Australians should prepare
themselves for the latest word
in river cruising, Riva
Waterways.
THE brainchild of Australian-owned Scenic
Tours, Riva Waterways’ cruise product will be
exclusively chartered to Scenic’s sister
company Evergreen Tours for voyages on the
Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, as well as
some voyages through Basel on the Moselle
River.
“Our 2013 European river cruising program
was a sell out and we saw a hole in the
market,” Evergreen Tours General Manager
Angus Crichton told Cruise Weekly.
“There is clear consumer demand for this
type of product and these ships will truly be
outstanding,” he added.
Having spotted this gap, river cruise pioneer
and Scenic Tours Founder Glen Moroney,
decided to fill it through the creation of Riva
Waterways, and construction has commenced
on the company’s first two sister ships, Riva
Royale and Riva Princess at the De Hoop
shipyard in the Netherlands (also used to build
Scenic Gem).
When complete, each of the ships will
measure 135 metres, feature 91 cabins and
have capacity to host a total of 180
passengers.
More than €30 million has been invested to
ensure these innovative ships wow guests.
Crichton told CW that the Riva Royale and
Riva Princess will each debut a revolutionary
mid-level 6x4m pool with a bar, located at the
rear of the ships, that by night will convert to a
cinema with seating for over 30 people.
Crichton also said that these brand new
vessels will “offer superior inclusions and on
board comfort, and greater value than those
offered by competitors”.
Getting down to the nitty-gritty of what
inclusions guests can expect Crichton told CW
that cruisers will enjoy guided excursions in
ports of call and wine and beer with dinner
every night.
“The other unique feature is that Evergreen
Tours is the only operator who can link a wide
range of exciting land tours with our cruises,”
Crichton said.
With the Riva Royale set to launch at the end
of April 2014 and the Riva Princess due to
launch mid May 2014, Evergreen Tours will no
longer need to charter their river vessels from
other companies.
Evergreen Tours 2014 European river cruising
and escorted touring programs are on sale
now, and guests who have already preregistered
for the season can expect to be
upgraded to the Riva ships.
Meanwhile the company has also released a
special Earlybird offer for guests who book by
28 March 2013, whereby they will secure 2014
voyages at 2013 prices.
Earlybirds can also benefit from a Fly Free
offer as well as the exclusive bonus of $250
onboard credit.
For more information, visit your Evergreen
Expert travel agent, or see
www.evergreentours.com.
