A new study by Riviera River Cruises (Scylla's main boat charterer) has found that 1/3 (34%) of past ocean cruisers are considering taking a river voyage instead next year, and of those 79% are more likely to take a river cruise than an ocean one in 2021.
The UK-based Riviera Travel operates under charter a fleet of 12 luxury riverboats in Europe. The brand conducted the study as part of the “Less Is More” campaign to promote river cruising's positive aspects in 2021. To celebrate the new campaign, travel advisors will have the chance to win a free stateroom on a 2021 river sailing.
According to Marilyn Conroy (Riviera's Executive VP Sales and Marketing North America), their intent was to highlight that river cruising shared many of the aspects of cruise travel with additional benefits that addressed some of the concerns vacationers might have about ocean cruising when vessels begin to sail again.
The Riviera study identifies some of the concerns ocean cruisers might have, including the number of travellers onboard and “sea days.” For example, it showed that for 84% sharing the experience with fewer fellow guests was the key reason to prefer river cruising. Being docked at a destination every day was a major consideration for over 50%.
Some of the ways Riviera river cruises address various concerns include:
- The number of passengers and space onboard: Riviera’s river cruise ships have max passenger capacity between 121-169, which is a far lower capacity than most ocean voyages, yet the vessels themselves are modern and spacious.
- Stateroom size: The luxurious staterooms and suites on Riviera’s boats measure up to a generous 310 ft2, including a spacious bathroom. There are no inside staterooms; each one has a balcony or window.
- Ashore time: There are no “sea days” on the line's river cruises; the vessels dock each day in a destination and it takes seconds to walk onshore. The cruise ships also often stay late or overnights in ports, so passengers can spend more time exploring.