodies and oenophiles for its extensive wine-themed cruises and impressive food-and-beverage program. In 2015, Ama will launch two sister ships in Europe, the 164-passenger AmaSerena and the 164-passenger AmaVista, which will bring the company's European fleet to 16 vessels, all featuring multiple dining venues and a well-curated wine selection.

Meanwhile, Avalon Waterways is going after the choice generation, travelers who want to customize their experience. With its Avalon Choice Cruising program, the company has worked to build multiple dining and excursion options into its river cruises. The line will introduce two newbuilds in Europe for 2015: the 128-passenger Avalon Tranquility II and the 166-passenger Avalon Tapestry II, bringing its European fleet to 15.

Tauck has made its strength as a land operator a standout trademark in its river cruise operation, which is dotted by onshore experiences designed to surprise and thrill passengers (think dinner and entertainment in a remote castle setting). And as it starts to see more success in the river cruise niche it has carved out for itself, Tauck is gradually expanding its fleet, as well. In 2015, it will launch the 118-passenger Esprit, bringing the company's European fleet size to seven. 

For travelers who like brand uniformity, it's hard to compete with the strength of the Viking Cruises brand. Viking has ordered an additional 12 river cruise ships for 2015: 10 Viking Longships and two smaller vessels for the Elbe River. The additions will bring the company's European river fleet total to a staggering 64. Of those, 40 will be Longships, which are all virtually identical vessels, creating a truly uniform experience across rivers and destinations for the passenger who craves the comfort of consistency.

Scenic Cruises, meanwhile, is looking to court boutique hotel lovers with forward-thinking amenities like a new pool concept. Its two 2015 Europe vessels will feature a relaxation pool adjacent to a jet-stream pool for lap-style swimming. And its sister company, newcomer Emerald Waterways, is having fun with public areas like a roof-deck pool that converts into a cinema at night. Emerald is doubling its fleet size to four vessels next year.

Clearly, there's no resting on their laurels for river cruise lines. With stiffer competition, they are getting increasingly innovative, and it's making things interesting. Take French river cruise company CroisiEurope, which is launching a paddlewheeler -- yes, a paddlewheeler -- though not the kind you're familiar with. This will be a smaller European version that will navigate the Loire River in April. The 96-passenger Loire Princesse, the first overnight passenger vessel on the Loire, promises to be a unique offering.

Exotic river rush

Rivers in Asia and South America will continue to see investment into 2015, with a greater emphasis being placed on luxury services and amenities.

AmaWaterways is introducing the 124-passenger AmaDara on the Mekong River in August, featuring a salon and spa services, a swimming pool and an onboard fitness center. One month later, Haimark Travel will launch its Southeast Asia spa-concept vessel. The 24-passenger Mekong Princess will place a strong emphasis on spa treatments and services. 

Avalon is also introducing two 36-passenger Suite Ships in Asia next year, one on the Mekong and another on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

With any luck and a reprieve from political unrest, 2015 promises to be the year cruising returns to Egypt's Nile River, as the country begins to see some semblance of stability after years of turmoil. 

Abercrombie & Kent's Nile fleet is already up and running, while Uniworld's luxury Nile vessel, the River Tosca, is gearing up to begin sailing once again in September. 

Another paddlewheeler here at home

In March, American Cruise Lines will launch its second built-from-the-ground-up paddlewheeler on the Mississippi, the 150-passenger American Eagle. 

The vessel will feature 84 staterooms, 78 of which will have private balconies with sliding glass doors. There will be multiple drinking and dining areas and an outdoor exercise area with a putting green. Elevators will provide access to all five decks.

The American Eagle, which will sail mostly eight-day cruises along the Mississippi, will bring to three the number of paddlewheelers plying the Mississippi in 2015.

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14 amazing cruises setting sail in 2015

It's going to be a big year for travelers who love cruising.

Not only will 2015 see the launch of a number of spectacular new cruise ships, but the opening of new routes will make some of the world's most remote places significantly more accessible.

