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Nonetheless, as we touched upon at the end of last year, demand is now reaching record highs, and we have more good news from the industry.

Demand Reaches All-Time High

Statistics coming from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has shown that there are currently 184 member ships on the water. There are also another 13 river cruise ships on order for the coming year. This illustrates that increasing numbers of people are considering a river cruise for the first time.

One reason for this is that often, people do not have the time to explore destinations in-depth. To get around a lack of time, they take a river cruise, which is perfect for intimate voyages for those who just do not have the time for grand tours of Europe and beyond.

Cindy D’Aoust, the president and CEO of the CLIA, said that for many “river cruising is the ultimate experience offering an immersive, cultural and pampered vacation, complete with exceptional land excursions and vessel amenities.”

Millennial Interest

Nevertheless, river cruises are placed into the same category as ocean cruises and are wrongly considered the preserve of older travellers. Not so, as a new initiative by one company is proving. This company is in the middle of preparing a river cruise programme exclusively for millennials.

Rather than focusing entirely on cultural and historical sites, these river cruises will be concentrating on the nightlife and other local experiences of the areas the cruise passes. With so many rivers running through popular hubs for young people, such as Budapest, Krakow, and Prague, it makes sense that these types of river cruises would be attractive.

However, since this is a relatively new concept, there is sure to be a lot of experimentation over the next few years.

River Cruise Popularity Growing Around the World

Europe is often seen as the traditional home of the river cruise, but these are growing in popularity elsewhere in the world. For example, there are now river cruises down the Mekong in South East Asia; there are also river cruises taking in sections of the Amazon.

As global travellers look beyond Europe and North America, river cruises are experiencing something of a renaissance. But what should please river cruise aficionados is that the growth in river cruises means more affordability and more of a chance to get the trip you want.

Amazing Scenery Closer to Home

At Clyde Cruises, you can enjoy a river cruise without the need to go across the world. With incredible scenery in the Scottish Highlands and the sights and sounds of the beautiful shorelines to enjoy, you can enjoy a river cruise with a difference.

Contact us here at Clyde Cruises or visit our website to take a look at some of our spectacular cruises today.

STV News recently reported that Glasgow City Council has agreed to provide a significant financial grant to redevelop the footbridge. An initial grant of £660,000 was approved for the purposes of doing a feasibility study, lining up a design, and finding a contractor to do the work. More importantly, a larger development project for the entire SEC area rests on completion of the bridge facelift.

As we understand it, the city will invest £4.3 million to revitalise the SEC as part of a larger £114 million package slated to enhance multiple areas along the River Clyde. The city is investing in the area in order to develop the waterfront more fully. Officials hope the development will attract more tourism and business, as well as improving the quality of life for local residents.

It’s All Good for Us

We appreciate the fact that the council is willing to invest in River Clyde development. Here at Clyde Cruises, we have been making our living on the river for generations. All development is, from our perspective, good for business. But not just for us. A healthy waterfront district is good for hundreds of business owners who operate restaurants, shops, bars and more, along the shores of the river.

If you’ve ever wanted to see what the waterfront has to offer, you should consider booking one of our cruises. We cruise up and down the River Clyde every day during the peak season, seeing the most important sites and talking about the things that make our city work. A Clyde cruise along the river is unlike anything you will experience anywhere else.

While work is going on over at the Smartie Tube, our guests will get to see some of the most iconic bridges spanning the River Clyde. In fact, the bridges are the highlight of our river tours for many of our guests. Bridges are an important part of the city’s history that can date back hundreds of years. They tell a story of city development with a unique architecture and design that show the different stages of growth in Glasgow.

We look forward to the completion of the Smartie Tube project at some point in the future. When it’s done, it will pave the way for tremendous development in the SEC area as well as the entire waterfront district. It is all good for us. You can be a part of what is going on down here by joining Clyde Cruises on the river this spring and summer.

Sources:

STV News – https://stv.tv/news/west-central/1382091-red-footbridge-at-glasgow-sec-to-undergo-5m-upgrade/

Today, cruising is no longer just for the wealthy. In fact, statistics suggest that cruising has never been more popular in Europe. A record 1.7 million travellers from the UK and Ireland alone went cruising in 2015, and the numbers for 2016 are expected to be even better when they are finally released. Only Germans cruise more often among European holidaymakers.

