Who Does River Cruises?
Experienced travelers who want Europe without the logistics — and who else.
Tell Us What You Want in a River CruiseWho does river cruises? The stereotype is a retired couple. The surveys suggest something more specific: experienced travelers who want Europe without the logistics.
What Advisors Say About Their Clients
In the Travel Market Report River Cruise Outlook 2024, 84% of the 703 advisors surveyed described their river cruise clients as well traveled, and 52% said their clients prefer all-inclusive travel products. Advisors added that even first-time river cruisers have often tried ocean cruising and are open to new experiences, as long as the comfort is assured.
The reasons clients give are telling. Eight in ten advisors cited the small number of guests on board, and the same share cited easy access to city centers. Two-thirds (67%) named the value a river cruise offers, up from 45% in the previous year’s survey.
What the Public Says
Advisor surveys describe people who already river cruise. Public polls describe everyone else. A telephone survey of 1,012 adults in the continental United States, carried out for AAA in June 2016, found that 14% had taken a river cruise and about four in ten would consider one for a future vacation. Millennials were less likely to have river cruised (11%) but more likely than older generations to consider it, according to Travel Agent Central’s report on the 2016 AAA survey. The survey is a decade old, so it shows interest at that time rather than today; we have not found a newer public survey of the same kind.
What This Means If You Are New to River Cruising
- You will likely sail with experienced, curious travelers; expect conversation about past trips at dinner.
- Itineraries and land stays matter more than onboard entertainment; choose by route first.
- All-inclusive style fares are common; compare what each line includes rather than headline fares.
- If you are younger or traveling with family, check the line’s age policies and choose sailings with active options.
For American rivers, which advisors say a smaller share of clients choose, see US River Cruising. For safety questions often raised by first-timers, see River Cruising Is Safe.
Who River Cruises: FAQs
Who does river cruises?
According to advisors in the Travel Market Report River Cruise Outlook 2024, the typical river cruise client is well traveled (84%) and about half prefer all-inclusive travel products (52%). Many have cruised on the ocean before.
Are younger travelers interested in river cruising?
A 2016 AAA survey reported that millennials were less likely to have taken a river cruise (11%) but more likely than older generations to consider one. That survey is now several years old, so treat it as a snapshot.
Will You Fit In? Ask Us
Tell us your age group, travel style and interests. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest lines whose guests and pace suit you and send free quotes.
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