A group of eight travel advisors has just returned from sailing Viking’s popular 8-day Rhine Getaway river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, aboard Viking Herja. The group were among the first Australian advisors to sail with Viking since 2019 and for many, this was their first overseas trip in as many years.
Participants were hosted by Ramon Drew, Viking’s Commercial Manager for NSW, ACT and Tasmania, as well as Ethan Larkin, Senior Trade Marketing Executive at Viking.
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Debbie Eyers from Flight Centre Narellan said it was great to be back cruising after the last couple of years and the opportunity provided valuable insight into travelling overseas post-COVID.
“Experiencing it first-hand makes it easier to explain to clients the whole process and because I have experienced it, clients are more at ease with what I am advising them,” she said.
Lynette Maria from Maria, Fellows and Turner Travel Associates was a first-time Viking cruiser and was grateful to be travelling again.
“The experience really opened my eyes to the differences between river cruising and how Viking sits amongst the best of them,” she said.
The group travelled through four countries along the Rhine visiting historic cities and medieval towns offering a variety of authentic shore excursions immersing advsiors in the local way of life, with the Flavours of Alsace excursion in Strasbourg being a group highlight.
“The shore tours made me feel like I was living like a local for the day. The guide was so knowledgeable yet relaxed,” said Tina Wheelock from Cruise Express.
Onboard Viking’s Longships, participants were treated to destination-inspired cuisine as well as al-fresco wine and cheese tastings on the Aquavit Terrace – the only alfresco dining venue on the rivers.
Viking is reminding frontline sellers they can still win one of 100 free 2022 Europe river self-famils. The first 100 advisors to make two or more new twin share or single supplement reservations for any 2022 Viking Europe river cruise before 30 June will win a complimentary self-famil stateroom on a select 8-day Viking Europe river cruise this year.
Lead image: Australian travel advisors enjoying a well-earned beverage on the Aquavit Terrace after a day of exploring.