‘No surcharge’ pledge from river cruise company
Peter Deilmann River Cruises has pledged not to add fuel surcharges as an extra cost to 2009 holidays.
The company, releasing its European river cruises programme for next year, said: “Unlike many other operators, Peter Deilmann River Cruises will not be adding fuel surcharges as an extra cost to 2009 cruise fares. The fare published will be the fare payable for 2009 sailings.â€
Discounts of up to £300 per person are available on 2009 bookings made by the end of September this year.
A new fare structure means that one shore excursion of choice per passenger, per day is included in the cruise only-fare.
To reward past passengers for their loyalty and to encourage future bookings, a new “past guest loyalty saving†of three per cent off the published brochure fare has been introduced.
Escorted Cruises have been rebranded as ‘Newcomers Cruises’ open to past passengers as well as new to river cruisers. Five departures across the Seine, Rhone & Saone and the Rhine offer train travel from London to the European departure port, international transfers, a group escort and one complimentary shore excursion of choice per day included in the cruise-only fare.
Managing director Stuart Perl said: “We have looked at what’s best for guests and agents and believe that the enhanced fare structure ticks all of the boxes, offering agents increased earning opportunities and guests a fare that is inclusive to a degree but still allows flexibility to tailor-make their holidays to their own schedule.
“Inclusive shore excursions recognise that our cruises offer a unique sightseeing experience of which excursions are key.
“Agents can also earn higher commission. Our cruise only options can be dynamically packaged through our agent partners or we can offer a range of additional services including flights, transfers and hotels– we will continue to offer complete flexibility.
“Furthermore, we have also received positive feedback from this year’s Escorted Cruises that whilst many like to dynamically package their own holiday others, especially those who travel with us for the first time, like the reassurance of travelling with an escort which is why we have increased to five the number of Newcomers Cruises for 2009.â€
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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