Emerald Cruises has reported strong demand for longer itineraries as it launches its 2024 Europe river cruising brochure, featuring a range of extended itineraries and city stay extensions.
The line released the preview for the 2024 collection in November, and Andrea Stafford, director of trade sales for Scenic and Emerald Cruises, said it had received “really solid levels of sales.”
She added: “What is clear is that there is a real appetite among consumers for taking longer holidays again. 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 – the hallmark of an Emerald Cruises river cruise.”
The operator has added an extra focus on its range of Epic Voyages in the new 2024 Europe River Cruise brochure, which range in duration from 15 to 23 days. These are a combination of its 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. The four itineraries have been grouped together in the brochure for simplicity.
They include the 15-day Discover the Rhine and Rhone Rivers sailing and the 23-day Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube voyage, which the line says “capitalise on a growing trend for extended, feature-packed itineraries”.
Clients can currently save up to £3,000 per couple and receive free business class flights when booking a category C balcony cabin or above.