Average Age of River Cruise Passengers: Key Insights

What Is a River Cruise?

A river cruise is a type of leisure travel where guests sail along inland waterways, stopping at multiple ports to explore towns, cities, and cultural landmarks along the way.

Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises are more relaxed and focused on the journey itself. Travelers enjoy constantly changing scenery, from vineyards and castles to historic city centers, without needing to pack and unpack at every stop.

Most river cruises last about a week or longer and typically carry between 100 and 250 passengers, depending on the ship. 

Some of the most popular rivers for cruising include:

• Danube
• Rhine
• Seine
• Douro
• Volga
• Yangtze

Viking River Cruise offers modern, comfortable ships, often called Longships, designed to bring travelers into the heart of each destination. With fewer passengers and daily port stops, river cruises offer a more personal, immersive experience, which makes them ideal for those who want to travel at a slower pace while still seeing and learning a lot.

What is the Average Age of River Cruise Passengers?

River cruises are still popular with Baby Boomers, especially those between 59 and 77 years old. Many travelers are retired or empty-nesters in their 60s and 70s who enjoy a relaxed pace and cultural experiences.

River cruise lines like Viking say most of their guests are older adults, which has been true for years. But that’s starting to change.

A recent study by Cruise.co.uk looked at almost 500,000 cruise bookings. They found that the average age of river cruise passengers in 2024 was 55 years old, down from 66 in 2019.

Whether it’s a first-time guest or a seasoned cruiser, many people choose river cruises for the ability to explore iconic cities. With smaller ships, detailed itineraries, and a focus on local culture, European river cruises offer a very different experience from a typical ocean cruise in the Caribbean or from Florida or New York.

River Cruise Age by Region and Itinerary

The average age of river cruise passengers in the U.S. often depends on where they’re traveling and the type of itinerary they choose.

Traditional leisure and cultural cruises in Europe and North America continue to attract Baby Boomers and older travelers, typically in their 60s and 70s. These cruises are slower-paced, focused on history, wine tasting, and guided tours of classic cities like Budapest, Cologne, and Amsterdam.

However, active or expedition-style river cruises, especially those with biking, hiking, or wildlife excursions, are becoming more popular among travelers. Destinations like the Amazon, Mekong, and Columbia/Snake Rivers often attract a younger, more adventurous demographic in their 40s and 50s.

Here’s a breakdown of the average ages across different regions and trip styles:

Is the Demographic of River Cruise Guests Getting Younger?

While Baby Boomers still make up a large share of river cruise guests, the average age is gradually decreasing, especially on European river cruises. Cruise lines are adjusting their offerings to meet the interests of younger, more active travelers.

Take AmaWaterways, for example. The average age of their guests is now around 59 years old, and the average age of Viking River Cruise passengers is 70 years old. This shift is partly due to their strong focus on health and wellness, both onboard and during shore excursions. Features like fitness classes, hiking tours, and biking options are appealing to a more active age group.

They’ve also seen an increase in multi-generational bookings, with families traveling together. Ships now offer interconnecting cabins and triple or quad share rooms, making it easier for different age groups to enjoy the same holiday.

Other cruise lines are seeing similar trends:

How to Prepare for a River Cruise?

Getting ready for a river cruise doesn’t require much, but a little planning can help you make the most of your trip. 

Check Your Travel Documents

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Depending on your itinerary, you may also need visas or entry forms, especially for non-EU countries. Keep both digital and printed copies of key documents, including insurance and cruise confirmations.

Pack Smart and Light

Cabins on river cruise ships are compact, so avoid overpacking. You can bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions
• Layered clothing to adapt to changing weather
• Smart-casual outfits for dinners
• A small day bag for exploring cities and towns

If you’re cruising in Europe, pack a universal adapter and check for plug types used along your route.

Review What’s Included

Many river cruises include meals, daily excursions, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even airport transfers. But check what’s not included, like alcoholic drinks, gratuities, or optional tours, so that you can budget accordingly.

Reserve Excursions in Advance

Popular guided tours, wine tastings, or biking excursions can fill up quickly. If your cruise line lets you book in advance, it’s worth reviewing the itinerary and selecting your preferred options early.

Prepare for a Slower, More Immersive Experience

River cruises aren’t about constant entertainment. They focus on scenery, history, and culture. Bring a book, camera, or journal to enjoy the slower pace. Many travelers say the quiet moments on deck are just as memorable as the guided tours.

Currency and Connectivity

Carry a small amount of local currency for small purchases or tips in ports. Most ships have Wi-Fi, but speeds may vary, so download any important files or maps before departure.

Bottom Line

River cruising has come a long way from being seen as a travel style reserved for retirees. In 2024, the average age of river cruise passengers dropped to 55. While Baby Boomers still represent a large portion of the market, especially for traditional European routes like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, many cruise lines are seeing growth in bookings from Gen Xers, multigenerational families, and even first-time cruisers in their 40s and 50s.

River cruise lines like AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises, and Avalon are adapting with wellness-focused amenities, flexible room layouts, and more adventurous itineraries. As the average age trends lower and itineraries continue to diversify, river cruises are proving to be one of the most immersive, scenic, and flexible ways to see the world, no matter how old you are.

Fair Use Statement

You’re welcome to share this insightful article for noncommercial purposes, but please link back to this page.

Sources

1. World of Cruising. Average cruise passenger age drops by 11 years. Published Jan. 10, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
2. Viking River Cruises. What is a river cruise? Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
3. Karryon. River cruising trends in luxury travel. Published Feb. 2024. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
4. Chima Travel. Are Viking Cruises for older adults? Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
5. Travel Weekly. Changing of the guard in river cruising. Published Jul. 2023. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
6. East Hampton Star. Sag Harbor to welcome cruise passengers. Published Feb. 15, 2024. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
7. Tauck. Who takes river cruises? Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
8. The Points Guy. AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises. Published Sept. 2023. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
9. Tripadvisor. Mississippi River cruise review. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
   Link Here
10. Tripadvisor Canada. AMA Waterways cruise on the Mekong Delta: A review. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
    Link Here
11. TourRadar. Singles river cruises on the Nile. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
    Link Here
12. Seatrade Cruise. Expedition cruising opens up to a wider audience. Published Jan. 2024. Evaluated Mar. 25, 2025.
    Link Here