AmaWaterways adds new sailings to meet growing shoulder season demand

Loizou added: “Traditionally, the Christmas Markets season only lasted a few weeks. However, with growing popularity, many iconic Christmas Markets have announced earlier opening dates starting mid-November.

"[This is] allowing the introduction of A Taste of Christmas Markets cruises during which guests will enjoy an early start to the festive season on beautifully decorated ships, and visits to one or two Christmas markets.

“This move led to a 258% rise in bookings for November 2023, compared with November 2022, and forward bookings for November 2024 are following the same trend.”

With 30% more guests booked for a cruise departing over Christmas 2024, compared with 2023, the line is also reporting a “significant” rise in revenue from bookings for the festive holiday period. 

Sales growth is coupled with a higher than average spend as guests choose to upgrade to higher stateroom and suite categories. 

Loizou continued: “Demand for Christmas and New Year departures is being driven by small groups of extended family and friends looking for a different way to celebrate the best of what the holidays offer.” 

The line’s 2025 brochure featuring cruises through Europe, Asia, South America and Africa and can be pre-ordered via TradeGate.