In keeping with Ensemble Travel Group’s strategy of offering its member agencies increasing numbers of adventure-oriented experiential niche products, the consortium has added Blount Small Ship Adventures as a preferred supplier.

“We’ve been looking to expand a bit in the niche cruise segment and Blount is a great addition to the Ensemble cruise portfolio,” said Libbie Rice, Ensemble’s co-president. “The product speaks to clients who seek that very casual ambiance yet are interested in exploring, discovering, and immersing themselves into each destination. Plus, being family owned and operated helps deliver that very personal, authentic feel that many travelers are looking for.”

The Warren, R.I.-based company was founded 49 years ago by Luther H. Blount, an engineer and shipbuilder, to provide cruises on North American waterways that had previously only been navigable by yachts.

“Dad was always experimenting with different ship designs and onboard enhancements to make sure our guests were fully immersed in the small ship experience. He was quite a trailblazer,” said Nancy Blount, president of Blount Small Ship Adventures.

For instance, Blount was responsible for such innovations as the retractable pilot house, enabling vessels to proceed under low bridges and through tight transit locks, and the Blount bow ramp, making it possible for passengers to disembark directly onto land.

The company’s collection of 2016 cruise programs will include Great American Waterways, Bahamian Outer Islands, Maine and the Canadian Maritimes and Magical Lake Michigan aboard the Grande Mariner and Grande Caribe, both of which accommodate 88 passengers.

 Blount will offer Happy Hour supplier trainings during the 2015 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference, which will be held at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Oct. 25 to 29. 

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