Sailing Into the US Market

Riviera River Cruises may not be a household name in North America, but it’s definitely gaining a toehold. A division of the British-based tour operator Riviera Travel, the line launched 11 years ago. In 2017, it opened an office in Fairfield, Conn.

Marilyn Conroy, the line’s new vice president of sales and marketing for North America, describes Riviera as “the best-kept secret in river cruising.”

“Riviera Travel is huge and has been in business more than 30 years,” Conroy told AGENTatHOME. What sets the river line apart, she said, is that its fleet, now numbering 14, is so young. “None of the vessels is older than six years.”

Two New Ships

MS George Eliot and MS William Wordsworth join the fleet this month. The 167-passenger William Wordsworth, an all-suite ship, will operate exclusively on the Danube River, and the 132-passenger George Eliot, a new, smaller class for the line, will sail primarily on the Rhine River. “The William Wordsworth is 443 feet long, the same size as the Viking ships carrying 190 passengers,” Conroy said. “We only carry 167, and that means more space. Our staterooms start at 183 square feet.”

Focus on Value

“Riviera first and foremost is a fair-traded item,” she said. “It’s like Louis Vuitton, you can’t buy it on discount. The price on the brochure is the price. And that makes it so much easier for agents and for clients. They don’t have to worry about booking late.”

Staterooms aboard Riviera ships include coffee and tea makers. Continental breakfast is available from room service. This being a British line, tea is served promptly at 4 p.m. each day.

The line doesn’t include alcoholic beverages in fares. But Conroy noted that a glass of superior white wine is available for 3 euros. And drink packages, which include unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, can be purchased for $159.

Destination Expertise

Riviera’s roots as a tour operator give it a leg up when it comes to the excursions it offers. “Shore excursions tend to be more immersive, and we have subtle twists to itineraries,” Conroy said.

“For example, Amsterdam to Basel is a popular route. By starting in Amsterdam, it takes a day and a half to get to Cologne, passing by mostly factories and abandoned buildings. You get to Basel and all you see of Switzerland is from the car ride to the airport. But by starting in Cologne, you get to see the Alps on a full-day tour from Lake Lucerne.”

While Riviera’s clientele is primarily British, the line is working hard to expand in the North American market. Conroy encouraged agents to take its online Academy at Sea course to learn more. “We have a great product and are eager for agents to get acquainted with it.”