Emerald reports growing trend for longer cruises

It has prompted the line to ‘add extra focus’ to its 2024 Epic Voyages, including longer itineraries and city stay extensions.

Epic Voyages range from 15 to 23 days in duration and consist of the line’s best selling river cruise itineraries placed back-to-back to create a longer trip, either on the same ship or with a flight or coach trip to pick up a new vessel halfway through.

‘We’re thrilled to say that we’ve enjoyed really solid levels of sales since the preview of our 2024 programme went on sale, and what is clear is that there is a real appetite among consumers for taking longer holidays again,’ Andrea Stafford, director of trade sales for Scenic & Emerald Cruises, explained.  

‘This could be pent-up demand from the Covid pandemic being converted into bookings, as guests seek bucket list experiences and a taste of the luxury lifestyle…’ 

Examples of Emerald's Epic Voyages include the 15-day ‘Rhine & Rhône Rivers’ itinerary and the 10-day 'Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest.'