River Cruising Is for Everyone

You might be wondering why we chose to discuss this topic given the fact that what we do is so different from what the major cruise lines do. Well, here’s the point: river cruising is for everyone. Not only that, it always has been. One of our cruises up the River Clyde is an affordable option for getting out and seeing Glasgow and the surrounding area in a way that just cannot be experienced from a plane or car. And that’s the way it has always been on our cruises.

We cruise because we love the water and the sites that await as we drift through lochs, harbours, and the river itself. Cruising on an ocean liner is something entirely different. We aren’t against that kind of cruising, by the way, but ocean liner travel is all about the destination rather than getting there. Passengers keep themselves entertained on board between ports of call. Otherwise, they could spend days looking at nothing but ocean.

Clyde Cruises excursions don’t emphasise specific destinations. Rather, we put a strong emphasis on what can be seen and experienced along the entire journey. We see historical castles along the Scottish coastline. We watch whales and dolphins swimming in the open water. We experience all the mystery and intrigue of some of the best lochs in the country.

An Affordable Way to Enjoy the Water

It stands to reason that with millions of people now cruising, there is a need for cruises to satisfy every budget. Clyde Cruises is happy to be part of the cruising industry by offering an affordable way to see local waterways. Our cruises are priced very competitively when compared to other local attractions and activities. When compared to ocean liner cruising, there is no comparison.

Cruising is no longer just for the wealthy. It is for anyone who wants to experience water travel for leisure purposes rather than utility. Here at Clyde Cruises, we have been offering some of the best excursions in Glasgow for decades. We invite you to join us this season. Remember, cruising is for everyone.

Sources:

1. Radio Times – http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-02-24/jane-mcdonald-theres-a-cruise-for-every-person-on-the-planet

Various news sources began reporting in early February of plans filed by ADF Architects and Clyde Restaurants Ltd to create a floating platform with a fixed mooring that will be located almost underneath the Finnieston Crane. From its vantage point, guests could see a number of important landmarks including the Clyde Arc and SSE Hydro.

Plans also call for the floating restaurant to be able to accommodate several vessels moored directly to the platform. Plans speak of a barge, but no details on that have been forthcoming. The remaining mooring positions would theoretically be reserved for tour boats that want to pull up, tie off, and let guests dine in style.

Making the Most of the River

Glasgow City Council has the plans and is now in the process of considering them. Hopefully, the fact that the plans call for architectural features that enhance the local area will cause Council members to be a bit more receptive to the idea. From our perspective, we cannot help but think the floating restaurant would be yet another opportunity to make the most of the River Clyde.

Clyde Cruises has been working the river ever since our family’s original business opened in 1913. With more than 100 years under our belts, we have seen the River Clyde ebb and flow as a community asset depending on how much the city and its residents were willing to invest in it. We are firm believers that the river and its surrounding area have a lot to offer both local residents and tourists. We also believe we need to make the best possible use of the river as a community asset.

Understandably, the City Council has to take its time with the plans in order to make sure everything is up to standard. Assuming the plans are eventually approved, we can see a lot of potential here. The restaurant will cater mainly to land-based visitors who drive up or walk to the establishment directly from public transport. But the fact that the floating platform will have moorings for boats to tie up indicates they want to attract water traffic as well.

Imagine enjoying your dinner on a glorious summer evening with some of the city’s most iconic landmarks making up your view. That alone would make the price of the meal worthwhile. And perhaps that’s the point. They say that location is everything in the restaurant business, and the River Clyde near Finnieston Crane seems like a location that would be pretty hard to beat.

Sources:

1. Glasgow Live – http://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/could-glasgow-floating-restaurant-river-12550414

The trail features 25 different locations important to the story of Charles Edward Stuart and his Jacobite rebels. Stuart, also known as the Young Pretender and Bonnie Prince Charlie, attempted to assume the thrones of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and France after the death of his father in 1766. He and his Jacobite rebels hoped to restore Roman Catholic rule as the governing body across Britain.

Stuart’s efforts eventually ended in failure. However, the bloody warfare that made up the Jacobite rebellion did have one positive benefit: it brought about the end of the clan warfare that had decimated Scotland for hundreds of years. Scotland became a more peaceful and civilised place following the end of the rebellion.

