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Unique Cruise Solutions The news you need to know |
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Cruise News for the Corporate Travel Professional |
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River Cruising Set To Attract Multi-Generational Cruisers, On Larger, More Luxurious Ships |
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AMAWaterways predicts more luxurious suites, adventurous dining
and a younger market for river cruising. River cruise vessels of the future will
become more like ocean-going ships, with larger cabins, alternative dining, more
facilities and themed holidays, according to award-winning river cruise operator
AMAWATERWAYS. AMAWATERWAYS has just launched its seventh and most innovative ship, the 162-passenger MS Amabella, as part of an ongoing multimillion pound investment in its fleet. Amabella features spacious balcony staterooms, an intimate chef’s table restaurant, a library and a sizeable swimming pool. Steve Williams, who represents AMAWATERWAYS in the UK, believes this is only the beginning. “Competition at the premium end of the river cruise market is driving the quality of the product up,” he explains. “The river cruising market is still quite ‘young’, so we have not yet had much product or client segmentation. The perception in the marketplace is still that it is a product for the mature client. But in future, I predict more multi-generational groups will try river cruising, just as they are ocean cruising, as well as special interest groups. River cruising has vast potential for themes of food and wine, cycling, shopping, music and European history.” Other predictions include: Bigger cabins and more demanding passengers “The cabins on newer ships are bigger and there are more suites, which means that, as ships are limited in size, they carry fewer passengers, so river cruising fares could rise,” says Williams. “The growth in passenger numbers will be at the premium end - converted ocean cruise passengers and city break types who will not accept small cabins, and who expect hotel-type service and concierges. “Cabins will become smarter and better equipped; AMAWATERWAYS already offers luxurious, hotel-style beds and free wifi via its advanced Infotainment system. In future, we will see butler service and room service, for breakfast, at least.” More adventurous dining options Alternative dining is already happening; the new Amabella has its own Chef’s Table restaurant. But river cruise expert James Hill sees river cruise lines taking the dining experience even further. “Maybe cruise operators will offer ‘eat locally’ options where you pay for fewer meals in a week onboard and are encouraged to seek out local restaurants,” he says. “This idea has the potential to appeal to younger foodies. On AMAWATERWAYS’ Douro cruises in Portugal, two meals ashore are already included, so that guests can enjoy the local cuisine.” Even more included in the fare Williams also believes the demand for all-inclusive cruising will continue to grow; AMAWATERWAYS already offers pricing that includes all meals, wine with dinner, internet access, excursions and use of the ship’s fleet of bicycles in port. “Clients love all-inclusive pricing as it helps them budget for their cruise,” he says. “I predict that more and more lines will follow AMAWATERWAYS’ example; maybe one day, we will see bar drinks included, too, as we do on luxury ocean-going ships.” New areas opening up Although Europe’s rivers are fully developed as cruise destinations, AMAWATERWAYS continues to lead the way in river cruising by opening up new areas. “AMAWATERWAYS is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of the premium river cruise lines and it remains the innovator,” says Williams. “Look at the success the line has had with the Mekong, where it is already building a second ship.” Williams concludes: “AMAWATERWAYS will remain ahead of the game because it is the brainchild of one man, Rudi Schreiner, whose passion is to build ships, and better ships than anyone else. He builds them for the two most demanding marketplaces, the USA, where AMAWATERWAYS is based, and Australia, from where a great deal of the company’s business comes.” |
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Worldwide Travel & Cruise Assoc., Inc. 150 S. University Dr. Ste E, Plantation, FL 33324 - USA Tel: +1 954 452 8800 Fax: +1 954 252 3945 EMail: sales@cruiseco.com |
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Designed & Published by: Worldwide Media. |
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