2022 European River Cruising
By Anne Kalosh
Springtime in Europe means the start of river cruising season, and most international lines expect to be back to operating regular itineraries in 2022 for the first time in a couple years.
Spring in Europe means river cruising starts. Here, Uniworld’s Maria Theresa. * Photo: Uniworld
The big exceptions, of course, are in Russia and Ukraine.
Viking, which got its start on the Russian rivers 25 years ago, will not be taking passengers to Russia in 2022 and canceled its Ukraine itinerary.
“We are deeply opposed to the unfolding conflict in Ukraine and are heartbroken for all the people who are impacted,” the river cruise giant said.
AmaWaterways so far hasn’t changed its Eastern European itinerary through countries that skirt Ukraine — the route stretches between Budapest, Hungary, and Giurgiu, Romania — but the line said it is closely monitoring developments.
Like other lines, Ama’s 21-strong European fleet start getting underway in early March, first with three sold-out charters of the double-wide Danube vessel AmaMagna.
The double-wide AmaMagna kicked off AmaWaterways’ European season in early March. It operates exclusively on the Danube. * Photo: AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways’ new season continues with five vessels dedicated to “Tulip Time” cruises, five cruising the rivers of France and another 10 on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube and Douro.
Tulip time in the Netherlands — a popular draw for river cruises. * Photo: AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways EVP/Co-founder Kristin Karst cited “huge pent-up demand” after so many travelers missed trips with family and friends over the pandemic.
While hopeful, she remains cautious about 2022 because travel is still not fully stabilized and some uncertainties linger.
RELATED: A review of AmaMagna from Gene Sloan.
Splurging on Suites & Longer Sailings
That said, vessels are booking “from the top down,” according to Karst. “Everyone wants a balcony cabin or, if possible, a suite because [people feel they’ve] earned it.”
AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst. * Photo: Anne Kalosh
Bookings for 2022 European river cruising are coming from both loyalists and those new to the rivers, including many travelers who aren’t ready to go back to ocean cruising yet.
River cruises, always in sight of land, and carrying fewer people than ocean ships, with lots of open-air activities like upper-deck scenery-viewing, walking tours and bike treks, seem to be right for the zeitgeist.
In high demand is Karst’s namesake vessel, AmaKristina, the only twin-balcony ship in France, cruising for its first full season on the Rhône between Lyon and Avignon.
France offers many more river cruise options than in the past. Here, AmaKristina on the Rhône. * Photo: AmaWaterways
Also extremely popular are Portugal cruises aboard AmaDouro and sister AmaVida, which kick off the Douro River sailings on March 26.
People are interested in longer sailings, too. Ama currently offers three seven-river trips (cruises that hit seven rivers and 14 countries in one itinerary) planned for 2023, with a few cabins left in the spring, the summer one sold out and space available for the fall departure.
Cruise combinations are possible, as well.
In France, for example, AmaWaterways explores three rivers with voyages that embark/disembark on the same day of the week. So an ardent Ama fan could sail the Rhône to Lyon, take the TGV from there to Paris and embark on a Seine cruise, sail round-trip then join a Paris to Bordeaux trip.
Viking’s modified Longship design enables Seine River cruises. * Photo: Viking
Still another trend this year at AmaWaterways is for customers to book air travel together with their cruise, instead of arranging air separately on their own. This follows two years of challenges for travel advisors and consumers with flight changes and cancellations. Travel advisors can access Ama’s agents “much faster than calling the airlines and being on hold for hours,” Karst said, adding that the company had doubled its air reservations staff to handle the greater demand.
RELATED: What is River Cruising all About? Check out These Tips.
Playing it Safe for 2022 European River Cruising
This concurs with consumer sentiment expressed in a recent survey by arrivia, a travel loyalty and cruise booking technology platform that surveyed 1,453 Americans, all members of a travel club or travel benefits program, about their attitudes and preferences regarding cruises.
More than half the respondents said they would want to see universal masking and vaccination onboard and social distancing during activities to feel comfortable cruising again
Omicron is “not in the past,” Karst concurred. AmaWaterways continues its proven protocols, including a vaccination requirement. When it comes to boosters, the company bows to national regulations — some places, like France — mandate them.
