Cruise leaders pay tribute to Go River Cruises’ James Hill

Cruise industry leaders have paid tribute to Go River Cruises’s James Hill after his death last week at the age of 76.

 

Hill was the owner of The Malvern Hills Company for more than 20 years and worked as a franchisee under Fred Olsen Travel specialising in river cruise.

 

He was given a special recognition award at the River Cruise Awards in Paris in 2018 for his advocacy for the sector.

 

Steve Williams, former managing director of Fred Olsen Travel and founder of Go Explore Travel, said he was “fortunate to consider Hill a friend” and described him as “a man of the people” who was “always happy to chat to anyone”, whether that be leaders of river cruise companies or staff on board ships.

 

Williams said: “I hope James will be remembered for his contribution to the growth of river cruising over his 20 years within the industry.

 

“He took an interest in river cruise when it was not cool to do so, when it was embryonic and most people preferred to focus on ocean cruising, but his passion for rivers was genuine and through his work with us at Fred Olsen Travel as General Sales Agent for AmaWaterways he helped lift the profile and understanding of the industry.

 

“I have met so many people who told me how James helped them by always sharing with them his knowledge and passion for river cruising. He was the font of all knowledge for rivers and would help anyone.” 

 

He added: “None of us will ever have another friend like him – his charm and wit brightened everyone’s day.” 

 

Clia UK and Ireland managing director Andy Harmer described Hill as “a titan of the river cruise community in the UK”.

 

He added: “He was a true advocate and ambassador for the sector with an unmatched passion for sharing his knowledge with colleagues across the Clia agent community. 

 

“As a reflection of his commitment to river cruise, he was recognised in 2018 with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Paris RiverView Conference.

 

“He will be greatly missed by the many people in travel who grew to know him over his long career, and we send our thoughts to his family at this difficult time.”

 

Jamie Loizou, managing director for international markets at AmaWaterways, said Hill was “truly one-of-a-kind”.

 

He added: “James Hill was a larger-than-life character whose passion for river cruising was infectious.

 

“His knowledge was second to none, his stories were legendary, and he had a remarkable way of inspiring both colleagues and clients alike.

 

“The travel industry has lost not only one of its greatest advocates for river cruising but also a genuinely kind, generous and unforgettable person. James leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence so many of us.

“He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”

 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ UK managing director said: “It was a real shock to hear of James’ passing. 

“I’ve known him for over 20 years, he was a huge character, and a legend in the river cruise industry. 

"I will treasure my many fond memories of a true gentleman who knew everyone at the cruise lines, and cared greatly for them all. James will be sorely missed and our visits to Clia RiverView Conferences won’t be the same without him there."