The cruising market is booming, with global cruise capacity forecast to grow at least 10 per cent by 2028, according to a recent report.

One of the strongest sectors within the broader cruise market has been river cruising, with travellers citing easy access to city and town centres and a smaller number of guests on board as factors driving their decisions – particularly in Europe which continues to be the world’s top-selling river cruise destination.

Scenic Group General Manager, Sales and Marketing APAC, Anthony Laver attributes the surge in popularity of river cruising to more travellers opting for convenience and their growing desire for an ultra-luxury experience, while also really experiencing multiple, iconic destinations in depth.

“Many things have contributed to the continued growth in river cruises,” Laver said. “They enable guests to relax and make the most of their holiday, taking them right into the heart of cities and villages in the most historic and culturally immersive parts of Europe without the stress of traffic and moving between hotels. Guests also love not having to be constantly packing and unpacking, they like staying in a luxuriously appointed suite for their cruise and the fact that our spacious ships, in particular, are limited to a maximum of 163 guests.

“We’ve also found that guests love Scenic’s all-inclusive philosophy, where drinks all day, meals, a choice of excursions, exclusive events, butler service and even tipping are included in the cost of the cruise. Essentially, you can put your wallet away when you board and not worry about it again until the end of your river cruise. The all-inclusive approach also negates any volatility in currencies.”

Laver said given the trends of recent seasons, and the inevitable demand created in the wake of the Paris Olympics, Scenic is seeing bookings for European river cruises even stronger in 2025. With that in mind, Scenic’s Super Earlybird offers are still available, he said, with current prices including either economy flights, or a credit of up to $4,500 towards business class flights, for river cruises of 11 days or more – but only until October 31 2024.

Scenic’s 2025 river cruises have something to suit everyone’s individual passions, interests and preferred trip duration, with cruises ranging from eight up to 15 days, as follows:

1. Jewels of Europe

The top choice for first-time river cruisers, this river cruise visits up to six countries across 15 days, taking in some of Europe’s most iconic cities. View itinerary

2. Christmas Markets

For those seeking to experience a European Christmas and escape the summer heat. Perfect for multigenerational families with teenagers. View itinerary

3. Normandy and Gems of the Seine

Visit Northern France in ultra-luxury, take in sites of historic importance and be captivated by the landscapes that inspired Van Gogh. View itinerary

4. Delightful Douro with Lisbon

The perfect immersion into the culture, landscapes and culinary delights of Portugal. View Itinerary

5. Rhine Highlights

This eight-day cruise suits those shorter on time, or serves as a taster cruise to be introduced to river cruising with Scenic. View itinerary

6. Romantic Rhine and Moselle

This river cruise reflects the Europe we imagine from fairytales, from the castle highway of the Rhine to arguably Europe’s prettiest riverside country, the Moselle. View itinerary

For those looking to extend their journey, Scenic offers a range of city extensions and handcrafted land tours that combine with your ultra-luxury river cruise. For more information and detailed itineraries, you can view the brochure here or order your free copy here

To create stories for life with Scenic, visit , call 138 128 or speak to your local travel advisor.