19
TMR OUTLOOK ON RIVER CRUISE
said “they understand vessels may not have the same
luxuries and service levels as the hotels and ships they
normally use.”
Over half of customers (56%) see river cruises as an
alternative to escorted tours, perhaps a good reason
major players in the guided market have offerings in
both categories.
Nearly 6 in 10 (58%) say River Cruises are a way to check
destinations off their bucket lists.
While agents tell us one attraction of being on a ship is
only having to unpack once, only 10% said clients view
cruising as an alternative to renting a car.
And even though sustainability is front and center with
many suppliers, only 10% said they have clients who ask
about the environment and sustainability practices of the
lines and ships they are considering.
Also, with limited importance, spa and fitness facilities were
mentioned by only 6% of agents as being a deciding factor.
Most of all, River Cruises are considered an easy way to
see the places you want to go and customers come back
happy. “You are traveling right through the heart of each
country and can see the history first hand as you cruise,”
was the response from an advisor, while another told us,
“It is rare for us to get a valid complaint from one of our
clients about their river cruise experience.”
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
CHART 7
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19
Thinking about all of your customers whom you book on River Cruises
(check all that apply)
:
Characteristics of River Cruise Clients
6%
25%
10%
37%
5%
22%
10%
33%
8%
27%
18%
They are oenophiles, and enjoy
visiting wineries and wine tastings
They understand that a River Cruise Ship
may not have the same luxuries and service levels
as the hotels and ships they normally use
They want to visit destinations
that are hard to reach via land
They see River Cruises as part of
their own ‘learning path’
They prefer all types of cruise
vacations over land vacations
They are interested in cruise departures
with specific themes or onboard programming
(wine cruises, guest speakers, etc.)
They ask me about the environment
and sustainability practices
of the cruise line and ships they sail on
They see River Cruises as an
alternative to renting a car
They would choose a newer
vessel over an itinerary
The vessels’ spa and fitness facilities are
important when choosing a River Cruise
They choose suppliers based on the environmental
and sustainability practices of that company
Chart 7 continued