Search Travel Market Report

ALGV
mainlogo
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Well-Being Travel
  • Training
  • Who We Are
    • Anne Marie Moebes
    • Barbara Peterson
    • Brian Israel
    • Daine Taylor
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Denise Caiazzo
    • Jessica Montevago
    • Marilee Crocker
    • Mary Gostelow
    • Paul M. Ruden
    • Steve Gillick
Sponsored By NCL
Sponsored By NCL
CCL New TOP

Uniworld on Douro River Cruises and Other Trending Destinations

by Daniel McCarthy / August 21, 2019
Uniworld on Douro River Cruises and Other Trending Destinations

Uniworld will launch its own Douro-specific ship in 2020. Photo: Uniworld. 


With a route that takes guests through one of Europe’s oldest wine regions, river cruises on the Douro River are trending across the industry.

While the river isn’t the most popular among agents — CLIA’s Travel Agent Cruise Outlook shows that more than half of travel advisors are seeing a growth mostly in Central and Eastern Europe (53%), while a quarter (24%) saw the growth in the Southern region — the river is quickly becoming a perfect destination for returning river cruise guests who are looking for something outside of the Danube and the Rhine.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will have its own Douro-specific ship, S.S. São Gabriel, debut in 2020. The river cruise line’s President and CEO Ellen Bettridge took some time to talk to Travel Market Report about what’s trending and what kind of attention Uniworld’s Douro river sailings are getting. 

What regions of the world are seeing interest from first-time guests and from returning Uniworld guests?
Cruises on the Rhine and Danube are always popular with our new guests, and we’ve also seen an increase in our France itineraries with these guests over the last two years. For our returning guests, we see a lot of them book our more exotic itineraries, like Vietnam and India.

Our returning guests also commonly choose their next Uniworld cruise based on the ship, as they want to experience each of our one-of-a-kind ships, particularly when we introduce a brand-new Super Ship featuring more suites, more dining venues, and the most luxurious finishes. For example, our newest Super Ship S.S. Bon Voyage, which launched this past April in the Bordeaux region, has been one of our bestsellers for 2019. 

In particular, I want to ask about Uniworld sailings on the Douro River. What makes the Douro River special?
The Douro is a really incredible river that can sometimes be forgotten when travelers think of river cruising destinations. It has become more and more popular with our guests, however, and for good reason – there is no better way to travel through the Douro Valley, offering miles of picturesque vineyards along with a fascinating look into the history of wine making and cuisine. The river flows from Spain to Portugal, and our Douro itineraries visit both countries, providing a unique perspective on the similarities and differences between these history-rich neighbors. 

Is Uniworld seeing an increase in bookings on the Douro river?
Yes, we’ve seen a steady increase in Douro bookings in recent years, and today, Portugal is an extremely popular destination. We’re excited to launch a brand new Super Ship, S.S. São Gabriel, on the Douro in 2020 to match the incredible experience the destination offers with the highest level of luxury on the rivers. 

Is interest in a ship’s hardware rising or are buying decisions still being made mostly because of the itinerary provided?
Our return guests often choose their next itineraries based on the ship, with the goal to experience many different ships from our unique and luxurious fleet. Of course, destination also comes into play, which is even more common with first-time Uniworld guests. However, when we launch a new Super Ship, new and return guests are eager to experience both – to be the first onboard to see the extraordinary custom design work that Uniworld is known for, and to check out the enhanced itineraries with even more offerings to explore the destination.

