SECRET AGENT THE REQUEST
A short four or five-night Christmas markets cruise for regular clients who normally sail with Celebrity or Silversea and always have a top suite. My clients had never been on a river cruise before and are planning to go with friends who may be on more of a budget.
EVERY WEEK IN ASPIRE’S SISTER MAGAZINE TRAVEL WEEKLY AGENTS ARE PUT TO THE TEST BY OUR MYSTERY SHOPPER. HERE, IN A SLIGHT TWIST, WE HAND POWER TO THE AGENT AND PLACE THE OPERATORS THEY WORK WITH UNDER THE MICROSCOPE. OUR SECRET AGENT USES A GENUINE BOOKING TO RATE OPERATORS ON ADVICE AND PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE, AGENT SERVICE AND OVERALL EXPERIENCE.
CROISIEUROPE
A really helpful young consultant suggested a five-night Christmas markets in Alsace cruise on the four-star Gerard Schmitter. The all-inclusive price included all meals: a buffet breakfast, three-course à la carte menu for lunch, and dinner with unlimited wine, plus selected soft and alcoholic drinks throughout. I was quoted a cruise-only price, giving the chance to fly or travel by train to Strasbourg and enjoy the wonderful scenery of this beautiful city pre or post-cruise. I was told excursions were extra and could be
booked before travel or on board. Cruise-only from £395pp (upper deck £405), sailing from Strasbourg on December 12
81% UNIWORLD
Uniworld said they could offer me several wonderful cruise options and Michaela in reservations took time to find a selection of Christmas markets on the Danube and Rhine. But the sailings were all for seven nights. The vessel I thought my clients would like best was the beautiful Antoinette, which is like a floating boutique hotel. As well as a suite for my clients there was a lower-priced cabin for their friends. Uniworld offers a return home-to-airport pick- up service, and flights and transfers plus all excursions are included, as
are other premium-brand drinks. From £3,789pp for a suite, £3,239 for a cabin with a balcony and £2,399 for a cabin with a window
❱ 90%
VIKING RIVER CRUISES
Viking offered very attentive service. I was quoted just one cruise but it was for seven nights, departing on November 29, on the Danube. I was not given the name of the vessel but was advised that six guided tours were included as were all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks. I was told flights and transfers were included but a cruise-only option was available if my clients wanted
to do their own thing. From £3,595pp or a Verandah
suite from £4995
70%
FRED OLSEN TRAVEL 76%
A reservations consultant explained that AmaWaterways, about whom I’d initially enquired, did not offer short Christmas markets cruises. Instead, the consultant suggested A-Rosa Cruises’ Aqua. I’d had lunch on an A-Rosa boat at the Ace River Cruise Convention in Cologne last year, so I knew its standards are high. The consultant explained that the passengers would predominantly be German and that the excursions were only in German, but that in 2015 the sailings would become more British- friendly. I was told one excursion was included and other excursions could
be prebooked or purchased on board. From £699pp for four nights’ full-board
aspire september 2014 — 35
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