According to a recent global survey on river cruise trends, France is the most sought-after river cruise destination, more solo travellers are planning river cruises, and demand is strong for longer itineraries and off-season cruises.
Whether it’s the Paris Olympics effect, the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy or the enduring appeal of its countryside, culture and cuisine, France is the destination du jour.
In a recent survey of 16,600 past cruisers conducted by Avalon Waterways, 37 per cent of the respondents nominated France as their No.1 destination for on their river cruise wish list in 2024 and beyond.
There are three main waterways in France where companies such as Avalon, Uniworld, Viking, Emerald Cruises and Scenic operate river cruises: the Seine, for round-trips from Paris to Normandy; a combination of the Rhône and Saône rivers in Provence, for cruises between Avignon or Arles and Lyon; and Bordeaux, where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet at the Gironde Estuary.
France river cruise itineraries
Following on from the survey, Avalon Waterways is introducing six new cruises and 33 per cent more capacity to meet demand in 2025. The line-up of France river cruises features 50 itineraries on three Suite Ships: the Avalon Artistry II, Avalon Poetry II and Avalon Tapestry II.
“We’re adding another Suite Ship to the rivers of France and cruising Bordeaux for the first time on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers,” said Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways.
“This week-long Bordeaux itinerary can be combined for new, longer cruises on the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers, creating an incredible, in-depth opportunity to enjoy France and Western Europe, as a whole.”
Bordeaux itineraries are usually eight days, round-trip from the beautiful city of Bordeaux exploring the Dordogne and Garonne rivers. Avalon’s new Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Village cruise visits Cadillac-sur-Garonne, Cussac Fort Médoc, Blaye, Bourg and Libourne.
Avalon’s Bordeaux cruises can be extended for two- and three-week options and include three more new itineraries: the 15-day French Masterpiece: Paris, Normandy & Bordeaux; the 22-day France, Uncorked: The Rhône, the Seine & Bordeaux, which starts in Arles and ends in Paris; and the and 22-day Vineyards, Châteaux & Bordeaux, from Basel in Switzerland to Bordeaux.
Linger longer
Another finding from the survey was that cruisers want longer, more in-depth holidays. More than 57 per cent of respondents said they’d like to book a two-week cruise and another 10 per cent are looking at three-week options.
Avalon’s extended France itineraries are among a swag of longer cruises coming up in 2025 – it is adding 16 new longer cruises and city-stay combinations.
“The pent-up desire for long-haul travel, combined with an increased interest in garnering more mileage out of air costs, as well as the rise in remote work are contributing factors to this post- pandemic travel trend,” said Hoffee.
New, longer itineraries include the 10-day Netherlands in Bloom, a 10-day round-trip from Amsterdam in tulip season; the 15-day Danube from Germany to Romania (Vilsjofen to Oltenita); and the 24-day Romania to the North Sea (Oltenita to Amsterdam).
Off-season appeal
Savvy travellers have long enthused about the attractions of Europe in the “off” season, meaning late autumn and winter. Although it gets dark earlier and the weather can be chilly, there are many plus points.
Air fares are (usually) cheaper, with more availability in business class; you can visit landmark sites, galleries and museums without having to battle summer hordes; the countryside in autumn can be spectacular as trees change colour; Europe under snow is pure fairytale; and, as river cruise companies are very well aware, Christmas markets are a huge attraction in dozens of towns and cities along the main waterways.
Avalon Waterways says that since 2023, it has increased its off-season cruise offerings by 88 per cent, adding new departures to its expanding collection of Wine Cruises during harvest season and more Festive Cruises celebrating Christmas to meet demand.
Longer cruises feature off season too; new options include the 12-day Christmas time from Frankfurt to Vienna; 13-day Christmastime from Budapest to Frankfurt; 16-day Christmastime from Basel to Vienna; and the 17-day Christmastime from Budapest to Basel.
Solo travel on the rise
Gen Z Aussie women aren’t the only travellers heading off for holidays on their own. At last month’s big CLIA UK and Ireland conference in Amsterdam, several river cruise operators agreed that the overall demand for solo river cruising has never been stronger.
Not surprisingly, Avalon’s survey also reflected this trend. It found that 13 per cent of the 16,600 global respondents said they’re planning to go solo on their next river cruise.
“Travelling solo doesn’t always mean you’re on your own,” said Hoffee. “Providing a balance of solo and ‘nolo’ (on your own but never alone) experiences, we set the stage for the perfect vacation on – and off – our Suite Ships with the bonus of an on-site Cruise Director and expert local guides to ensure an engaging, life-changing cruise.”
Many river cruise lines now offer reduced or zero single supplements on select itineraries. Travel advisors say you need to keep a keen eye on single supplement offers and book as early as possible.
