A-Rosa River Cruises plans to expand its UK sales team as its 2023 programme goes on sale.
An enhanced premium all-inclusive offering is being introduced over the next two years and the German company will “internationalise” its fleet from 2022.
The entire fleet will become international from next year, meaning that all 13 ships will welcome UK passengers and agents will have more departure dates and availability to sell.
Currently seven ships serve the international market and five operate with German as their main language.
The UK office is recruiting for two new regional sales managers to drive trade awareness as it embarks on the next stage of its strategy.
Full details of the all-inclusive enhancements will be announced in the spring.
However, the company said passengers can expect additional experiences such as more flexibile dining with the option to serve themselves at buffets or table service, guest chefs, an included evening dinner away from the ship plus welcome and farewell dinners. Free room service will also be available in every cabin grade.
New off-the-beaten-track optional excursions will be added, while ‘destination scouts’ will support shore trips. Bicycles and e-bikes will be available for passengers to use independently.
Local entertainers from the destinations visited will come on board to perform twice a week.
A new app will customise the passenger journey, including daily menus and excursion bookings.
Initially the enhancements will be introduced on the French rivers and new ship A-Rosa Sena on the Rhine in 2022, before being expanded fleet-wide in 2023.
UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe said: “Our flexible approach is getting a refresh. We’re using our 20 years of expertise to take our product to the next level and make it even more immersive and ready for the next generation of river cruisers.
“Having a fully international fleet opens up more dates and availability for agents and our operator partners here in the UK to sell.
“We remain 100% committed to the trade and in order to maximise on opportunities and drive greater awareness, we are busy recruiting two regional sales managers who will be out on the road meeting with agents.
“We also recognise how important experiencing our product is in the sales process and are looking at ways to get as many agents as possible on board in the next two years.”
New itineraries for 2023 include:
- One-way Rhine cruises from Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa
- New gourmet cruises including options on the Rhine, Seine and Rhone
- New northern Rhine cruises including nine-night options and the new port of Emmerich in Germany
- A new middle Rhine Valley itinerary
- A longer Danube cruise – extending from 16 to 18 nights to include extended stays in Budapest and Vienna
- A longer Danube Cataracts cruise – extending from 12 to 14 nights to include extended stays in Vienna and Bratislava
- New themed voyages