FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A new study conducted by Riviera River Cruises found that 34 percent of past ocean cruisers are considering taking a river cruise instead in 2021, and of those 79 percent are more likely to take a river cruise than an ocean cruise next year. U.K.-based Riviera, which operates 12 luxury river cruise ships in Europe, conducted the study as part of a “Less Is More” campaign to promote the positive aspects of river cruising in 2021. To celebrate the campaign, travel advisors will have a chance to win a free cabin on a 2021 river cruise. For more information about Riviera River Cruises, call 888-838-8820 or visit https://www.rivierarivercruises.com.
“In the past, there’s been little crossover between ocean and river cruising, with ocean cruising accounting for a significantly larger share of the market. Right now, however, we feel there’s an opportunity to showcase the benefits of river cruising to that audience, which previously may have discounted this form of travel,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing North America. “Our intent is to highlight that river cruising shares many of the aspects of cruise travel they love with additional benefits that address some of the concerns they may have about ocean cruising when ships begin to sail again. They don’t have to look away from cruising altogether – instead, they can look toward rivers as a fantastic alternative.”
The Riviera study identified some of the concerns ocean cruisers may have, including the number of passengers on board and “sea days.” For example, it showed that for 84 percent sharing the experience with fewer fellow passengers was a key reason to prefer river cruising, while being docked at a destination every day was an important consideration for more than 50 percent.
Some of the ways a Riviera river cruise addresses these concerns include:
Number of passengers and space on board: Riviera’s river cruise ships carry between just 121 and 169 passengers, a far lower capacity than most ocean cruises, yet the ships themselves are modern and very spacious.
Size of cabin: The luxurious cabins and suites on Riviera’s ships measure up to a generous 312 square feet, including a spacious bathroom. And there are no inside cabins; each one has a window or balcony.
Time on shore: There are no “sea days” on a Riviera river cruise; the ships dock each day in a destination and it takes just seconds to walk on shore, often steps from the main sights. The ships also often stay late or overnight in port, so guests can spend more time exploring.
To celebrate the launch of the “Less Is More” campaign, travel advisors will have a chance to win a free cabin on a 2021 river cruise by joining the Riviera River Cruises Agents group on Facebook, following Riviera on Instagram and signing up for communications through the Agency Portal on Riviera’s website. One winner will be selected at random from advisors who complete all three. Join, follow and sign up by Dec. 31 to enter.
Riviera River Cruises offers 20 itineraries on 10 rivers and waterways, including dedicated departures for solo travelers with no single supplement. Its fleet is one of the youngest in Europe, with no ships older than six years. Riviera’s cruises include spacious cabins and suites, fine culinary experiences from sumptuous breakfasts to four-course dinners featuring international classics and regional specialties, and expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places.
Riviera guarantees exceptional value, promising never to add hidden surcharges or fees. Riviera also doesn’t automatically include gratuities or drinks, so the choice is up to guests.
For more information about Riviera River Cruises, call 888-838-8820 or visit https://www.rivierarivercruises.com.
Riviera River Cruises
Riviera River Cruises is the United Kingdom’s leading river cruise operator, with a sales staff working across North America. Riviera is known for its highly rated, award-winning service, its ships with spacious cabins and suites, relaxed atmosphere, sumptuous onboard meals and captivating excursions, and its exceptional value. Riviera puts its guests first, hosting over 100,000 on its river cruises in the past five years, and is very supportive of the travel agency community, accepting bookings exclusively from advisors. For more information, visit https://www.rivierarivercruises.com or call 888-838-8820.