American-based Vantage Deluxe World Travel has started selling its river cruises to the UK market.

The line, which is direct sell only in its homeland, has appointed small ship and yacht cruise specialist Seafarer as UK general sales agent and will also be working through selected independent travel agents.

The initial launch will focus on Europe, followed by cruises in India and South East Asia. The company owns a fleet of six European vessels, carrying 78 to 176 passengers, with another being launched in spring 2016. Destinations include the waterways of France as well as the popular Rhine, Main and Danube.

With an emphasis on high quality, leisurely travel for discerning clients, fares include all meals, daily excursions, culture-rich onboard lectures and wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner. Cruises can be booked as cruise only or flight inclusive packages, with rail and cruise options also available on selected sailings. Several itineraries take 10 days to cover the same route that other lines sail in 7, and a typical lead in price is £1329 for a 10-night Burgundy cruise, excluding flights.

Vantage’s chief marketing officer, Scott Moore, said: “We are very pleased to be launching our river cruises to the UK market. Working with our partner Seafarer and through travel agents will bring our products to a much wider audience. We have been working with Seafarer to educate them on our products through site visits, marketing brochures and collateral and have discussed webinars for additional training.”

The line will also allocate space for agents on future sailings.

For more information call 0208 324 3117 or visit www.seafarercruises.com.