German river cruise line Nicko Cruises has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe.
The partnership aims to enhance the line’s brand awareness across Europe, bringing it into Clia’s wider community of cruise lines, travel agents and partners.
For more than 25 years, the Stuttgart-based line has operated as a specialist in small ship cruising.
Its all-inclusive ships are designed for 50-125 passengers, with English spoken on board and no-fly options available from the UK.
Nicko Cruises became one of the first cruise operators in the world to restart operations last year. It has introduced a 10-point health and safety plan in response to Covid.
Andy Harmer, Clia UK & Ireland director, said: “We’re delighted to have Nicko Cruises join Clia. They are a well-established, premium brand which provides guests with unique river cruise experiences. We look forward to supporting them as they develop and build relationships with the trade across Europe.
“Their addition to Clia’s membership is testament to the continued desire for travellers to cruise, and their confidence that the industry will always have the health and safety of passengers and crew as the number one priority.”
Rupert Thomson, managing director of river cruise specialist Light Blue Travel, which represents Nicko Cruises in the UK, said: “Nicko Cruises is very well known in the German market and we are keen, with the help of Clia, to raise awareness of the brand to a wider international audience.
“We look forward to participating in Clia events and reaping the benefits membership offers.”
Nicko Cruises will take part in Clia’s virtual river cruise showcase, which is being held on March 3 and March 4.