Before the year draws to a close, there are several river cruise line programs to be aware of, from loyalty programs to webinars. In particular, the latest developments from AmaWaterways, Crystal River Cruises and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection should be on your radar.
AmaWaterways
Proving that dedication to a single brand can pay dividends to clients, AmaWaterways is continuing its Loyalty Appreciation Cruises into 2020. Next year’s sailings come as a response to great demand for the line’s first-ever Loyalty Appreciation Month cruises that departed this November.
A total of five voyages are scheduled between May and November — along the Mekong, Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers — featuring exclusive loyalty savings and celebratory experiences for past guests. Among them are a choice of bonus savings via complimentary airfare and a 10% single supplement reduction, both of which can be combined with the Privilege Rewards Program. Meanwhile, special activities will encompass exclusive events and distinct shore excursions.
“Each of our sailings are curated with love and care, but our Loyalty Cruises are especially exciting because we get the chance to show our appreciation to our loyal past guests, who have become a true part of our family,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways, in a press release. “We hope to surprise and delight those sailing with us onboard our new 2020 Loyalty Appreciation Cruises — there are lots of wonderful things in store!”
Plus, AmaWaterways also now has an interactive AmaAcademy education platform highlighting its first “‘Ama’ Means Love: The AmaWaterways Difference” course. Besides invaluable information, advisors who complete the training will qualify for reduced fam rates beginning at $690 per person. More courses are scheduled for the near future.
Crystal River Cruises
Advisors curious to learn more about Crystal River Cruises have a new Crystal MasterClass video series to peruse at their leisure on the luxury line’s YouTube channel as well as via the Crystal Insider blog. The first two episodes delve into the art of food and wine starring executive chef Georg Pfandl.
“The Crystal River Experience goes far beyond simply offering great service or exciting adventures ashore or wonderful cuisine,” said Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises, in a press release. “Our team pours over every single element of our guests’ experience — we analyze and anticipate every detail that would make it exceptional, and then we present it with the most polished and genuine service in the industry.”
The series includes four more episodes featuring Crystal’s behind-the-scenes efforts to elevate the guest experience. Topics include wine, entertainment, destinations, dessert and service. Additional crew members and subjects to be showcased are pastry chef Jozsef Reichenbach’s destination-inspired sweet treats, hotel director Sonja Gruber’s personal touches and differentiators, tenor Steffan Mullan’s live performances and an interview with German master butcher, Norbert Wittmann. It’s all to convey the brand’s fresh “Where Luxury is Personal” message.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Also helpful for agents are a number of current endeavors from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection extending to a new ad campaign, floating deposits and a referral and loyalty program.
The 30-second television spot showcases what sets Uniworld’s ships and shoreside experiences apart. It’s targeted toward consumers and features a call to action for them to utilize the services of advisors.
The line has also debuted floating deposits as part of its onboard booking discount program. In addition to getting a 3% discount on their next sailing, passengers can decide on the exact departure at a later time (with a $500 deposit). Credited agents on file can advise their clients on specific destinations and dates as well as get them the best deal.
The River Heritage Club loyalty program has been updated with a referral incentive. Guests who have sailed before will receive $100 credit per person good toward their next cruise when they refer a friend or family member — who will also get a $100 credit per person on his or her sailing — to a Uniworld voyage. Best of all, there is no limit to how many credits can be racked up.
The Details
AmaWaterways
www.amawaterways.com
Crystal River Cruises
www.crystalcruises.com
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
www.uniworld.com
