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Cruise & Maritime Voyages – Ocean operator cruises into river market –
Lisa Jacobs, Head of Trade Sales at Cruise
and Maritime Voyages, talks to Jo Austin about the company’s recent move into the river cruise market
As an established ocean cruise operator, what brings CMV into the river cruise market? Our on board customer questionnaires indicate that over 80% of our ocean cruise passengers would consider taking a river cruise. We also know that our current cruise programme, which includes many European ports situated on rivers, is already popular. Therefore it was a natural progression for CMV to add river cruises to its portfolio.
You introduced your first river cruise programme last year (2014) on the Rhine and Danube on Vienna 1 – what proved to be your most popular cruise last year? Are your clients choosing seven- or 14-night cruises? Last year our most popular itinerary was starting in Budapest with a night on board before taking the seven- night voyage to Nuremberg, Germany, via Vienna and Bratislava.
What new rivers and destinations have you introduced in your Signature programme for 2015 in association with TransOcean Kreuzfahrten? In
2015, CMV is offering three ships Bellejour, Belvedere and Bellefl eur. The CMV Signature programme now includes the Moselle, Rhône and Saône, plus more Rhine and Danube options including a voyage to the Delta which fl ows into the Black Sea.
Will these be fly-drive or rail-drive or a combination? CMV will be offering air- inclusive packages on all cruises plus a rail option on our Rhône and Saône cruises from Lyon on board Bellefl eur.
Can you tell us about the three river cruise ships you are introducing for 2015? Bellejour, Belvedere and Bellefl eur are contemporary premium river cruise ships offering a warm and friendly environment combined with excellent service from a very attentive crew. Superbly decorated throughout, the panoramic windows offer passing views of the wonderful scenery. On board Belvedere and Bellejour, your clients can enjoy the convenience of the fi tness and wellness area and the Sun Deck where they may choose to sit and unwind in the fresh air and wonder at the breathtaking 360° views of the ever-changing landscape. The restaurant, again with panoramic windows, serves culinary delights to make your mouth water, all carefully prepared by our experienced chefs. House wine, house beer and soft drinks are complimentary at lunch and dinner.
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What market are you going for? The CMV Signature river cruise passenger is likely to be well-travelled and probably in the 45 years + age group.
Is this an international market or UK-only? The programme is being sold to an international market with CMV’s USA and Australia offi ces contributing to the international passenger list. All the ships have English-speaking staff.
Are you offering any special introductory prices/packages/ incentives for your new river cruise programme? Currently, a deal we have offers savings of up to 20% on full fares, plus the second person sharing travels at half-price. Agents should check at time of booking as the availability of this offer is limited and may be withdrawn at any time.
You have combined your ocean and river cruises in one brochure for 2015. Do you plan to sell river cruises as a standalone product? Being new to the river cruise market, it works well to have all our products in one brochure. We feel that this is of particular importance to agents who much prefer one complete brochure with everything to hand.
Above: Delicious dining is all part of a C&M Signature cruise; left: the Bellejour cruises the Rhone and Saone from Lyon
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