Last year, river cruise specialist Viking entered the competitive ocean cruising market, launching its luxurious Viking Star.
Now the much-loved British cruise line Fred. Olsen is moving into the river cruise market.
According to Cruise Bulletin, Fred. Olsen will launch its first river boat, Brabant, next year, operating from April to November in both 2018 and 2019. The 156-passenger vessel is currently sailing as Amadeus Princess.
Fred’s ocean cruises are much loved by Brits for what the company calls their “home-from-home atmosphere” — something they hope to recreate on the Brabant.
River cruises typically have a higher entry price than ocean cruises, but they often have more inclusions, such as free excursions.
They get passengers to inland destinations often too far from ocean ports for day trips, and, of course, they are ideal for people who suffer seasickness.