We asked some of the travel world's top cruise experts to share their picks for the hottest cruise itineraries of 2015 and the ships that will be sailing them.

A smaller boat lets travelers get closer to Alaskan wildlife.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

In 2015, cruise ships will be pushing deeper into the wilderness than ever before, and this particular sailing offers some great wildlife-spotting opportunities on a smaller boat.

"This Alaskan Dream Cruises sailing includes complimentary shore excursions designed to showcase true Alaskan adventures and the native heritage," says Annie Scrivanich.

"Departures coincide with seasonal changes and animal migrations for the best weather and animal viewing opportunities. If you're only going to visit Alaska once, this itinerary is your best bet."

Windstar Cruises: Star Breeze

The latest addition to Windstar Cruises' fleet, Star Breeze has fans of European cruises particularly jazzed.

Among the top picks is the 10-day Sicilian Splendors cruise, which takes in Rome, Catania, Valletta, Gozo, Trapani, Sorrento and Capri.

"We're all very excited about the new Windstar Star Breeze," says Scrivanich.

"This new power yacht holds a maximum of 212 guests and provides new opportunities for those looking for a European cruise on a smaller ship."

Viking Cruises: Viking Star

This Viking Cruises tour takes in the best of Europe's northern cities, including Bergen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Tallinn, Gdansk, Berlin, Copenhagen and Stavanger.

But it's the boat that experts are most excited about, as it will be Viking Cruises' first ocean-going ship.

The 47,800 gross tonne ship will have 464 cabins and accommodate 928 guests

"I'm really looking forward to Viking Cruises' Viking Star, which sets sail in 2015," says cruise journalist and Telegraph Travel cruise specialist Jane Archer.

"It's a brand new ship and the mockups look amazing."

Other itineraries available on the Viking Star include Mediterranean and western European tours.

Enroute to Japan, it's only fitting Diamond Princess offers a sushi bar.

Princess Cruises: Japan Getaway

Fancy checking out Japan but short on time?

Then consider stepping aboard one of the many cruise ships heading there in 2015.

"Japan is one to watch for 2015 and into 2016," predicts cruise journalist Archer.

"A lot of people want to visit but are nervous because of the language, food and very different culture.

"Having a cruise ship for a base helps to give confidence and means they can visit several ports on one holiday."

Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess ship has two Japan Getaway itineraries on offer in 2015.

There's a 16-day Grand Japan and Taiwan tour setting sail in May, followed by an 11-day tour of Japan, China and Southeast Asia that hits the seas in September.

Royal Caribbean: Quantum of the Seas

Next year, some of the biggest cruise operators will be making an extra effort to entice Asian passengers onto their ships.

This includes Royal Caribbean, which is sending its newest and most hi-tech ship, Quantum of the Seas, to China.

"Asia continues to grow as an emerging market cruise lines want to invest in, especially in 2015," says Michelle Fee, chief executive of Cruise Planners.

"The new Quantum of the Seas will be based in Shanghai, as part of an effort to introduce the Asian traveler to cruising."

The ship's five-night Fukuoka and Busan cruise departs Shanghai on August 3, 2015, and takes in Fukuoka, Japan and Busan, South Korea before heading pack to its starting port.

Compagnie du Ponant: Le Lyrial

This exciting cruise itinerary makes the cut in part because the mode of transport is so fantastic.

"Compagnie du Ponant is introducing its newest luxury expedition ship, Le Lyrial, in spring 2015," reveals Richard West, founder of Explorcruises.com.

"It's exciting because it's a truly luxurious expedition-style small ship".

The Athens to Dubrovnik itinerary is a seven-night cruise that sets sail in August, taking in the highlights of the Croatian coast before heading to Greece.

Uniworld River Cruise: Splendors of Egypt and the Nile

Cruise companies pulled out of Egypt en masse due to the recent turmoil, but in 2015, it will be possible to cruise the Nile once again.

"Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has re-launched a sailing along Egypt's great Nile River on board the elegant, all-suite River Tosca, with cruises starting in October 2015," says Fee of Cruise Planners.

