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Your Ultimate Guide To River Cruising
River cruising is one of the fastest-growing travel experiences, offering a unique and intimate way for clients to explore the heart of Europe, Asia, and beyond.
From the majestic Danube to the exotic allure of the holy Ganges, river cruises appeal to a wide range of travellers from retirees seeking relaxation to couples, solo travellers and young adventurers craving new experiences.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to confidently sell river cruises to your clients. We’ll cover:
Whether you’re new to selling river cruises or looking to elevate your expertise, this guide is designed to help you inspire your clients with incredible river journeys. Let’s embark on this journey together and make river cruising a top-seller for your business!
Explore River Cruising Like Never Before
There are different types of river cruising to suit all travellers, from solo adventures to budget-conscious explorations and luxurious voyages. Uncover surprising facts about river cruising and delve into the best river cruise experiences across Europe and Asia!
River Cruise Ship Guides
Five-star accommodations, gourmet meals and world-class amenities, see what’s life like onboard some of the world’s most anticipated and beloved river cruise ships!
Agent Essentials
Your Ultimate River Cruise Toolkit!
Target Audience Profiles
Selecting the right river cruise for your customers depends on the kind of experience they’re looking for. Whether retirees, couples, solo travellers, foodies, budget-conscious explorers, or luxury seekers, there’s a perfect river cruise for everyone.
Retirees Are Looking For:
Relaxed pace, cultural immersion, and easy access to destinations without constant travel. Retirees value convenience, comfort, and the ability to visit multiple countries in one trip.
Suggested Cruises
Riviera Travel: Luxurious and intimate ships with spacious accommodations, delicious gourmet meals and opportunities to explore with expert local guides at a relaxed and leisurely pace.
Uniworld River Cruises: All-inclusive, personalised cruising experience onboard boutique-style ships with a wide array of onboard amenities including a fitness centre & a spa.
What Do Food & Culture-Focused Travellers Want?
Nothing will excite food and culture-focused travellers more than authentic local cuisine, immersive cultural excursions, and opportunities to connect with regional traditions and artisans on a river cruise.
Suggested Cruises
Viking River Cruises: Renowned for its destination-focused dining and culturally enriching experiences unique to each destination.
Amadeus River Cruises: Exceptional dining that celebrates European heritage, plus curated excursions and onboard programmes.
Solo Travellers Are Looking For:
The opportunity to travel alone but together with social dining options, smaller group excursions, single cabins, and a safe, welcoming environment to meet like-minded travellers on a river cruise.
Suggested Cruises
Riviera Travel: No single supplement with luxurious individual accommodations. Welcome drinks & dinner, exciting excursions and exclusive departures included.
AmaWaterways: Reduced single supplements on solo cabins with French balconies. Tours and entertainment included. Wellness programme available.
Adventurous Souls Are Looking For:
Active excursions like hiking, biking, and kayaking, discovering new cultures and places, along with off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique cultural experiences on a river cruise.
Suggested Cruises
Pandaw River Cruises: Expeditions along Asia’s great rivers – the Mekong and the Brahmaputra – aboard luxurious 5-star river cruise ships with attentive service.
G Adventures: Riverboat adventures into the Peruvian Amazon, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, jungle walks, and visits to indigenous communities.
FAQs For Travel Agents
This section provides agents with answers to common questions you might have when selling river cruises. We hope it helps you feel more confident in recommending river cruises to your clients.
What’s Included In A River Cruise?
Most river cruises are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, drinks, shore excursions, and onboard activities. Some luxury cruises even offer butler service and unlimited excursions.
Do Clients Need Visas?
Travellers on European and Asian river cruises may need visas based on their nationality and itinerary, with Schengen countries often requiring ETIAS authorisation and Asian countries like Vietnam or Cambodia having distinct visa requirements.
What’s The Best Time to Book a River Cruise?
The best time to book a river cruise is typically 12-18 months in advance to secure the best rates and preferred cabins, especially for popular routes and peak seasons; however, last-minute deals are often available, particularly for festive and New Year sailings.
How Can I Handle Last-Minute Bookings?
For last-minute river cruise bookings, quickly check availability, encourage flexibility with dates and itineraries, ensure clients have proper documentation, suggest travel insurance, and set expectations for possible higher costs and limited cabin options.
How Long Are Typical River Cruises?
Typical river cruises range from 7 to 15 days, with some shorter 3-5 day options and extended journeys lasting up to 3 weeks or more.
What Are Some Health and Safety Considerations?
Key health and safety considerations for river cruises include ensuring clients have travel insurance, checking vaccination and entry requirements, advising on motion sickness remedies if needed, highlighting onboard hygiene protocols, and encouraging clients to follow safety briefings and local health guidelines at each port.
Offers
Grab these exciting offers for your customers, available from the world’s best river cruise brands for a limited-time only!
The Blue Danube
8 DAYS
DEPARTING 2025 & 2026
£1,799(PP)
Cruise the Heart of Europe Journey along the Rhine, Main & Danube
15 DAYS
DEPARTING 2025 & 2026
£3,349(PP)
The Douro, Porto & Salamanca
8 DAYS
DEPARTING 2025 & 2026
£1,899(PP)
Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence
8 DAYS
DEPARTING 2025 & 2026
£1,699(PP)
River Cruise News
Stay updated on the latest happenings in river cruising from exciting industry developments to new ships, upcoming programmes and fresh itineraries, plus deals and offers!
