Rivers of Commissions

A decade or so ago, river cruising was a blip on most travel agents’ screens.  Today, it’s virtually the fastest-growing vacation segment and travel agents need keep up with all the new ships, new destinations, onboard features and amenities.

New River Cruise Ships:

Viking River Cruises expects to introduce eight new vessels this year, bringing to 14 the number of “Longships” introduced in just two years.

 Scenic Cruises, a newer entrant in the North American market, offers an all-inclusive product starting in 2013 and will introduce its seventh “Space Ship,” the 170-passenger Scenic Jewel, in April.

AmaWaterways will introduce two new ships in 2013, including the AmaVida in March on the Douro River in Portugal.  Avalon Waterways will introduce two more “Suite Ships” in 2013-the Avalon Expression and the Avalon Artistry II.  Both ships are notable for their Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows that transform into an open-air balcony.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises next year will introduce the new Queen Isabel on the Douro River in Portugal and launch cruises in Italy, on the Po River and the Venice Lagoon. 

Tauck is introducing new itineraries on French rivers, as well as cruises through America’s Heartland in partnership with acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.  Also of note, Tauck is waiving or discounting the single supplement on its 2013 Europe river cruises.