"Egypt is an awe-inspiring destination and travelers can experience its culture on a 12-day program with luxury accommodation."

P&O Britannia

Here's one for those who consider themselves a bit of a foodie.

P & O's Cookery Club, on its new Britannia ship, allows guests to hone their culinary skills alongside some of the world's top chefs.

"P&O Cruises' culinary offerings on-board their new ship Britannia are particularly exciting," says Adam Coulter, editor of Cruise Critic.

"The line has enlisted the help of a number of celebrity chefs to create the first cookery school on-board a British ship."

Chefs leading workshops will include Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochar and wine guru Olly Smith.

The vessel will spend its first year touring waters around the Caribbean, Baltic and Mediterranean.

Bagan, Myanmar will be a popular destination for river cruises in 2015.

Wendy Wu Tours: Irrawaddy Voyager

"In 2015 we'll see more luxury ships are moving into Burma [Myanmar]," says Peter Lynch, editor of website Cruise Passenger.

"It's a country filled with wonderful people and astonishing historic sites."

One such cruise is Wendy Wu's 12-day Irrawaddy Voyager sailing, which takes in Kyauk Myaung, where traditional Myanmar 50 gallon water pots can be seen, the magnificent wooden Bagaya Monastery and the U Bein Bridge (the world's longest teak wood bridge) as well as Bagan, where there are 2,000 Buddhist structures scattered across a vast plain.

Norwegian Cruise Lines: Norwegian Escape

"Norwegian Cruise Lines are launching the Norwegian Escape in 2015, which was named by consumers via a Facebook contest, so travelers are already invested in it," says Cruise Planners' Fee.

"The Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Lines fleet and features The Haven, which is almost like a separate ship, with luxury suites, private dining and more."

One of the most popular cruise routes is predicted to be its Eastern Caribbean itinerary, which sails out of Miami.

CroisiEurope: Loire cruise

Cruise fans have been eagerly awaiting this particular outing because the boat will use paddle wheel technology to allow it to navigate the shallow waters of the Loire, and overnight cruises along the river haven't been possible until now.

"I'm especially excited about the new Loire cruises because it's a river which has yet to be explored," says Cruise Passenger's Lynch.

"Paddle ships will allow this to be done for the first time in 2015."

Crystal Symphony was designed with a focus on fitness and wellness.

Crystal Cruises: Best of the Baltic

Proving that cruises are no longer just about eating a lot of food and not doing very much, Crystal Cruises is just one operator offering passengers the chance to work off those calories -- in this case, with a 90-minute run around St. Petersburg during its "Best of the Baltic" cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen.

"There is a growing focus on fitness and wellness, both through facilities on board and excursions ashore, such as Crystal Cruises' excursions for runners," says Edwina Lonsdale, chief executive of Mundy Cruising.

Azamara Club Cruises: Bali & Great Barrier Reef

The introduction of this new 14-night cruise of Bali and the Great Barrier Reef is another indicator of a cruise trend we'll see in 2015.

"Australia and New Zealand cruises are becoming more popular," says Sean Keddy, cruise expert at travel agency Love Holidays.

"I suspect this is mainly due to an increased interest from the local markets, but this does allow passengers from Europe and the U.S. more choice and competitive pricing."

Crystal Cruises: Northwest Passage

Sometimes tropical destinations just don't do it for would-be cruisers. For those who have some cash to splash, there's Crystal Cruises' new 32-day Northwest Passage cruise, which will set sail in 2016.

It starts in Alaska and finishes in New York, getting there via Nunavut, Greenland and Maine.

"For those interested in a genuine Alaska cruise experience, this itinerary offers a great blend of scenic highlights, wildlife viewing opportunities, off-the-beaten-track excursions and unique ports of call," says Scrivanich of Cruise Specialists.

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Holiday cruises expand beyond Christmas markets

By Michelle Baran

For years, river cruise lines have offered a small selection of Christmas market cruises along festive stretches of Central and Western Europe waterways as a way to sell a bit more inventory during the colder off-season. But with river cruising gaining in popularity, so, too, are the more value-oriented holiday cruises, which have expanded both in numbers and scope to encompass itineraries that include more New Year's celebrations as well as destinations beyond the traditional Germany, Austria and Czech Republic.

For instance, CroisiEurope has three distinct categories of cruises this holiday season: Christmas markets, Christmas cruises and New Year's cruises. The Christmas cruises include itineraries in Brussels, Venice and Bordeaux, France, and the New Year's sailings take place in Venice and Bordeaux.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection's holiday cruise lineup features the traditional Christmas market routes but also includes a seven-day Parisian Winter Holiday itinerary, with the Dec. 27 departure including a New Year's celebration in the City of Lights. And in addition to its plethora of holiday cruises along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, Viking Cruises is now offering holiday cruises throughout France and in Portugal, destinations only more recently cropping up on the holiday river cruise radar.

In order to further capitalize on the opportunity to enhance sales during the slower season beyond just the Christmas markets, river cruise companies are also promoting their new and enhanced New Year's sailings as more cost-effective alternatives to land-based bashes.

"Europe's top hotels can cost as much as 700% more over the New Year's holiday," AmaWaterways claimed in a recent statement promoting its holiday cruises. As an alternative, the company is including a two-day New Year's extension in Amsterdam on two of its holiday cruises this year — its 14-night Magnificent Europe Christmas Cruise itinerary from Budapest to Amsterdam and its seven-night Treasures of the Main and Rhine from Nuremberg, Germany, to Amsterdam. The company's 164-passenger AmaSonata will remain in port in Amsterdam through New Year's, and passengers from either itinerary can stay onboard through Jan. 1 at no additional cost. Ama is also offering a seven-night Christmas on the Danube cruise that departs Vilshofen, Germany, on Dec. 27 and will be in Vienna on New Year's Eve.

Indeed, whether they're adding New Year's options, expanding their holiday destinations or simply increasing the number of traditional Christmas market cruises, almost every major river cruise line is adding capacity to its holiday lineup this coming season. Tauck is growing its Christmas market river cruise departures by 67%, Avalon has increased its Christmas-themed departures by 40% and Scenic Cruises is operating two new eight-day holiday cruises this year, compared with one 15-day itinerary last year.

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No break in river lines’ France fever

By Michelle Baran

There appears to be no end in sight to the growth in demand for river cruising in France. Last fall, I wrote about river cruise companies that were adding more capacity throughout the country for 2014, and the trend is continuing into 2015.

Avalon Waterways announced this week that it will increase its France capacity for 2015 by 95%. The company is putting its 128-passenger Avalon Poetry II, christened last month in Dordrecht, Netherlands, on the Saone and Rhone rivers in 2015; and the 128-passenger Avalon Tapestry II, launching next year, will sail France’s Seine River.

That comes after an already huge christening season in France that saw Viking put three new ships in Provence, Uniworld launch its new S.S. Catherine there as well, and both companies introduce one vessel each in Bordeaux (Viking a newbuild and Uniworld a repositioned vessel).

“We are very excited about the growth opportunity in France,” said Richard Marnell, Viking’s senior vice president of marketing. “Because of strong demand already this season, we have decided to increase capacity on those two itineraries in 2015. We will add a second ship, Viking Rinda, in Bordeaux, and a fourth ship on Portraits of Southern France, Viking Delling, which will be new for 2015.

“We also continue to see strong demand for our other itineraries in France and are nearly sold out for the entire summer season,” added Marnell.

AmaWaterways, Tauck and Scenic Cruises all repositioned vessels to France this year as well.

Direct-to-consumer operator Grand Circle Cruise Line announced last month that it was getting in on the France action too, having acquired the River Cloud II (from Sea Cloud Cruises), a 90-passenger ship that will operate a new itinerary in Bordeaux beginning in March.

