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A new study by luxury European line, Riviera Travel River Cruises, has found that among past ocean cruisers considering a cruise in the near future, 79 per cent more are leaning towards a river cruise instead of an ocean voyage.

The UK-survey sent to 3000 people by the British cruise company is part of an international ‘Less Is More’ campaign to promote the positive aspects of river cruising post-Covid, with smaller ships like river vessels tipped to play a vital role in rebuilding trust in cruising.

Riviera Travel River Cruises International Sales Manager, Shelley Davey, said the company was buoyed by the results of the study which confirmed widespread expectations that more people would be drawn to the appeal of boutique ships carrying fewer passengers, with less crowding and queuing and more space and freedom.

“Past ocean passengers may love the concept of cruising but could harbour concerns about sea cruising when ships begin to sail again,” Ms Shelley said. “For instance, our recent survey found that 84 per cent of people felt fewer passengers was a key reason to prefer river cruising, while being docked at a destination every day was an important consideration for more than 50 per cent. Our ‘Less is More’ initiative is aimed at addressing those concerns and highlighting that what river ships don’t have  – like large scale groups, crowding, complex logistics and sea days – may make them a safer, more relaxing and more appealing holiday experience than ocean vessels.

“New Covid protocols will also be easier to implement and maintain on river ships so we feel demand for river cruising will be especially robust once confidence returns in the market, borders open and river vessels are given priority clearance to sail again. All this, coupled with pent-up demand from cancelled sailings, means we can look forward to smoother waters and brighter horizons for our industry. But because river ships are, by nature, smaller, cabins will book out quickly so early bookings are recommended.”

Riviera Travel River Cruises is one of Europe’s leading river cruise lines, carrying more than 20,000 passengers a year. The company recently fast-tracked the launch of selected sailings for 2022 when Riviera Travel’s 12 luxury ships will offer a total of 20 different itineraries across Europe including journeys along the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Seine, Rhone and Douro rivers as well as Yuletide Market cruises and new Christmas and New Year itineraries.

Renowned for catering for solo travellers, Riviera Travel will also continue to offer a range of dedicated departures in 2022 exclusively for solo travellers, with no single supplement in addition to a selection of supplement-free cabins for solo travellers on all its departures.

Fares in 2022 start from A$1799 per person, twin-share, or also for solo guests (subject to cabin availability) for a five-day ‘Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields’ itinerary through the waterways of Holland.  Fares include shore tours as well as free Wi-Fi.

For bookings in Australia, Call Cruise Traveller on 1300 561 001, see a travel agent or visit www.rivieratravel.com.au