A Great Learning Opportunity

We are excited about the opening of this new historical trail here at Clyde Cruises. As a tour operator ourselves, we know the importance of using tourism to educate people about history. Our incredible castle cruises are an excellent example. As we cruise past one castle after another, we are able to give passengers a brief history of the structures and their inhabitants. We can tie multiple castles together in a historical thread that brings new life to what most of us learned in school.

One of those castles, Dumbarton Castle on the River Clyde, is part of the new historical trail. Other sites on the trail include Brodie Castle in Moray, Glenfinnan, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Some of the sites are those Stuart was known to have visited while others were relevant to his campaign.

Start with a Clyde Cruise

This summer would be a very good time to check out the historic trail of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Better yet, you might consider taking a cruise up the River Clyde prior to embarking on the trail. A cruise with Clyde Cruises can give you a very good overview of the River Clyde region as well as a number of castles important to the area’s history. Then you will be well-equipped to embark on your Jacobite journey.

VisitScotland has put together some helpful literature that lays out the entire Jacobite trail and all the sites you can visit on it. Bear in mind that the trail covers most of Scotland, so it’s not something you’re going to complete in a couple of days. A better strategy would be to hit the trail during your extended summer holidays. Perhaps start in Glasgow with a Clyde Cruise, then embark on a journey to cover as many of the 25 sites as possible.

Sources:

1. Scotsman – http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/new-tourist-trail-to-follow-in-bonnie-prince-charlie-s-footsteps-1-4353328

One excellent example of the many mysteries this area holds is the WWII-era explosion of the aircraft carrier Dasher. We know the vessel exploded shortly after being pressed into military service. We don’t know why it exploded or what happened to the bodies of those men lost at sea in the tragedy. Many people – especially family members of those lost – would really love to know what actually happened on that fateful day in 1943.

A Doomed Vessel

The Dasher was never designed or built to be a military vessel. Rather, it was supposed to be a merchant vessel ferrying goods across the Atlantic from the US. But British military officials decided to convert the ship into a makeshift aircraft carrier in order to support the air war against Germany.

As detailed by the Scotsman, the Dasher was commissioned as part of the Royal Navy in July of 1942. As a converted vessel rather than a purpose-built aircraft carrier, the Royal Navy decided to use the ship as an escort carrier rather than one directly involved in attacking the enemy. She was noticeably slower and smaller than her purpose-built counterparts.

At some point during her second mission, the Dasher began experiencing engine problems. It was on her way back to port for repairs that she inexplicably exploded in the Firth of Clyde, just off the coast of Ardrossan. Three-hundred-and-seventy-five of the 528 crew members perished.

Some historians believe the Dasher was a doomed vessel from the beginning. Indeed, documents released in the decades since suggest that the ship was not even up to Royal Navy standards. The ship was so poorly constructed that its diesel tanks were constantly leaking, which many now believe led to the explosion.

The Water Is Alive with History

Clyde Cruises doesn’t have any regular cruises out to the site of the Dasher explosion, but we do offer a fair number of tours that explore some of the most historic areas in and around the River Clyde. If we’ve learned one thing over the years, it’s the fact that our region’s waterways are alive with history.

Cruising along the west coast offers a veritable ‘goldmine’ of historic castles that played an integral role in what Scotland has become. Cruising the River Clyde and its many canals offer a fresh and invigorating new look into how these waterways contributed to the development of our local area. In short, there’s a lot to see on our waterways. Clyde Cruises is thrilled to be able to bring it to you.

Sources:

1. Scotsman – http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/people-places/clyde-sinking-of-hms-dasher-continues-to-puzzle-historians-1-4354070

Excitement

Plans to open a new floating restaurant on the River Clyde were recently submitted to the authorities, and it is sparking much excitement among Glasgow’s residents. A restaurant business in Glasgow is responsible for the application, which includes a barge that would be home to the restaurant. It would ideally be located under the Finnieston Crane, just minutes from the SECC.

Increasing Awareness

The planning statement from Clydeside Restaurants Ltd states that its “proposal has arisen from the growth in demand for new restaurants to serve the SECC and Hydro” and to “maximise the potential provided by the River Clyde by enhancing the attractiveness of the river.”

