As the EU continues its work toward reopening to international travel and an increasing number of destinations announce newly opened borders or imminent plans to welcome back visitors, the travel industry is seeing renewed optimism for a summer tourism season in Europe. Riding the wave of good news, AmaWaterways and a number of other river cruise lines have set dates for the restart of European sailings.
Following AmaWaterways’ announcement that select river cruises will begin on July 3, the line held a virtual fireside chat on May 26 to provide updates on the restart, offer tips for selling the new close-in sailings and answer questions from its travel partners, including travel agents. Participants in the chat included Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of the line; Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president; Gary Murphy, co-owner and senior vice president of sales; and Alex Pinelo, vice president of sales.
The first sailings back on the calendar will take place in Portugal (beginning July 3), in France (starting July 22), along the Danube River (from July 21) and on the Rhine River (beginning July 29) onboard select ships. The plan, according to Schreiner, is to gradually move toward operating the entire fleet. For now, the schedule includes sailings onboard two newly renovated ships — AmaVerde and AmaBella — as well as the line’s brand-new AmaSiena and AmaLucia, plus a few additional vessels.
“We didn’t let this crisis go to waste,” Murphy said of the new and renovated ships, which were worked on during the pandemic.
Karst also noted that Nile River sailings in Egypt are slated to begin in September on the newly built AmaDahlia, for which “demand has been tremendous.”
During the discussion, Karst and Schreiner shared details of some of the operational updates that the line has made. For one thing, cruises will operate at a maximum of 75% capacity to start, with the possibility for changes as the pandemic situation continues to evolve. Schreiner also noted an overhaul of the onboard “dining philosophy” that has eliminated breakfast and lunch buffets and introduced extensive new menus for served meals. Excursions will also focus heavily on outdoor activities, at least until more local guidelines for indoor opportunities (such as museum visits) are available.
In terms of pandemic protocols, Schreiner said the line will follow the rules set by the EU, as well as those of the individual countries visited, for which he expects to see more information released within the next few weeks. For now, the line is requiring masks when guests move through public spaces, and is “highly recommending” that guests be vaccinated in order to meet with any potential destination requirements. According to Schreiner, AmaWaterways “can’t guarantee” that all crew members will be vaccinated, as vaccine availability varies from country to country, but good progress is being made.
The line’s onboard and onshore policies will be subject to change as the pandemic situation evolves and guidelines from authorities ease.
Travel advisors should also note that AmaWaterways has just extended its Ultimate Cruise Flexibility policy through June 30, which allows clients to change their river cruise sailing date for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. In addition, fam trips can now be reserved 90 days prior to departure (instead of 60 days), and agents have the chance to sail for free when accompanied by three new FIT bookings on the same cruise through the Sail With Me offer, which can be reserved through June 30.
“We cannot wait to welcome you and your guests onboard our ships starting in July,” Karst said.
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