Masks are still required when moving around the vessels but not when seated in a lounge or restaurant. Even if such a regulation is relaxed in future, “Everyone should do what they feel comfortable with,” Karst said. Some travelers prefer to keep them on, and crew will always wear them.
Scenery-viewing from the top deck and lots of fresh air. * Photo: AmaWaterways
Harmonized Protocols for European River Cruising
In a welcome evolution, European protocols are starting to become more consistent, across EU countries at least.
Fewer nations are requiring COVID testing or vaccination for foreigners to enter, which should make fewer hassles for river cruisers this year.
But lines and travel advisors are still having to do quite a bit of “hand-holding” to ensure travelers understand the requirements and complete the necessary documentation.
While 2022 is another step toward greater normalcy, some people are opting to wait another year for a big international vacation splurge.
2023, Karst said, is expected to be “very strong,” and AmaWaterways expects to put out its 2024 schedule soon, with group charter requests already coming in.
The Floriade — Once A Decade
Meanwhile, here’s something that can’t wait until 2023: the international horticulture exhibition Floriade, which takes place in the Netherlands once every 10 years.
For 2022, it’s scheduled for April 14 to Oct. 9, in Almere, outside Amsterdam.
The Floriade splays across 148 acres with spectacular flower gardens but there’s much more to it, including fruits, vegetables, pavilions, greenhouses and gondolas soaring through the sky.
“Growing Green Cities” is the theme for 2022 and it will showcase elements ranging from green architecture and environmentally-friendly food production to renewable energy and healthy living.
Among the many river cruise lines that facilitate access to the Floriade via excursions are AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Cruises, Riviera River Cruises, Tauck and Viking.
Some lines bundle Floriade access and arrangements into their pricing; for others, there’s an extra charge.
Travelers will be able to visit the Floriade with Tauck and other river-cruise lines. * Photo: Tauck
Oberammergau Passion Play
Another once-a-decade event, the Oberammergau Passion Play — which recalls the Passion of Christ from the Last Supper to the crucifixion — has been performed in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau since 1634. Because of the pandemic, its scheduled performance in 2020 was postponed, for the first time in 400 years, until 2022.
All actors of the world’s largest amateur dramatic performance come from the village, since a special play law is in effect. All participants, from actors through to members of the choir, orchestra members, firemen and ushers, must have been born in Oberammergau or have lived there for at least 20 years. * Photo: Uniworld
A number of cruise lines have special Oberammergau departures with add-on land programs with tickets and hotel accommodations for this rare spectacle. Avalon, CroisiEurope, Saga, Tauck, Uniworld, Vantage Travel and Viking are among them.
2022 European River Cruising includes New Viking Longships
Viking doesn’t do anything small and has just ushered in eight new river vessels at joint festivities in Paris and Amsterdam on March 16.
Of the new Viking Longships, four — Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking RadgridandViking Skaga — are built specifically to navigate the Seine and carry travelers into the heart of Paris to an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.
Viking’s exclusive Paris docking station at Port de Grenelle is a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. * Photo: Viking
The four additional Longships — Viking Egdir, Viking Gersemi, Viking GymirandViking Hervor — will sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube.
Viking invited eight distinguished cultural partners and important members of the company’s extended family to serve as godmothers. In Viking tradition, a bottle of Gammel Opland aquavit was broken on the bow of each vessel, a tribute to Founder/Chairman Torstein Hagen’s mother Ragnhild, born in Opland. Gammel Opland was her favorite aquavit.
Doves were released at the Viking Longships naming in Paris. * Photo: Viking
RELATED: Quirky contributor Peter Knego was on hand for the festivities so stay tuned for a full report from him.
Emerald Luna
At Emerald Cruises, 2022 European river cruising sees the inauguration of Emerald Luna, the line’s ninth Star-Ship. It’s due to be named July 21 in Amsterdam.
Most Luna cabins feature Emerald’s distinctive balcony design that puts deck flooring near the floor-to-ceiling window; the upper part of the window drops down at the push of a button.
The 180-pax Emerald Luna becomes Emerald Cruises’ ninth Star-Ship. * Photo: Emerald Cruises
The 180-passenger Emerald Luna joins Emerald Sun, Sky, Star, Dawn andDestiny sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube. Emerald’s river fleet also includes the 132-passenger Emerald Liberté sailing the Rhône and Saône in France and the 112-passenger Emerald Radiance on the Douro.
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HEIDI SARNA
