2014 is set to be an exciting year in the river cruise industry. After many years of sustained growth, it looks like the market is finally starting to recognize river cruising as a strong part of the travel industry. New ships are taking to the rivers in numbers that we’ve never seen before – worldwide! And cruise lines are expanding to new destinations. According to a USA Today article, European river cruising is the 3rd most popular type of cruise booked for 2014. Viking is set to christen a record-breaking 14 longships this Spring. AmaWaterways is introducing two Myanmar itineraries for 2014 on 
the Ayeyarwady River. In the USA, one of our most popular cruise lines has announced their plans to build four new riverboats, at least one of which will be a new paddlewheel (sister ship to the Queen of the Mississippi). I think one of the more exciting destinations for me is that the European boats are expanding out of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers – which are definitely amazing and glorious rivers to cruise! 
But when I think about where I want to visit in Europe, I get excited about destinations like Bordeaux and Provence in France – which is exactly where the river cruise ships are now headed in 2014! This is going to be a fantastic year to travel, no matter where you go.
