River cruising is growing in popularity amongst Australians. According to latest figures from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), this gentle and intimate style of cruising grew by more than 60 percent last year to 79,530*.
With river cruising becoming ever-popular as a travel style, Debra Fox, APT Chief Marketing Officer shares her pick of some of the ‘best’ new river cruises for 2016:
1. Chobe River, Botswana
River cruise safaris are really special. Since introducing them aboard the Zambezi Queen in 2013, they have become so popular we have not only increased departures, but also the length of the cruise so guests spend three nights on the Chobe River.
Highlights: A river cruise safari offers the chance to see hippos, elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards congregating along the river banks so you get a really close encounter of a vast array of wildlife.
With just 14 suites, the Zambezi Queen features internet access, a plunge pool, sun deck and shaded area, as well as an open restaurant and lounge area with panoramic windows for viewing the animals.
2. Lower Ganges, India
APT is just one of a few Australian travel companies offering river cruising on the lower Ganges in India. Sailing aboard the brand new RV Ganges Voyageron a round trip from Kolkata to Murshidabad, onboard you can enjoy beautifully appointed suites with private ensuites, flat-screen televisions, on-demand movie systems and Panoramic balconies.
The ship also features a sun deck, grand dining room, stylish air-conditioned lounge, spa and gym and is designed to accommodate just 56 guests. Off the ship you’ll be able to explore an area of India that is untouched by tourism. If you are looking for a truly authentic cultural experience then this is the cruise for you – it’s the chance to experience a real slice of local life.
Highlights: Visit Mother Theresa’s house; learn about the local Hari Krishna community and culture; enjoy a tour of the Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad, built by an English architect in 1837 and featuring 1,000 doors and a collection of European painting, china and weapons; and shopping at shore side bazaars.
3. Irrawaddy River,Myanmar (Burma)
A relatively new destination for river cruising, 2016 will see Burma slowly emerging from the far-reaching shadows of its more developed neighbours and with good reason. Now is the time to visit though as it is still an untouched destination.
Highlights: Mystical, mysterious and largely uninfluenced by the Western world, it’s a country of incredible charm. And there’s no better way to explore the untouched essence of this beautiful nation than on a river cruise along the mighty Irrawaddy River.
Guests who set sail aboard APT’s new Burma river ship, the RV Samatha, on the Irrawaddy in 2016 will enjoy exclusive dinners every evening that have been personally designed by our Asia Ambassador, celebrity chef Luke Nguyen. Also exclusive for APT guests is the chance to sample Luke’s specially designed degustation menu in the ship’s private dining room, an intimate eight-seat venue.
4. Garonne and Dordogne rivers, Bordeaux
In 2016 APT will introduce Bordeaux river cruising, with a choice of five itineraries available covering the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Sailing aboard APT’s boutique 74-suite luxury rivership, the MSAmaDolce, guests visit Bordeaux, Cadillac, Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne, Saint Émilion and Libourne.
Highlights: French river cruising is all about the food, wine, history and unforgettable scenery. That’s why we’ve added features such as a range of exceptional gourmet experiences designed to showcase the regional food and wine, for example a private dinner at Bordeaux’s Château Pape Clément, enjoyed with perfectly paired wines; and a visit to a family-owned cooperage before a wine tasting in Ludon. Eat, drink, be merry and take it all in as you cruise on by.
5. Amazon River, Peru
One of the world’s most fascinating and majestic rivers is the Amazon. Where else can you wake up to symphony of tropical bird song or fall asleep to a river’s gentle soundtrack?
Around one third of the world’s recorded plant and animal species can be found here, including many varieties of monkeys, more than 3,000 species of fish, an array of native birds and the almost unearthly giant Amazon water lily pads. Travel with APT and you’ll enjoy an exclusive four night cruise aboard the Delfin II – a boutique river ship for just 28 guests.
Highlights: Swim with pink river dolphins, hike through lush rainforest, enjoy a night safari, fish for piranhas, canoe tranquil waterways, cruise on a skiff over otherwise inaccessible tributaries and visit a riverside community to gain an insight into their way of life. This really is the river cruise of a lifetime.
* CLIA Australasia’s 2014 Australian Cruise Industry Source Market Report
For any bookings visit www.apt.com.au
