AmaWaterways is offering flight-inclusive river cruise packages as standard pricing for UK guests for the first time in response to agent feedback.
The line has historically provided cruise-only prices with flights available as an optional add-on, but from April 3 all prices are quoted with return airfares from London or Manchester and will include overseas transfers between the airport and the ship.
The new flight-inclusive pricing initiative has been developed to cater for trade demand, the line said, after agents shared views the new system would save time.
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Packaged flights will be available across the line’s European river cruises as well as long-haul sailings on the Mekong, Nile, Chobe and Magdalena rivers.
A five-night Majestic Capitals of the Danube sailing from Vienna to Budapest costs from £1,975 based on a December 16 departure.
A seven-night Best of Holland & Belgium cruise sailing round trip from Amsterdam and departing on November 13 costs from £2,549.
Both prices include flights from London or Manchester and overseas transfers as well as all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, a cocktail hour and a choice of up to eight excursions.
AmaWaterways said it wants to provide “maximum flexibility” for guests, and will also offer cruise-only options, regional departures and business class flight upgrades on request.
“Our mission is to make it as convenient and efficient as possible for agents to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise for their clients,” said managing director Jamie Loizou.
“In the majority of cases, our guests want to book flights along with their river cruise, and with the new flight-inclusive pricing it is less time consuming for agents to book a package and they have a complete picture of their river cruise holiday price before confirming the booking.
“We do, of course, still offer cruise-only options for those who with to incorporate our river cruises as part of a longer trip or who need more flexibility.”