And let’s not forget the little 96-passenger paddlewheeler, Loire Princess, that French river cruise company CroisiEurope plans on introducing on France’s Loire River next April.

So, what’s the deal? Are river cruise lines running out of space on the Danube? Or are river cruise passengers just embracing France with a new fervor? Guessing it might be a bit of both.

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Cruise lines and tour ops cancel visits to Ukraine, Crimea

By Michelle Baran

As Russia annexed Crimea and the Ukraine government began to withdraw its military personnel from the peninsula this week, travel suppliers began cancelling visits to Ukraine and Russia, as well as to Crimean destinations.

Cruise lines have begun altering some of their Black Sea sailings to bypass previously scheduled port stops in Odessa, Sevastopol and Yalta.

Windstar, Oceania, MSC, Regent Seven Seas and Azamara have substituted port calls in alternative countries, including Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.

Silversea canceled calls to the Crimean peninsula for the April 25 Black Sea sailing of the Silver Wind and for the July 21 departure of the Silver Spirit. However, should the situation in Crimea improve, the line said it would consider returning to its original itineraries.

Viking Cruises has a 12-day Footsteps of the Cossacks river cruise on the 196-passenger Viking Sineus, which sails from Kiev into the heart of the Crimean peninsula, with port stops in Sevastopol and Yalta. But its Ukraine departures begin in May, and the company has yet to decide if it will cancel any sailings.

“Though we know our passengers are paying attention to the developments on the ground, we have not yet seen significant cancellations,” Richard Marnell, Viking’s senior vice president of marketing, wrote in an email.

During a speech earlier this month at a dinner event to celebrate the christening of its latest generation of river cruise ships, Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen said that while nearly all of Viking’s river cruise capacity through the end of October was sold out, space was still available on its Ukraine sailings.

Many tour operators have already canceled either part or all of their 2014 tour itineraries that include stops in Crimea, offering affected passengers refunds or the option to rebook travel elsewhere.

Globus canceled all 2014 departures of its Ukraine and Crimea tour; Insight Vacations is no longer offering its 12-day Ukraine, Moldova and Crimea tour; and Intrepid Travel has canceled three Ukraine departures through mid-June.

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18 Viking ships named this week

By Rebecca Tobin

ONBOARD THE VIKING HEIMDAL — Viking River Cruises is christening 18 ships in four days — and 18 ships means 18 godmothers, including seven representing the travel industry.

Nine ships were named Monday in Amsterdam, and seven were christened on Tuesday: three in Avignon and four in Rostock, Germany.

“I think it’s quite a week for some of us,” Viking Cruises Chairman Torstein Hagen said at the start of the ceremony in Avignon, where he was flanked onstage on the top deck of the Heimdal by seven godmothers and the captains of their ships.

A giant screen behind them displayed video of the four ships in Germany, and as the godmothers blessed their vessels by pressing red buttons on either side of the stage, mechanical arms holding bottles of Veuve Cliquot swung down and smashed them against each ship (windy conditions at the yard in Germany caused a little trouble with two of the bottles, but the bottles broke without incident under sunny skies in Avignon).

In the audience on the Heimdal were godmothers for seven of the nine Viking ships named in Amsterdam: Vicky Garcia, COO of Cruise Planners; Sarah Henshall, vice president of travel and branch operations for AAA Carolinas; Kathryn Mazza-Burney, executive vice president of Travelsavers; Geraldine Ree, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Expedia CruiseShipCenters; Anne Morgan Scully, president of McCabe World Travel; Pam Young, vice president of industry relations for Travel Leaders Franchise Group; and Hanh Haley, the partner of Travel Leaders Group Chairman Michael Batt.
Two ships, the Viking Hemming and the Viking Torgil, will be christened in Portugal on Friday.

The total includes 14 of Viking's 190-passenger Longships delivered this year. Two delivered last year are being christened this week, as well. The two ships sailing in Portugal are 106-passenger vessels built to operate on the Duoro River.

The ship introductions means that Viking will operate 52 vessels in 2014.

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