Selling River Cruises as a Travel Professional can be Profitable and Expand your Business into New Markets, Here is Some Great Reasons to get Started!
Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Owner & Co-Founder – Travel Professional NEWS
I am working on an update to our book “Selling River Cruises” and thought I would share why clients will love river cruising. There are obvious reasons like no seasickness, gourmet dinning, unpack once and so on, but here is the true reason that your clients will love river cruises. I guess you can call this the sizzle.
Scenic Views
River cruises offer breathtaking scenery that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your ship. Whether it’s the stunning mountains or the charming countryside, the scenery is sure to take your breath away.
Scenic views are one of the main reasons why river cruises are so popular. Unlike ocean cruises, which can often involve long stretches of open water with no land in sight, river cruises take you through beautiful and diverse landscapes that are constantly changing.
As you cruise along the river, you can enjoy stunning views of everything from rugged mountains and rolling hills to picturesque towns and cities. You’ll have a front-row seat to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Parliament Building in Budapest.
Many river cruise ships also feature panoramic windows, so you can enjoy the views from the comfort of your own cabin. And, if you prefer to be outside, you can relax on the deck and soak up the sun while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Convenient Transportation
River cruises provide convenient transportation between different destinations, allowing you to visit multiple cities or countries without having to worry about transportation logistics.
Unlike other types of vacations where you have to navigate transportation logistics like driving, taking trains or buses, or even flying between destinations, river cruises provide a seamless way to travel between different cities and countries.
On a river cruise, you simply board the ship and relax as it takes you to each destination on your itinerary. You don’t have to worry about booking flights or train tickets, lugging your luggage around, or figuring out how to get from one place to another. This means less time spent on travel logistics and more time to enjoy your vacation.
In addition, river cruises often dock right in the heart of each destination, allowing you to easily explore each city or town on foot. This makes it convenient to visit popular attractions, restaurants, and shops without having to spend extra time or money on transportation.
Relaxing Atmosphere
River cruises offer a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the water. You can also take part in onboard activities like yoga or meditation, which can help you de-stress.
One of the main reasons people choose to go on vacation is to relax and unwind, and river cruises are a perfect way to do just that. With their slower pace and tranquil atmosphere, river cruises offer a peaceful and relaxing experience that can help you de-stress and recharge.
Unlike ocean cruises, which can sometimes be crowded and noisy, river cruises typically have a more intimate and serene setting. The smaller size of river cruise ships means that there are fewer people on board, which translates into a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
In addition, river cruises often offer a variety of wellness activities and services such as yoga classes, spa treatments, and fitness centers, which can help you relax and rejuvenate. Many river cruise ships also have outdoor decks where you can enjoy fresh air and panoramic views of the passing scenery, providing a peaceful and tranquil setting.
Overall, the slower pace, smaller size, and wellness offerings of river cruises create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere that can help you unwind and recharge. Whether you want to spend your days lounging on the deck or taking part in onboard activities, a river cruise provides the perfect setting to do just that.
All-Inclusive Packages
Many river cruise companies offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and even excursions. This means that you don’t have to worry about any additional costs once you’re on board.
All-inclusive packages are a major advantage of river cruises. These packages typically include all of your meals, drinks, and even some excursions, which means you don’t have to worry about any additional costs once you’re on board.
This makes budgeting for your trip much easier and can help you avoid any unexpected expenses. You can enjoy all the onboard amenities, dining options, and activities without having to worry about the cost. Some river cruise lines even include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, transfers, and other extras as part of their all-inclusive packages.
In addition, all-inclusive packages can also provide peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about carrying around cash or credit cards on the ship, as everything is already taken care of. This can make your vacation much more stress-free and allow you to focus on enjoying your experience.
It’s worth noting that not all river cruises are all-inclusive, so it’s important to check the details of your package before booking. However, for those that do offer all-inclusive options, it can be a great way to simplify your vacation and avoid any unexpected expenses.
Cultural Immersion
River cruises allow you to experience the local culture up close and personal. You can explore local markets, sample traditional cuisine, and visit historical landmarks.
River cruises offer a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine and regional specialties. As the ship travels along the river, it stops in different ports of call, each with its own local food and drink culture.
Many river cruise lines take advantage of this by offering regionally-inspired cuisine on board the ship. For example, if you’re cruising along the Danube River, you might be served Austrian schnitzel one night, Hungarian goulash the next, and Slovakian halušky another night. This can be a great way to sample local dishes and flavors that you might not have tried otherwise.
In addition, many river cruises offer culinary-themed excursions that take you to local markets, wineries, and restaurants where you can sample traditional dishes and learn about the local food culture. These excursions are often led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the history and significance of the dishes you’re trying.
