VIVA Cruises has forged a strategic partnership with Cruise Plus, a move set to revolutionise booking processes for UK travel agents.
This collaboration aims to broaden the horizons for agents by incorporating premium river cruise options, thereby enhancing the travel experience for their clients.
An Exciting Milestone for UK Travel Agents
In a significant development for the industry, European river cruise line VIVA Cruises announced its partnership with Cruise Plus. This agreement enables UK travel agents to book a variety of itineraries through the Cruise Plus platform. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in expanding booking capabilities for agents dealing with Rhine, Danube, or Seine trips.
Andrea Kruse, CEO of VIVA Cruises, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “This collaboration with Cruise Plus marks an exciting chapter for VIVA Cruises. By integrating our itineraries into the Cruise Plus platform, [the line] is expanding its reach and providing travel agents with a new premium river cruise experience for their customers.”
Enhancements in Travel Agent Services
Mark Henderson, the head of specialist product at Cruise Plus, remarked on the commitment to improving the travel agent experience. He highlighted the streamlining of the booking process as a key benefit of this partnership. This efficiency allows agents to focus more on creating unforgettable journeys for travellers, aligning closely with the overarching mission of VIVA Cruises.
The collaboration is expected to simplify operations for the agents, significantly reducing the complexities involved in booking premium river cruises. This will enable agents to better cater to their client’s luxurious travel expectations.
VIVA Cruises’ Continued Expansion
VIVA Cruises currently operates eight ships, each navigating Europe’s renowned waterways.
The fleet will soon be joined by the new ship, VIVA Enjoy, scheduled for launch by the end of the year. VIVA Cruises also plans to offer Douro itineraries from May 2025, marking their first venture into this region.
The line’s continued expansion and innovation are set to enhance their market presence, ensuring that they cater effectively to a varied clientele across Europe’s rivers.
Insights from the RiverView Conference
The partnership was formally announced at the CLIA RiverView Conference, recently held in Amsterdam, which saw delegates experience VIVA Cruises’ first new build ship, VIVA One. The conference served as a platform to highlight increasing demand in the premium river cruise market.
During the conference, Ellen Bettridge, CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, reflected positively on the sector’s future outlook. She indicated that the river sector is well-positioned for growth, particularly with the uptick in the luxury ocean market, anticipating a significant rise in guest numbers by 2024.
Future Prospects for Cruise Plus and VIVA Cruises
Looking ahead, the partnership between VIVA Cruises and Cruise Plus is poised to shape the future of river cruising in the UK.
Plans are in motion to continuously evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the travel industry. This proactive approach ensures that both companies remain at the forefront of providing exceptional experiences. Continued collaboration and innovation are essential components of their strategy.
Commitment to Quality and Service
The alliance between these two industry leaders represents a shared vision in offering superior quality and service. By working closely together, both VIVA Cruises and Cruise Plus aim to set new standards in river cruising.
Travel agents stand to gain significantly from this partnership by having better tools and choices to craft memorable trips for their clients.
Conclusion on the Strategic Partnership
This strategic partnership between VIVA Cruises and Cruise Plus is a noteworthy progression in the river cruising domain. It promises to enhance the booking landscape and provide richer travel experiences.
By joining forces, these companies are set to deliver upgraded services to UK travel agents, ultimately benefiting travellers seeking remarkable river journeys.
The partnership between VIVA Cruises and Cruise Plus marks a transformative step for trade bookings in the UK.
By opening new booking channels, both companies aim to deliver enhanced value to travel agents and their clientele.
