Europe’s river cruise industry continues to grow, with new ships and new customers each year, but the Cruise Line Industry Association is reporting some shifts, with the Danube now more popular than the Rhine, the long-time top destination. Portugal’s Douro River, growing rapidly, has reached #3.
Last year’s cruise passenger total for Europe hit 207,000, up from 188,000 the previous year, and is on pace to hit a new high this year.
Central and Western Europe account for about 64% of the overall river cruise business, but the field is growing in other areas as well, including Southeast Asia’s Mekong River and the Nile. North America, which has been a small part of the market is also seeing growth, with new ships and destinations including some Great Lakes voyages.
