Viking recently hosted eight Australian agents on an epic eight-day Rhine Getaway river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, which saw the group experience the popular Europe voyage firsthand, travelling through four countries and enjoying a range of shore excursions.
On board Viking Cruises Longships, agents were treated to destination-inspired cuisine as well as alfresco wine and cheese tastings on the Aquavit Terrace.
Maria, Fellows & Turner Travel Associates’ Lynette Maria was a first-time Viking cruiser and grateful to be travelling again.
“The experience really opened my eyes to the differences between river cruising and how Viking sits among the best of them,” she said.
The Aussie contingent travelled along the Rhine, visiting historic cities and medieval towns on a variety of authentic shore excursions with the Flavours of Alsace excursion in Strasbourg a distinct 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 Cruise Express agent Tina Wheelock.
Viking NSW, ACT and Tasmania commercial manager Ramon Drew and senior trade marketing executive Ethan Larkin hosted the group – among the first Aussie agents to sail with Viking since 2019 – and said the river cruise line was thrilled to host agents again.
Flight Centre Narellan’s Debbie Eyers said it was great to be back cruising after the last couple of years and the opportunity provided a valuable insight into travelling overseas post-COVID.
“Experiencing it firsthand 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.
Win one of 100 free Viking self-famils
Want to get on board? Travel agents still have the opportunity to win one of 100 free self-famils to experience a Viking Europe river cruise in 2022.
The first 100 agents 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 2022 Viking Europe river cruise.
To find out more, head to vikingcruises.com.au
