David Morris International (www.davidmorrisintl.com) will create, market and sell a new A-ROSA river cruise product for North Americans. Starting in June 2013, the company will offer 13 dedicated sailings designed specifically for Americans and Canadians on the Rhine, Danube and Rhone/Saone Rivers.
A Web site, 12-page brochure and agent educational/introductory sessions for the product are in development. Travel Agent also will run an extensive story about many details surrounding the new A-ROSA product in a November issue of the print magazine.
Product aside, though, river cruisers often cite "the destination" as their major reason to book a river cruise. What's the new North American product going to offer in terms of shore trips to entice Canadians and Americans to book?
Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president, David Morris International, said A-ROSA will offer North American clients a choice of two to three complimentary shore trips in each river port. Optional tours will be available for an added fee.
Here's a sample of what's planned by A-ROSA on Rhone/Saone itineraries.
Complimentary tours will include a lunch at Michelin-Star Chef Paul Bocuse's restaurant; kayaking on the Ardeche River, a visit to the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, a market visit with the ship's chef, and a Provence hiking tour.
Optional Rhone tours will include an evening can-can show, horseback riding, and a Jeep tour and barbecue in the Camargue region of France.
Similarly, both included and optional tours will be created for the line's North American guests who sail on Danube River and Rhine River itineraries.
On the complimentary side, guests might tour Amsterdam by bicycle or head out with the ship's chef for a market tour in Strasburg.
One optional Rhine regional tour take cruisers up, up and away for an aerial look at the Rhine regional landscapes, towns, castles and vineyards.