Arnhem, Netherlands-based Feenstra Rijn Lijn sails eight ships on European rivers and occasionally books cruises on other line’s vessels. The company doesn’t own any ships itself, but is owned by a consortium of individual shipowners, said General Manager Nico Arnts in the 2020 European River Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.
The Feenstra-branded ships sail about 130 departures a year, usually sourcing European passengers with a few North Americans.
The cruises are booked as between three and five stars, depending on the ship. “But what’s a five star?” Arnts mused. “Sometimes we sell a product as a four star but the client sells it as a five star. So what is a star then? But when we compare with other ships in the market the ranking is too low and other times far too high.”
A yet-unnamed newbuild is due to debut in 2021. The superstructure is being assembled in at Vahali Shipyards in Serbia. Engines, woodwork and other fine details will be added in Holland. She’ll have the same dimensions as her fleet mate, the 2011-built Antonio Bellucci – 110 meters long and capacity for 144 passengers.
Many travel agents look for bigger ships but Feenstra has declined. The same will likely hold true for future newbuilds, which could come as frequently as once per year after 2021, he said.
“There are so many new ships at the moment we have to go with the market,” Arnts said. “The reason we have chosen 110 meters (in length) is we are flexible to go everywhere with the ship. If you go 120 you are limited to some areas.”
The line also sails the 125-passenger Rembrandt van Rijn, the 186-passenger Statendam – with its popular heated pool – the 124-passenger Salvinia, the 98-passenger Horizon, the 90-passenger Azolla, and the Calypso with its top-deck putting green.
About the 2020 European Cruise River Market Report
The new European Cruise Market Report provides a comprehensive look at the river cruise business with capacity metrics by river and brand, company profiles and much more. 100+ pages of insights. Learn more.
