UK river cruise passenger count rose 21% in 2017

In 2017, the UK river cruise market reached 210,400 passengers, against 174,400 in 2016.

European river cruises attract 90% of UK bookings

European river cruises, which account for almost 90% of bookings, were the driving force behind this exceptional growth, specifically cruises on the Douro, Russian waterways, Rhine and Danube.

Cruises in central and western Europe, accounted for almost two-thirds (62%) of all river cruise bookings, with the Rhine and Danube leading the way. However, it was eastern and southern Europe which saw the most growth last year, predominantly on Russian waterways and on the Douro.

Mekong, Nile and Irrawaddy popular

Looking outside Europe, three rivers accounted for the bulk of passengers in 2017 last year; the Mekong, Nile and Irrawaddy, with the Ganges and Brahmaputra also performing well.

Andy Harmer, svp membership and CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: ‘With continued investment and innovation in this sector, and with new events and initiatives to engage the travel agent community, the growth in river cruising continues to be an important part of the overall cruise industry.’