This Week in Cruise - A-ROSA River Cruises and Scenic Cruises Appeal to North American Travelers

A-ROSA River Cruises, the newest partner for David Morris International, completed its first sailing geared exclusively toward the North American traveler. A-ROSA River Cruises' A-ROSA Stella embarked on its seven-day, round-trip A Toast to Provence & Burgundy culinary itinerary on June 1, 2013. The itinerary sailed to Rhone, Ardeche and Avignon. A-ROSA is continuing to offer Rhine and Rhone river cruises, at $2,600 for the Rhine and $3,100 for the Rhone/Saone cruises.

Scenic Cruises is also reaching out to North American travelers by introducing its Scenic Loyalty Club program to the U.S. market in 2014. The program offers different levels of membership, with guests reaping rewards after their first trip, earning the ScenicClub Gold status. The Platinum membership level adds free limousine transfers before and after the trip and complimentary pre-or post nights. Additional, a Diamond level is available above platinum, offering Diamond-level member events and gifts. Scenic Cruises is also expanding its Europe river cruising program for 2014 by offering five new itineraries, two new ships, new excursions and a new loyalty program for guests. Scenic's two new ships, Scenic Jade and Scenic Gem, are slated to launch in 2014.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic revealed the 2014 itineraries aboard their newest 102-guest ship, the National Geographic Orion. The ship will specialize in sailings to the Pacific Islands, Australia, Borneo, Indonesia and Antarctica. Voyages aboard the National Geograpic Orion stress snorkeling and diving while providing cultural and historical information to guests.