In response to the growth in sales via the travel agency community, Riviera River Cruises announced it will increase the commitment to the community in 2020 through accepting bookings for its European river sailings exclusively from travel advisors.
The company will also be assisting travel advisors with flight arrangements and pre-/post-cruise hotel stays for their clients. Additionally, several FAM sailings for advisors will be offered in spring.
Effective January 1, 2020, Riviera River Cruises will accept North American bookings only from travel advisors. Customers who contact Riviera directly will be referred to book the river cruise via their own travel advisor or, in case they do not already have one, the booking will be turned over to the nearest to them advisor with whom Riviera has a relationship.
Also starting January 1, Riviera will assist advisors with flight arrangements and pre-/post-cruise hotel stays throughout Europe for customers who want to extend their voyage. According to the company, it has negotiated some of the best airfares available between the United States and Europe, and advisors will be able to arrange for a river cruise, flights, and hotels as well as purchase travel insurance for customers all in the same booking process.
Riviera said it would like advisors to personally experience their river voyages and is planning a number of FAM trips in spring. FAM trip invitations are to be offered by email to advisors who have completed the online training course of the cruise line.
Riviera River Cruises offers a total of 15 itineraries on 10 waterways and rivers, including exclusive departures for solo passengers with no single supplement.