IMAGE: RIVIERA TRAVEL
River Cruising
10 different ports, along with our signature ‘Local Favorites’ tours with activities like canoeing on the Danube, learning to waltz in Vienna or helping a farmer in a sunny apricot orchard.” Scenic Cruises is also targeting a younger
demographic. “We partnered with luxury cycling vacation company Trek Travel this year on nine sailings which are all nearly sold out,” reported Joni Rein, vice president, sales and marketing. Te line also offers E- (electric- assist) bikes, a GPS handheld tour guide system for each guest, and Apple/Mac TVs with internet access in every cabin. One of the most talked about new
developments is U by Uniworld cruises, set to launch with two dedicated ships in 2018. Te ships target active travelers aged 18-40, featuring communal dining tables, creative mixologists and international DJs. Immersive itineraries will provide active and adventurous excursions and increased time in port for independent discovery, including nightlife.
Serving up uber luxury Te industry is also buzzing about the
super-luxurious Crystal Mozart; its maiden Danube voyage in July 2016 marked the official launch of Crystal River Cruises. Te largest European river vessel, it features 79 spacious
butler-served suites, an array of elegant and casual dining options and lounges, an indoor pool and fitness center, and the largest spa on a river boat. Four more Crystal river vessels are in the works; two are slated to launch on the Rhine this year. “From the moment you step on board the
Crystal Mozart, you’re surrounded by luxury,” said Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners. “Te suites are luxuriously appointed to every last detail and the entertainment is truly world-class. It’s unlike anything else out there.” AmaWaterways will be taking river cruising
to a new level of luxury in 2019 when the AmaMagna begins cruising the Danube. Twice the width of traditional European river ships, the 97-stateroom vessel will offer larger living and public spaces, enhanced evening entertainment and onboard activities, plus an open-water platform, a first for river cruising.
Honing in on interests Te Rhine and Danube are the destinations
of choice for most first-time river cruisers, and agents reported that once clients experience river cruising, they’re eager to find new destinations to explore. Te Douro in Spain/ Portugal and the Seine in France are among the destinations trending up.
Case studies
In addition to cruise lines adding new activities, they are continually opening new destinations, even on familiar routes, said Kimberly Wilson Wetty, co-owner and co-president, Valerie Wilson Travel. “More towns are wanting to welcome river cruises, so itineraries and shore excursions are changing.” Options in Asia are also growing. “Te
newest itinerary is a seven-night India cruise round-trip combined with Oberoi hotel stays. Lines are also doing many different Asia itineraries to Mekong and Myanmar,” reported Nancy Yale, president, Cruise and World Travel, a Virtuoso agency. Temed departures offer a special kind of
marketing opportunity, noted Scott Koepf, senior vice president of sales, Avoya Travel. Wine cruises are a great example, but agents don’t need to rely on the cruise lines. Agents can reach out to a winery that might want to host a group sailing. Te same might be true for beer, culinary, Jewish heritage, wellness and other special interests. Te diversification of the river cruise
product, and variances in what lines include in their pricing, underline the value of a travel agent. “A client can go online and see prices for five different brands, but they have no idea of the differences in value. And that’s where a travel agent is needed!” said Koepf.
AmaWaterways — multigen, active and wellness programs Partnerships with Adventures by Disney and Backroads have broadened AmaWaterways’ appeal. Signature features include twin balconies (French and outside), a fitness room and its pioneering fleet of bikes. Working with Backroads, the line offers over 50 Europe 2017 sailings with biking, walking and hiking tours. Its Adventures by Disney sailings feature custom ships with connecting cabins and suites that sleep up to four, and programming for kids, teens and adults. 2017 itineraries include Beauty and the Beast-themed Rhine cruises and a Danube itinerary that revisits scenes from The Sound of Music. Karst said the line plans to add new Adventures by Disney itineraries in 2018.
amawaterways.com
Riviera Travel River Cruises — five star, value pricing, European style The company offers cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Rhone and Douro rivers on nine ships, four of which are brand new this year. Ships offer a choice of two restaurants, and most have a sauna, steam room, pool, fitness suite, and hair salon or treatment room. “Contrary to the U.S. trend of creating an increasingly activity-packed, all-inclusive river cruise experience, our philosophy is that you don’t pay for what you don’t need, while including everything you do,” said Jana Tvedt, vice president, USA. Beyond touring, itineraries tend to include plenty of free time in port. Another point of difference is that the line’s prices are fixed, with no discounts and never any surcharges, noted Tvedt.
rivieratravel.com
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