German river cruise company nicko cruises is to be sold in the UK by Light Blue Travel.
The line runs a fleet of more than 30 vessels on the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Seine, Elbe and Douro rivers.
Light Blue Travel has pledged to offer “competitive commission levels” to agents and support with fam trips, staff training, both face-to-face and via webinar.
A launch trade incentive will reward those making the first 50 bookings with £50 Lovetoshop vouchers.
The company is in the process of appointing additional trade representatives, based in the north and south of England.
The English language cruises will include fine dining options, unlimited drinks, wi-fi and excursions and can be booked with or without air or rail travel from the UK.
Cruises on the new vessels the nicko vision, launched 2018 and nicko spirit, being introduced in 2020, will be among those marketed by Light Blue Travel.
These riverboats feature spas, gyms, treatment rooms and three different dining venues.
Nicko cruises managing director Guido Laukamp said: “Nicko cruises is very well known and respected as a quality cruise operator across the German speaking regions, however, the UK market is relatively untapped for us but offers huge opportunity.
“With the introduction of English-speaking cruises and the appointment of Light Blue Travel, to raise awareness and generate sales, we look forward to welcoming more river cruise enthusiasts from the UK and Ireland.’
Light Blue Travel managing director Rupert Thomson (pictured) added: “I am hugely impressed by nicko cruises’ product and portfolio and with the unabated popularity of river cruising I see great potential for growth in the UK market.
“There is an increasing demand for holidays without flights and with rail travel to some of the European river cruise destinations being possible I think this will be a major USP.”