The statement continued: “The proposal also provides a return on investment for city council investment in the SECC and Hydro and adds to the attraction of this area of the city. The proposal will also increase the range of choice in quality and style of activity along the river in full accordance with the objectives of the plan. It is also relevant that the proposal will increase the awareness and the attractiveness of the Finnieston Crane and with options for future lighting around the crane.”

Booking Enquiries

For many, the potential opening of a floating restaurant is an exciting and innovative idea that would add some fun and quirkiness to the city. With Clyde Cruises, you could have the opportunity to see this restaurant if it goes ahead, along with the beautiful city of Glasgow. If you are looking for a fun-filled day out and want a bit of a change, then why not opt for one of our popular Clyde Cruises? For more information or booking enquiries, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today; we would be more than happy to assist you further.

Source:

1. https://stv.tv/news/west-central/1379193-river-clyde-could-be-home-to-new-floating-restaurant/

Extremely Promising

Wildcat Haven is the independent charity that has been working on this initiative, along with a similar one in Lochaber. Director of Wildcat Haven and the current project Emily O’Donoghue is confident that creating a conservation zone in Caithness will benefit the wildcats significantly. She said, “There have always been extremely promising sightings reported in Caithness and Sutherland, but no one has ever properly surveyed it or worked there. We realised that the only chance any wildcats in the area had was for us to try and replicate the success we’ve had in Lochaber. We’re really excited as to what we might find.”

Maximum Success

The work that will take place includes free microchipping and neutering for domestic and feral cats in an attempt to prevent interbreeding and diseases spreading among the cats. The experts are hoping that partnership with local landowners will ensure maximum success. Thrumster Primary School near Wick is fully supporting the initiative, with staff and pupils alike eager to get involved. A teacher at the school, Lynsey Bremner, said, “Giving the children the hands-on experience of working with Wildcat Haven will mean that their learning is related to issues we are facing in the real world, giving it purpose.”

Booking Enquiries

If you are an animal lover and are looking for a fun-filled day out in the Scottish Highlands, get in touch with us here at Clyde Cruises, and we might be able to provide the experience that will allow you to do just that with one of our Highlands Cruises. We offer a fantastic experience for anybody who likes to get involved with spotting wildlife, including the endangered wildcats and Scotland’s ‘Big Five’. If you have any queries or booking enquiries, do not hesitate to contact us today.

Source:

1. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/1150412/plans-new-safe-haven-highlands-bid-save-endangered-wildcat/

Loved by All

Spotting marine life is always rewarding and is certainly an activity that is loved by all the family. Data that was put together by the Clyde Marine Mammal Project in 2016 showed that 1157 animals, including sharks and whales, swam through the Firth of Clyde. Members of the public reported three-hundred-and-sixty-six incidents; there were twenty sightings of a humpback whale, and two of a killer whale. The humpback whale sparked excitement as it was deemed to be one of the most significant sightings of the whole year alongside the sighting of an orca whale off the coast of Arran.

Fantastic Year

A plethora of species was spotted including baleen whales, minke whales, seals, and basking sharks. A spokesperson for the Clyde Marine Mammal Project said, “2016 was a fantastic year for spotting marine mammals on the Clyde. We had 366 reports totalling 1157 animals. The humpback whale ‘Hamish’, who appeared early in the year, helped to galvanise awareness of the project. We are encouraged by the number of porpoise and minke whales that have been sighted. It seems 2016 was not a good year for basking sharks on the Clyde but excellent to see some visiting pods of bottlenose and common dolphins. We have learned a lot and will be making some improvements to the online reporting form, which should make things easier.”

Huge Effort

Another statement from the Clyde Marine Mammal Project said: “We cannot do it without you. Please keep an eye on the water and sightings coming in 2017. A big thanks to everyone that has made a huge effort and contributed sightings over 2016. The influential sightings data you have gathered has been forwarded to relevant environmental databases and made freely available to students, research and conservation groups. The information is already helping to raise awareness and importance of the Clyde environment to mobile species.”

Booking Enquiries

If you are looking for a fun-filled day out for the whole family to enjoy, then why not consider one of our fantastic river cruises. If its marine life that interests you, then you are bound to get lucky on one of our cruises, as there will be a chance to see a huge range of animals that live in the waters. If you need more information or have any booking enquiries, contact us today, and we would be more than happy to assist you.

Source: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/spot-humpback-whales-orcas-scotlands-9614377