AMAWATERWAYS TIPS 2022 BESTSELLERS

AmaWaterways is tipping French river cruises, Floriade-inspired garden trips and the Nile as its most popular sailings in 2022.

The line has increased capacity in France with five ships, a new Impressions of the Seine & Paris itinerary (above) and easier back-to- back sailings for those who want to link multiple cruises. International horticulture exhibition Floriade Expo, which runs until October 9, has also boosted interest in the Rhine and Dutch and Belgian waterways.

UK managing director Jamie Loizou said: “France is selling well because it’s a place where people feel very comfortable and confident, and the cruise is all in one country. The Rhine is really popular, driven by Floriade, while the Mekong is taking off and Egypt has been a revelation.

“Normally people would have booked a seven-night cruise, but they’re now booking for longer with a pre or post-cruise stay, or both.”

AmaWaterways has also confirmed plans to expand into South America with a ship on Colombia’s remote Magdalena River in 2024 (amawaterways.co.uk).