Emerald Cruises has said that strong demand for longer holidays has prompted it to focus on its range of longer cruise voyages in its 2024 Europe river cruise collection.

The 2024 programme of what the line calls ‘Epic Voyages’ includes the 15-day Discover the Rhine and Rhône Rivers sailing and the 23-day Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube voyage.

These itineraries are a combination of the line’s best selling river cruise itineraries placed back-to-back to create a longer trip, either on the same ship or with a flight or coach trip to pick up a new vessel halfway through.

The line added that they are designed to capitalise on a “growing trend for extended, feature-packed itineraries”.

Emerald Cruises offering a ‘taste of luxury’

Other highlights in the 2024 brochure include two new itineraries. The Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest river cruise features a new extended two-night stay in the Hungarian capital.

During the 10-day cruise, guests can enjoy a Bavarian brunch at a local farm in Passau before visiting Melk Abbey. Prices start from £3,095pp.

Meanwhile, on the new 11-day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards river cruise, guests can experience the new ports of call of Utrecht and Nijmegen. Prices start from £3,365pp.

Scenic & Emerald Cruises director of trade sales Andrea Stafford said: “We’re thrilled to say that we’ve enjoyed really solid levels of sales since the preview of our 2024 programme went on sale, and what is clear is that there is a real appetite among consumers for taking longer holidays again.

“This could be pent-up demand from the pandemic being converted into bookings, as guests seek bucket list experiences and a taste of the luxury lifestyle – the hallmark of an Emerald Cruises river cruise.”