Selling Travel June 19

RIVER CRUISING 85
ABOVE: AmaWaterways' AmaMagna
Avalon Waterways, which recently
launched its latest all-suite ship Avalon
Envision on the Danube, is providing
agents with new ‘cruise only’ pricing
options across its fleet-wide programme.
Additionally, in 2020 the line will introduce
shorter three, four and five-day itineraries
which are ideal for first-time river cruise
clients looking to test the water.
Also next year, APT Travelmarvel is
introducing three new Contemporary
River Ships with features including a
garden terrace and pub-style McGeary’s
Bar. And a significant development for the
River Cruise Line will be the launch of the
96-passenger MS Arena, a four-star ship
with hotel-style beds in every cabin plus
French balcony staterooms.
Onboard activities
River cruising will always be a leisurely way
to travel, however a key trend to attract
active passengers is onboard wellness.
This year Avalon Waterways introduced
Adventure Hosts on its European ships
to run fitness classes and other heartpumping
activities. These complement the
Avalon Fresh menu, available across the
fleet, which focuses on healthy eating.
AmaWaterways has also rolled out a
fleet-wide fitness programme, with up
to six daily exercise classes. At APT there
are new multi-tasting entertainment
duos responsible for organising daytime
fitness sessions alongside more traditional
entertainment such as trivia quizzes.
Once a rarity on rivers, an increasing
number of ships have pools and spas. Steve
Goodenough, Managing Director of the
River Cruise Line, says: “In keeping with the
provision of fitness and wellbeing facilities
in hotels and resorts, there is a growing
trend towards an expectation that river
cruise ships are similarly equipped. We are
delighted that our new ship MS Arena has
its own well-equipped wellness suite and
clients can book a premium package that
includes free use of the suite.”
Following an eight-month refurbishment
Uniworld’s River Royale has re-launched
in France as SS Bon Voyage, the line’s sixth
Super Ship which features an infinity pool.
Rivers and ports of call
The Douro is this year’s hottest destination.
CroisiEurope launched the MS Amalia
Rodrigues as its sixth vessel and third
premium-rated ship on the ‘River of Gold’
and A-Rosa recently inaugurated its first
Douro vessel, A-Rosa Alva.
Rob Stapley, Senior Cruise Product
Manager at Titan Travel, says: “We’ve seen a
huge growth in popularity for the beautiful
Douro River in Portugal for 2019. Titan has
exclusive sailings onboard MS Gil Eanes and
the brand new MS Amalia Rodrigues, and for
a more luxurious and intimate experience
guests can take a trip on the 28-passenger
Spirit of Chartwell, the royal barge used for
the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.”
Further afield, there’s growing interest
in Asia. Pandaw has launched three
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