British river cruise line, Riviera Travel, famous for their affordable itineraries and solo cruises, have seen a spike in Australian bookings.
The line, which will be launching three new river ships as well as their 2019 European itineraries, has seen a 68 per cent jump in Aussies cruising with them.
Australian sales manager for the company, Thomas Morgan said that the price of the cruise as well as new itineraries is the reason why the take up in the market Down Under has been so strong.
“We are clearly growing our footprint in Australian market amongst some very strongly branded competitors but we know Australians love the way we do things differently,” said Mr Morgan.
“Our simple-to-understand fares are up to 50 per cent lower, we look after solo passengers, we don’t discount – so our guests don’t discover others have paid less than them for the same cabin – and we don’t automatically include gratuities in fares, allowing guests to tip as they like, which Australians love.
“Riviera Travel is also 100 per cent committed to Australian travel agents with all our Australian bookings here coming through agents via wholesalers Cruiseco and Cruise Traveller.
“Although we started in 1984, we’re still the new kid on the block in Australia but we’re growing up quickly.”
The cruise line launched four ships last year, Riviera Travel launched the luxurious 167-person river ship, Robert Burns last month which will be sailing on the Rhine, Maine and Danube rivers.
The Douro Splendour, bound for Portgual will be launched in August while another two river ships, 167-passenger William Wordsmith and 132-guest George Eliot will start cruising in Europe in 2019.
Riviera Travel’s European river sailings are available from $1,849 per person, twin-share, or solo, for an eight-day Blue Danube cruise. Subject to availability.
