United Kingdom River Cruise Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The United Kingdom river cruise market size reached approximately USD 562.29 Million in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.60% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 969.62 Million by 2034.

Key Takeaways

A river cruise is a type of leisurely travel experience in which 100-250 people collectively undertake a journey to different port towns and cities through inland waterways. Typically, river cruises last longer than a week and cover several destinations on the go. The size of accommodation on a cruise ship ranges between 150-600 square feet and the service provider ensures the provision of a variety of regional cuisines and diverse flavours of alcoholic beverages for consumers.

The United Kingdom river cruise market is being driven by an increase in the attraction of river cruising, as it provides an educational and culturally immersive experience. It also offers an intimate and personalised experience to onboarders and takes them through scenic routes, providing mental relaxation and improving mood. Moreover, it covers a variety of travel destinations, exposing travellers to newer perspectives, ideas, and histories of landmarks.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising hotel prices; an increase in the number of solo female travellers; concerns surrounding sustainability; and comfort offered by river cruising are the major trends impacting the United Kingdom river cruise market growth favourably.

United Kingdom River Cruise Market Trends

The Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean constituted the most popular destinations for river cruising for British and Irish travellers. They spent an average time period of 9.7 days on a cruise holiday and reported high levels of satisfaction mentally and emotionally.

As per the data published by the Cruise Lines International Association, 70% of people who have never travelled on a cruise are expected to do so in the next few years, which is creating a favourable outlook for the United Kingdom river cruise market expansion.

Battery-powered ships and fuel-efficient engines are enabling travel agencies to promise a clean and sustainable cruising experience for consumers. Many companies are taking steps towards minimising food waste by removing buffets from food menus and providing customised food options to travellers for consumption. This is enabling consumers to reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to the United Kingdom river cruise market growth.

Market Segmentation

“United Kingdom River Cruise Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Age Group:

• 56 Years and Above
• 36-55 Years
• 16-35 Years
• Less Than 16 Years

Market Breakup by Product Type:

• Passenger Ticket
• Onboard Facilities

People in the age group of 36-55 years are expected to dominate the United Kingdom river cruise market share in the coming years

People aged between 36 and 55 years are expected to lead the market in the coming years. River cruises allow such individuals to visit multiple cities and regions simultaneously without having to pack/ repack their belongings and indulging in the hassle of reaching railway stations/ airports on time. As per the CLIA, the average age of people going to river cruises in Ireland and the United Kingdom was 55.8 years.

Moreover, young individuals aged 16-35 years are gravitating towards river cruises as they offer special and unique experiences and picture-perfect locations. Millennials and Gen-Z are increasingly preferring river cruises as they offer flexibility, immersive experiences, and innovative amenities. In the forecast period, the growing popularity of multigenerational travel is also expected to fuel the United Kingdom river cruise market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Premium and innovative travel packages provided by major river cruising companies are expected to contribute to the market growth.

Other key United Kingdom river cruise market players include AmaWaterways LLC, Viking River Cruises (Bermuda) Ltd., Tauck, Inc., Merlin Entertainments Group Company, Lueftner Cruises GmbH (Amadeus River Cruises, LLC), and Belmond Management Limited, among others.