1. River cruises are all-inclusive. Shore excursions, dining, entertainment, etc. are all included in the fare; for many cruise lines wines at dinner and even lunch are covered. Benefits for the consumer are obvious, especially with payment in U.S. currency; the agent is commissioned on all aspects of the cruise.
2. River Cruising is a year-round sale. Even in Europe cruises are scheduled from springtime in the Netherlands to the Christmas markets, while Egypt is a winter destination and China is year-round.
3. Small groups are a strong, growing market for river cruises everywhere, from incentive groups to friends traveling together. As with seagoing cruising, river cruise lines have special offers and terms for group sales.
4. These are not yesterday’s river vessels. Communicate to your clients that large staterooms, all-suite ships and spacious atriums are features of today’s newbuilds.
5. River cruises used to be out of the question for mobility-challenged clients, but this is no longer true, with elevators making their appearance on many riverboats.
6.Clients who have hesitated to cruise because of fears of seasickness could be reassured in taking gentle river cruises, where even engine vibration has been brought to practically nothing in new ships.
7. Although the word is getting out, the demographics for river cruises haven’t caught up with the product, which caters to the active traveler as well as the more sedentary guest. Onboard fitness facilities, spas and exercise classes plus shore excursions graded for physical activity have completely changed the cruise experience for the younger traveler and the young at heart. Some lines have complimentary onboard bicycles so passengers can ride off the boat and explore towns and cities, even bike to the next port and wait for the boat.
8. Sell up to balcony staterooms. Apart from the Yangtze, where wide spaces and large ships mean that conventional balconies are a distinct advantage, it is the French balcony that brings the river cruise experience to another level, in effect making the whole stateroom into a balcony. The sliding glass doors bring the surrounding land and its people right to the passenger, who hears conversations on shore and sees locals walking, farming, biking and jogging as close as a few feet away.
9. River cruise dining has changed, with shiptop grills, alternative light meals, varied cuisines and even dining on shore included. Some lines offer room service for breakfast; most offer coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day, and with early riser’s pastries and teatime there is something delicious on tap most of the time. In addition, lighter choices and very fresh fruits, salads and grains are on offer for the health conscious along with the full formal dinners and buffet luncheons.
10. Family travel has come to river cruising, especially with children eight and over. Cruises have been specially designed for multi-generational groups, with shore excursions that appeal to all ages and plenty of active options, movies and activities that involve all age groups.
River Cruise Manual
Click here to download the complete PDF of the November 2009 River Cruise Manual supplement.
