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Naming Trafalgar


Verity are, from left: Damien O’Connor,


Trafalgar River Cruises; ship captain Alexander van der Graaf;


Melissa DaSilva, TTC Tour Brands; and godmother Cassie Estrella-Roca


‘To the first of many’ R


iver cruise newcomer Trafalgar Tours has signed contracts for two new-build ships


as part of plans to develop a 10-strong fleet by 2030. The company has created a


cruise arm in less than a year by chartering an initial two ships from sister brand Uniworld, with a third to be added next year. The first of the two new-builds – both of which will cost about $40 million to build – will carry 180 passengers. The vessels are due to start sailing on the Rhine and Danube rivers by June 2028.


Global ambitions Speaking at the launch of Trafalgar Verity in Amsterdam, Trafalgar River Cruises operations vice-president Damien O’Connor revealed the operator has global ambitions with plans for a further five new ships. Destinations on the radar include the Amazon, Vietnam, the US Great Lakes and the Mississippi, as well as Portugal. O’Connor, who has 30 years’


cruise industry experience with Disney and Royal Caribbean Group, described Trafalgar Tours’ entry into the sector as a “natural progression” for the brand, creating the ability to match land tours with river itineraries. He emphasised that the ships would target multigenerational


12 16 APRIL 2026 Trafalgar Verity


groups by featuring connecting and family cabins, while solo passengers would be catered for with between eight and 12 dedicated cabins. While Trafalgar sources a large


proportion of travellers from North America, Asia, Australia and South Africa, the operator aims to ramp up its trade presence to attract more passengers from the UK and Ireland. The new ships will feature an


alternative dining bistro for 30 to 40 guests, as well as a multipurpose lounge with an alfresco element. They may also feature swimming pools. Trafalgar officially made its debut


in the sector with naming ceremonies for Trafalgar Verity in Amsterdam, and Trafalgar Reverie in Passau, Germany, within 24 hours of each other at the weekend. The 128-passenger Trafalgar Verity


then started its first season on the Rhine, while Trafalgar Reverie is being deployed on the Danube. A third ship, the 126-passenger


Trafalgar Harmonie, is due to sail in France on the River Seine between Paris and Normandy next year.


GROUP TARGETS UK TRADE


Dedicated agent fam trips and special trade discounts will be made available as Trafalgar acts to raise its profile as a new entrant in the river cruise arena. Kelly Jackson (pictured), EMEA managing director and senior vice-president of sales for parent group The Travel Corporation (TTC) Tour Brands, revealed that the UK trade would be targeted with seven fam trips for six agents each, in addition to discounts of up to 60% for agents and their partners to experience the new offering.


poration The group believes river cruise is a natural


extension of Trafalgar’s long-established land tourrs and a key point of differentiation. Melissa DaSilva, deputy chief executive and chief sales officer for TTC Tour Brands, indicated that river cruise could represent roughly 20% of the business by 2029.


Melissa DaSilva


“The reason why Trafalgar came into the market this year was because clearly under new ownership we have an opportunity for some significant investment that we did not have access to previously,” she said. DaSilva admitted the Middle East conflict


had a “significant impact” on its source markets in Asia and Australasia, but said capacity was already 80% sold for this year, so the organisation was shifting its focus to 2027. As a result, opportunities now


existed to enable the company to attract agents on board selected sailings this year, she said.


Kelly Jackson


Trafalgar Tours reveals fleet plans as maiden ships launched. Phil Davies reports from Amsterdam


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURE: Phil Davies


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