River cruise firms update product as demand continues to rise

River cruise companies A-Rosa and The River Cruise Line are ushering in major changes to their product for 2015 to capitalise on growing demand for river cruising.

With the UK market increasing by 22% last year to 132,000, A-Rosa revealed in Amsterdam that it was expecting its business to double from this year’s total of 1,600 British passengers.

The German line, which is sold only through third parties, is making a play for the family market by offering free travel to children aged 15 years and under.

The company’s 11-strong fleet already has interconnecting cabins on most of its vessels, five of which are designated for the international market. Its two newest craft, A-Rosa Flora and A-Rosa Silva also each have two dedicated family cabins.

In addition, the line is targeting more solo travellers by dropping single supplements on more than 35 departures next year.

The River Cruise Line has introduced rail and air travel to its traditional coach transfers for 2015 and has added its first themed cruises, focusing on photography, bridge and walking.

Elsewhere, it emerged that Blackpool agency The Cruise Village has taken on its first social media chief to head the company’s digital strategy, particularly focusing on the river cruise market.

Jessica Nuttall, daughter of owner Phil Nuttall, is also overhauling the firm’s website, thecruisevillage.com, to incorporate social media channels and display better on tablets. The new-look site will be unveiled in February.