For the past two years, we have seen an uptick in clients booking river cruises, especially in Europe. . . not only in Europe but also in China and now here in the United States.
Most of the river cruise lines are enthusiastically crowing about their bookings for this year, and even for 2014, bookings are booming. And it doesn’t take many phone calls to fill up one of these ships. Most of them carry fewer than 200 passengers, typically 3 decks tall, and the funny thing is that they are running out of rivers!!
Viking River Cruises started service in 1997, and now have reported 10 new longships being introduced in 2013, with 8 more in the process of being built for service in 2014. These ships have free ship-wide Wi-Fi, putting greens and walking tracks, and organic herb gardens that furnish the chefs with their natural and fresh herbs and spices.
To illustrate the popularity, we proposed a group last summer to experience the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel in November, 2013. I was just hoping to get at least 10 rooms so I could go along and experience it too, but believe it or not, by the end of August, we had sold all the staterooms the cruise line would allow me to sell at the group rate, 24 rooms. And what was more amazing is that by Thanksgiving everyone had paid in full. . .almost a year in advance.
Now, why did that happen? Well, they had given us a fantastic rate, primarily because we were going in a low season, Nov. 10. Another reason, we were able to get some unbelievable air rates, but the air had to be paid by a certain time to take advantage of the rates. In addition, because the air was paid early, we got the flights early enough to be able to secure good seats.
Another attraction of the river cruises is that included in the price is at least one shore excursion at each port. In addition, beer, wine, and cocktails are included with lunch and dinner. Some folks also like the fact that the rivers are smooth sailing, hence no motion sickness. Not to mention the idea that it is a leisurely, uncrowded way to experience some of the history and beauty of the interior of some European countries we have always heard about. Also, I understand the food is fantastic, understandably so since the chefs are cooking for only 200 instead of 2000.
Since we are all sold out on our river cruise group this year, I have looked ahead and reserved some group space for November 8, 2014 on a cruise down the Elegant Elbe, a trip from Berlin to Prague. It is a 7-night cruise, but it also includes hotel stays in Berlin and Prague, so that makes it a 9 night experience. We have great rates at 2 for 1 plus an additional discount rate for groups, so if you are so inclined, give me a call and reserve a room for a fantastic experience on one of the famous rivers of Europe. Reach us at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040, or drop in at 4150 Southwest Dr., or try out our new website: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.