From Perthnow
Russia, Myanmar and the Mekong are tipped as “the ones to watch” for river cruising in 2015 and beyond.
For a river cruise that offers truly spectacular sights, try a journey on the Zambezi. Source: ThinkStock
Australia’s relatively new found love of cruising has made it one of the travel industry’s fastest-growing segments.
Proving particularly popular this year is river cruising, a segment of the cruise market where the ships are smaller for a boutique, intimate experience.
Luxuriously appointed, river cruises allow travellers to get up close and personal with itineraries often including a number of shore excursions.
Flight Centre’s team of experts, together with luxury river cruise operator APT, has compiled a list of 10 river cruises to add to your bucket list.
1. CENTRAL EUROPE
Central Europe is still the most popular destination for Aussie cruisers because so many countries can be covered in one itinerary for a diverse offering of history and culture.
TRY THIS: APT’s 15-day Magnificent Europe luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Guests visit five countries (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary), taking in 16 towns, village and cities and enjoying 28 included experiences. It’s an all-inclusive trip so all meals, drinks, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers, tipping, port charges and porterage are included in the price.
2. RUSSIA
Russia is tipped to be one of the hottest river cruise destinations of 2015, steadily rising in popularity over the past couple of years. River cruising offers a great way to explore as it covers vast areas, giving guests access to sights and destaintions that would otherwise be hard-to-reach.
TRY THIS: APT is launching a new river cruise ship, called the MS Anastasia, which will make its debut in May 2015 on a 13-night Russian Waterways cruise. A restaurant by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, two whirlpools and a champagne and caviar bar are just a few of the luxurious highlights that guests can expect to enjoy in addition to the extensive sightseeing program.
3. PORTUGAL
Go off the beaten track with a river cruise in Portugal. Still one of river cruising’s best kept secrets, this destination can be easily pared with land tours in Spain to create an Iberian adventure of a lifetime.
TRY THIS: Thread your way through Portugal’s ethereal landscapes on a Douro river cruise from Porto to Barca d’Alva. Highlights include the 14-century Alpendurada Monastery, Lamega Castle, the Palacio de Mateus near the city of Vila Real and not to mention wine tastings and the chance to sample the world famous local tipple – Port!
4. MEKONG
River cruising in Vietnam and Cambodia is the only way to access and explore some of the more remote regions of these countries and that’s what is driving the appeal of this travel style for Australians looking to experience a real slice of local life.
TRY THIS: Benefit from the input of APT Ambassador, celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, who is hosting two APT holidays to Vietnam this year, sharing some of his own some personal stories, local customs and a selection of culinary experiences.
5. MYANMAR
Myanmar is a relatively new destination for river cruising, with the region slowly emerging from the far-reaching shadows of its more developed neighbours and with good reason. Mystical, mysterious and largely uninfluenced by the Western world, it’s a country of incredible charm.
TRY THIS: There’s no better way to explore the untouched essence of this beautiful nation than on a river cruise along the mighty Irrawaddy River. APT’s new luxury river cruise ship, the MS AmaPura, accommodates just 56 guests and will make maiden voyage on these waters this year.