  1
  0
Related Articles
Uniworld River Cruises to Make South America Debut in 2020
Uniworld Adds New Courses to Its Travel Advisor Training Program
Uniworld River Cruises' Ellen Bettridge Talks Fleet Transformation
U by Uniworld Sending The B Ship to Central Europe in 2020
Travel Agents Selling U by Uniworld Discuss Brand’s New Focus
Uniworld River Cruises Debuts on Passport Online
U by Uniworld's 'A' Takes Its Maiden Voyage on the Rhine
Sailing the Danube Aboard Uniworld’s Newest Super Ship
Uniworld Reports Record Wave Bookings Amid Travel Agent-Friendly Initiatives
Uniworld's Super Ship S.S. Beatrice Sets Sail

MOST VIEWED

Brought To You By
  1. U.S. Will Require Negative COVID-19 Tests for All International Visitors
  2. Thailand Introduces New Tourist Tax for International Travelers
  3. Op-ed: Five Travel Predictions for 2021
  4. Marriott to Open Seven EDITION HOTELS in 2021
  5. Kauai Reopens to Tourists with New Travel Rules in Place
  6. Caribbean Destinations, Hotels Work to Meet to New CDC Requirements

MOST EMAILED

Brought To You By
  1. U.S. Will Require Negative COVID-19 Tests for All International Visitors
  2. Caribbean Destinations, Hotels Work to Meet to New CDC Requirements
  3. Kauai Reopens to Tourists with New Travel Rules in Place
  4. ASTA: CDC Testing Requirement ‘Threatens to Create a Logistical Crisis’
  5. What Advisors Need to Know About the Latest COVID-19 Relief Package
  6. American Airlines Launches Health Passport to Help Passengers with COVID Test Requirements
Tip of the Day

I think being in contact with [my clients] gave them more confidence in me and the suggestions I offer.

Linda Kinsey, Custom Travel & Cruise

 Share...
Daily Top List
Brought To You By

5 Things Every Travel Agency Should Do To Boost Business

1. Specialize
2. Give a personal touch
3. Find your niche and sell an experience
4. Maintain a high standard of quality
5. Become a salesman…but inspire trust

Source: Azavista.com

 Share...
Previous Daily Top List
Top Stories
CLIA Names MSC’s Pierfrancesco Vago as Global Chairman
CLIA Names MSC’s Pierfrancesco Vago as Global Chairman

Vago succeeds Royal Caribbean’s Adam Goldstein in the role.

Read...
British Cruise Line Saga Cruises Becomes First to Make COVID-19 Vaccination a Requirement for Sailing
British Cruise Line Saga Cruises Becomes First to Make COVID-19 Vaccination a Requirement for Sailing

'We have taken the decision to introduce the requirement that all guest must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before sailing with us.'

Read...
Carnival Cruise Line Again Delays Restart, Pushes Mardi Gras Debut to May 29
Carnival Cruise Line Again Delays Restart, Pushes Mardi Gras Debut to May 29

All booked guests and their travel advisors are being notified directly by Carnival with refund and cruise credit options included.

 

Read...
Quark Expeditions Bullish on Possible May Restart with Universal COVID-19 Testing
Quark Expeditions Bullish on Possible May Restart with Universal COVID-19 Testing

A May restart would include the debut of its newest ship Ultramarine.

Read...
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Extends Cruise Cancellations through April
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Extends Cruise Cancellations through April

Norwegian now joins Royal Caribbean Group in suspending cruises until May 1. 

Read...
Royal Caribbean Group Sells Azamara in $200 Million Deal
Royal Caribbean Group Sells Azamara in $200 Million Deal

The deal includes the entire Azamara three-ship fleet along with all of its associated intellectual property.

Read...
News Briefs
  • Princess Cruises Cancels Early 2021 World Cruise
  • Seabourn Cancels Sailings into November
  • Quark Expeditions Eases Rebooking Policy
  • Hurtigruten Suspends Sailings until May
  • Hurtigruten Introduces 'Risk-Free' Bookings
  • Italy's Costa Cruises Pauses Operations
TMR Outlooks
Expedition 2020
Wellness Outlook
Distribution Outlook
View All
Advertiser's Voice
https://img.youtube.com/vi/-C65Uqm5evk/0.jpg
Video: Why Consumers Should Use a Travel Agent in 2021
About Travel Market Report Mission Editorial Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
243 South Street, OysterBay, NY, 11771
News|Leisure Travel|Land Vacations|Cruise|Canada Retail Strategies|Well-Being|Luxury|Training
© 2005 - 2021 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy