Cruise.co.uk has seen a three-fold increase in river cruise bookings since the start of the year.
The specialist cruise agency’s most popular destination is the River Rhine in Germany, which flows into Switzerland, France and the Netherlands.
According to a survey of 1,200 customers carried out by the agency, around 50% of clients had sailed on or considered a river cruise prior to 2020 – the figure now stands at 83%.
Nearly a third (29%) of respondents said their "ideal" future river cruise destination was the Danube, followed by the Rhine (25%) and the Douro (15%).
Tony Andrews, cruise.co.uk’s deputy managing director, said the advantages of sailing on a river cruise have "unquestionably" led to the increase in demand.
"With fewer people onboard and the opportunity to travel right into the heart of multiple eye-catching destinations, river cruises are a fantastic option," he added.
"We’re anticipating their popularity will continue to grow with UK holidaymakers this year and beyond."
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