| APT’s preview brochure sales up 92%

Europe’s 2013 cruise season is
predicted to be “very big”
based on exceptional early
demand for APT cruises.
WITH the new brochure containing 78
itineraries, 40% more than 2012, APT is
stimulating an already fertile river-cruising
market, according to gm marketing, Debra Fox.
The company saw a 92% increase in sales
from its preview brochure, compared to last
year, which was buoyed by the offer of 2012
prices.
“Judging by the fabulous take-up of the
preview brochure, demand is obviously very
strong, and that’s coming through the trade
from their clients who want another APT cruise
and first-time river cruise clients who have
become aware of the 98% customer satisfaction
rate of our cruise experience,” Fox said.
“We are catering for that demand with new
rivers and new ships as well as enhancements
to our core product, like the choice of an
additional restaurant on Aria class ships.”
The new 200-page brochure launched this
week carries all-inclusive small group tours
throughout Europe and 12 “luxury boutique”
river ship cruising on 14 waterways.
It also includes a Top 50, listing “50 reasons
why APT is the first choice when it comes to
European river cruising”, Fox said.
Lead-in prices for the 15-day ‘Magnificent
Europe’ cruise between Amsterdam and
Budapest start at $6,445pp/ts, including
meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner,
tours and tipping.
New options include the 18-day ‘Romantic
Seine & Rhine’, priced from $9,695pp/ts,
which includes three nights in Paris; and the
11-day ‘Enticing Douro’ aboard the new MS
AmaVida, priced from $3,445pp/ts, including
three nights in Lisbon.
Fox said the company “would like to recognise
and thank the trade for its ongoing support in
cementing APT as the leader in a market that
was enjoying healthy competition.”
She said APT was “geared up for a very big
2013 season” and trade partners could
maximise commission on cruise inclusions
through the tour price and Super Deals.
For details, see www.aptgroup.travel.