Overall, river cruises provide a unique opportunity to experience local cuisine and regional specialties, allowing you to immerse yourself in the food culture of each destination on your itinerary. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, river cruises offer a delicious and exciting culinary adventure.
Small Group Sizes
River cruises typically have smaller group sizes compared to ocean cruises, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience.
River cruises provide a unique way to see the world from a different perspective. As the ship travels along the river, you’ll be able to see cities, towns, and landmarks from a completely different vantage point than you would on a land-based vacation.
For example, on a river cruise along the Rhine River, you might see castles and vineyards perched on hilltops as you glide by on the water. On a cruise along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, you might witness local life on the riverbanks, with fishermen and farmers going about their daily routines.
In addition, river cruises often offer guided tours and excursions that allow you to explore each destination in depth. These tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who can provide insight into the history, culture, and traditions of each place you visit.
Another advantage of river cruises is that they often dock right in the heart of each destination, allowing you to easily explore each city or town on foot. This makes it convenient to visit popular attractions, restaurants, and shops without having to spend extra time or money on transportation.
Unique Destinations
River cruises can take you to unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be accessible by other means of transportation. Since in most countries population growth occurred on the rivers that people depended upon for trade and transportation, some of the world’s most unique destinations are accessible via river boat. Here are some examples.
1. The Mekong River: A river cruise on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia can provide a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to explore the local culture and history of Vietnam and Cambodia. You might visit bustling markets, explore ancient temples, or take a cooking class to learn about the local cuisine.
2. The Douro River: The Douro River in Portugal is famous for its beautiful vineyards and wine production. A river cruise on the Douro can provide a great opportunity to sample local wines and explore the charming towns and villages of the region.
3. The Rhine River: The Rhine River in Europe is home to some of the continent’s most picturesque destinations, including medieval castles, historic towns, and stunning natural scenery. A river cruise on the Rhine can provide a great opportunity to explore the culture and history of Germany, France, and Switzerland.
4. The Amazon River: The Amazon River in South America is one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse regions. A river cruise on the Amazon can provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to explore the rainforest, spot exotic wildlife, and learn about the indigenous cultures of the region.
5. The Danube River: The Danube River in Europe is one of the continent’s most important waterways, flowing through ten countries and past numerous historic cities and landmarks. A river cruise on the Danube can provide a great opportunity to explore the cultural and architectural wonders of cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.
6. The Yangtze River: The Yangtze River in China is the country’s longest and most important waterway, passing through some of its most iconic destinations, including the Three Gorges Dam and the historic city of Chongqing. A river cruise on the Yangtze can provide a great opportunity to explore China’s rich history and culture.
Overall, river cruises offer a wide range of unique and fascinating destinations that can provide a rich and rewarding travel experience. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature, or cuisine, there’s sure to be a river cruise destination that’s perfect for you.
Flexibility
With river cruises, you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary and choose the activities that interest you the most.
Once you board the ship, you can relax and let the crew take care of everything. Your meals, accommodations, and entertainment are all provided for you, and you don’t have to worry about transportation or logistics between destinations.
Another advantage of river cruises is that they offer a comfortable and convenient way to explore multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking. You can enjoy the comfort of your cabin and the amenities of the ship while traveling from one destination to the next, and then simply disembark and explore each new port of call.
Overall, river cruises offer a hassle-free and convenient way to travel, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning and logistics.
Entertainment
River cruises offer a variety of onboard entertainment, including live music, theater performances, and even cooking demonstrations.
River cruises provide a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation experience. Unlike other types of vacations, which can be hectic and stressful, river cruises offer a slower pace and a chance to unwind and recharge.
On a river cruise, you can enjoy the scenery as you glide along the water, and take advantage of the amenities on board the ship. Many river cruise lines offer spa services, fitness facilities, and other activities that can help you relax and rejuvenate.
Moreover, river cruises offer a great opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Many ships have limited or no internet access, which can encourage you to disconnect from your devices and enjoy the present moment. This can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and truly unwind and recharge.
Socializing
River cruises provide ample opportunities to socialize with other passengers, whether it’s during meals or onboard activities. It’s a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships.
Unlike larger ocean cruises, where you might feel lost in a sea of people, river cruises typically have fewer passengers on board. This means that you’ll see familiar faces throughout the trip, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow passengers.
In addition, river cruises often offer group activities and excursions, which can help break the ice and facilitate socializing. You might find yourself joining a group of passengers for a guided tour of a local attraction or enjoying a glass of wine with new friends during a tasting session.
Many river cruise lines also offer communal dining, where passengers are seated at large tables with other passengers, providing an excellent opportunity to chat and get to know each other. This can be particularly appealing for solo travelers or those who are looking to meet new people.
Overall, the intimate setting and group activities of river cruises provide a great opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner or friend, you’re sure to meet interesting and like-minded people on a river cruise.