River cruising is the fastest growing sector of the cruise industry. If you’re new to the market here’s our first-timer guide on how to encourage your clients to take the plunge.

By Jeannine Williamson

From dazzling Dutch bulb fields in springtime to Germany’s Christmas markets – plus a host of other European itineraries and exotic destinations including China, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia – river cruises offer a world of sights and experiences.
River cruising is continuing to make waves as the fastest growing sector of both the UK travel industry and the global cruise market. CLIA UK & Ireland research shows a 22% increase in the number of Brits who took a European river cruise last year. With almost 30 new ships being launched this year, along with an even wider choice of cruises and river cruise companies, there’s never been a better time to get on board.

Will it suit my client?

Traditionally river cruises attract a mature 55-plus clientele. However, with inclusive fares and vessels such as A-Rosa’s bright ships with gyms and spas and Emerald’s fun swimming pool and cinema set-up, there’s plenty to appeal to younger clients.
Like ocean cruising, a major plus factor is only having to pack and unpack once, but overall the product is very different. In Europe the size of vessels is limited by locks and low bridges, so ships are small and carry 200 people or less. This creates an intimate atmosphere, with plenty of opportunity to get to know other passengers.
Ships moor in the heart of towns and cities, so there are no long coach transfers to reach the sights and independent passengers can simply walk off and explore by themselves. River cruises provide an excellent opportunity to switch-sell to clients interested in city breaks, as typical week-long European itineraries take in three countries and capitals such as Budapest and Vienna. An increasing number of lines are introducing themed cruises, including wine appreciation, cookery, opera and music.
Finally, another big plus is that there’s no danger of being seasick.

Life on board
All cabins are river-facing, so even when you’re relaxing in your room you won’t miss the passing scenery. Again, the size of vessels means cabins are fairly compact, however most lines have some larger staterooms and companies including Viking feature two large suites with a separate lounge and bedroom. Many cabins have French balconies – with fully retractable windows and a railing – or full walk-out private verandas. They are well equipped with good-sized bathrooms and showers, complimentary toiletries, comfortable hotel-style beds, TVs and entertainment centres and ample storage. Wifi is complimentary.
River cruises are relaxed, with no formal dress code, and although some passengers dress up for the captain’s welcome drink or gala dinner it is not obligatory. Entertainment is low-key with a resident pianist and local singers, dancers and musicians who come aboard to perform. Ships usually have a small library, cards and board games.
Culture-rich excursions, included in the fare, are a daily highlight and often graded according to the amount of walking involved. In addition to guided city tours they include market visits and cookery classes with the chef, cycling, concerts and other immersive experiences.

Food & drink
Like ocean cruises, food plays a major role and river cruise cuisine is certainly not the poorer relation of its seagoing cousin, and lines such as AmaWaterways and Uniworld take pride in fine dining. All meals are included, and the majority of lines serve complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Some are all-inclusive with unlimited bar drinks and, on Scenic for example, include minibars that are restocked daily.
Breakfasts are generally expansive buffets, spread over a couple of hours, with an omelette station and the option of ordering items from the menu. The logistics of catering from a small galley means that lunch and dinner – usually buffet and a la carte waiter-service respectively – are served at set times, although there is a degree of flexibility for passengers who want to come in a little later and some offer 24-hour room service. Lighter meals can be enjoyed in the lounge, or outside on the sun deck, and some vessels have barbecues, smaller speciality restaurants and a chef’s table with a tasting menu and wine pairings. Ships are equipped with 24/7 tea and coffee-making facilities and snacks are available throughout the day.
In the main dining room there is always an open-seating policy, so passengers can sit where they want each day. Tables are generally for four or more, and couples who prefer to dine alone can eat in the lounge or opt for one of the alternative dining venues.

A to Z guide to river cruise lines
• A-Rosa With selected cruises sold through Titan Travel, the family-friendly German-owned company is new to the British market and features excellent gyms and spas.
• Amadeus by Luefner Green Globe certified, this environmentally-friendly line offers well-priced a la carte cruises.
• AmaWaterways The only river cruise line that is a member of the prestigious culinary organisation La Chaine des Rotisseurs, the stylish ships are renowned for excellent food.
• Avalon Waterways The newest all-suite ships feature cabins that are 30% larger than the industry standard with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows.
• CroisiEurope One of the pioneers of river cruising, the French-owned line recently introduced an innovative paddlewheeler on the Loire.
• Emerald Waterways Contemporary cruising with a modern vibe, including novel swimming pools that turn into cinemas at night.
• European Waterways Offering an intimate experience on canals and waterways on barges that sleep six to 20 passengers.
• Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Formerly Scenic Tours, and rebranded in April, the all-inclusive cruises include butler service in every cabin.
• Riviera Travel Value-for-money cruises that are aimed exclusively at the British market.
• Tauck River Cruising The elegant and upmarket American-owned line recently debuted in the UK.
• The River Cruise Line This UK tour operator has a fleet of comfortable ships that are popular with groups.
• Uniworld Renowned for opulent ships decorated with antiques and lavish furnishings, there is butler service in suites.
• Viking River Cruises The world’s largest river cruise line operates a fleet of sleek Scandinavian-style ‘longships’.

Top selling tips
From Neil Barclay, head of UK sales, Viking River Cruises:
• Always ask your clients if they have thought about a river cruise, even if they come in for a land based package, a great way to plant the seed and engage in conversation.
• The beauty of river cruising is you have great views either side of you day and night plus, with central docking spots, no long transfers to town.
• Flights, transfers, full board, drinks with lunch and dinner, free wifi and daily excursions included which represents great value for money, so easy to budget.
• Choice of staterooms to suit everyone’s pocket from standard to veranda to suites – all with a river view.
• River cruise vessels may be smaller than their ocean counterparts but there is ample outside deck space to sit and relax as well as various lounges within the vessel.
• Dress code is relaxed and informal.

Sell it
Titan Travel offers a seven-night all-inclusive Castles Along the Rhine cruise, from March to November. From £1,849pp, for a departure in March 2016, the price includes unlimited drinks, excursions, tips, flights and Titan’s VIP Home. Departure Service providing home to airport transfers.
0800 988 5873
www.titantravel.co.uk/uniworld 

European Waterways has a six-night French itinerary in Alsace and Lorraine on the 12-passenger hotel barge Panache, from £3,250pp, including all meals, drinks and excursions. Sailing from Strasbourg to Niderviller, highlights include an ascent in the Arzviller boat lift and a private wine tasting tour. Not including flights.
01753 598555
www.gobarging.com

AmaWaterways’ 13-night Golden Treasures
of Myanmar cruise from Mandalay to Pyay, taking in the ruins of the world’s largest brick pagoda at Pathodawgi, is priced from £4,769pp, departing 18th January, 2016, including three nights’ hotel accommodation, ten-night cruise, flights, excursions and all meals with wine, beer and soft drinks.
0808 256 8422
www.amawaterways.co.uk