River Cruises may be a relatively new product category, and is often considered a niche, but it is

definitely mainstream with 99% of respondents expecting to sell the product in the next year.

It’s also a profitable market with 74% of advisors saying their River Cruise customers are their

most profitable. Many agents also told us about how they are making big bucks by selling groups.

Still, agents say they haven’t reached the ceiling with 43% saying they expect sales to increase

by double digits in the next 12 months.

Agents say outside of Viking River Cruises, few clients know the other brands, however, that

really doesn’t matter.

Most said even when clients come in with a specific brand in mind, they won’t hesitate to

recommend somebody else if they feel it better fits that customer’s needs.

With price as the number one objection, agents also say they would like more content they can

share with clients that would help them explain the value of River Cruises.

And the good news for supplier and agents is respondents universally say they want to sell

more in large part because the high satisfaction levels generate referrals of new clients and

repeat bookings. For the lines, retail travel agencies are truly a multiplier.

CONCLUSIONS