Slow pace of change on rivers
My first river cruise was 10 years ago and I celebrated my 21st last month.
My first river cruise was 10 years ago and I celebrated my 21st last month. Aside from the Amazon, Mekong, Ganges, Yangtze and Irrawaddy rivers, the voyages have been in Europe, down the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Saone, Seine, Douro and Po. I’ve noticed a few changes, but not as many as one might expect in a decade.
Compared with the evolution of ocean cruising, river cruising is slower, or perhaps just less inclined, to reinvent. Sure, there are more itineraries in France and Portugal, the average age of passengers is slightly younger and the range of shore excursions has expanded. But onboard the ships, there still isn’t a lot to distinguish between the various brands sold to Australians.
The food (usually excellent), entertainment (rarely excellent) and public spaces are essentially the same. The gym and spa are cubicle-sized afterthoughts, if they exist at all; there may be a second bar or restaurant; and the sun deck may or may not have a small pool. Single-use plastics are everywhere, aside from a couple of cruise lines that give guests refillable bottles.
Some ships have fancier decor, proper balconies or the fares are more inclusive, but clearer distinctions are hard to find. Even the ships are the same height, width and length, although this is necessitated by Europe’s low bridges and narrow locks. It doesn’t change the fact there’s no scope for an extra deck of fun stuff or larger cabins unless the total number is uneconomically reduced.
An exception to the size rule is this year’s newest ship, AmaMagna, which is almost twice as wide as the norm. This restricts its itineraries to the lower Danube, where the locks are wider, but it’s good to see a company trying something new with the hardware. AmaWaterways didn’t go wild with all the extra space; everything is just bigger or there’s more of it. I would have liked to see some innovations not found on other river ships.
To be fair, AmaMagna has significantly more spacious accommodation, four restaurants, a free self-service laundry and a huge wellness area with a strong fitness program. Funnily enough, its best feature is not in use. It’s a fold-down marina deck that could be used for waterside parties and as a loading dock for passengers to board the ship’s Sundowner yacht, but that’s also sitting idle. Apparently it will be used in the future, so why not now?
Crystal Cruises also has a double-width vessel (purchased from Peter Deilmann Cruises), complete with its own speedboat, which it has sold to Asia’s Genting Cruise Lines, so it will be interesting to see what happens with it.
U River Cruises tried hardest to be original by launching a fleet for younger people (aged 21-45) but that brave move didn’t work out. The age range has been ditched and two ships have become one, at least until next year. However, U Cruises did bring some cool activities to Europe’s rivers, such as silent discos, rooftop camping and a theme cruise hosted by drag queens.
One of the big lures introduced a few years ago is complimentary drinks, while some lines offer free wine and beer at lunch and dinner. Even as a dedicated alcohol enthusiast, I don’t believe the different policies are deal-breakers. Impassioned imbibing at meals, which can last two to three hours, is enough to keep most people merry.
It’s a case of baby steps for baby boomers; they don’t want to scare off the target market, but I hope to see bolder changes by 2030. I won’t be mad if we don’t get robot butlers or flying ships, but a go-go-gadget river-copter or river-plane would come in handy when the water levels are too high or low.
Louise Goldsbury is managing editor of
cruisecritic.com.au.