Joni Rein, most recently head of Scenic Group USA and a veteran of Carnival Cruise Line, Costa and Renaissance Cruises, will spearhead the North American launch under an agreement with VIVA to include the development of strategic travel trade partnerships in what is the largest global consumer market for river cruises.
‘Incredible’ value
‘VIVA Cruises offers the North American market something that no other brand currently delivers to the travel trade today. They offer an incredible value with per diems starting at approximately $100 per person/per day, an all-inclusive on-board experience and, most importantly, a consistent high-touch on-board service delivery,’ Rein said.
‘We’re thrilled to partner with Joni on what will undoubtedly be a very successful sales launch in North America. Joni is a well-respected industry veteran and her knowledge of the market and how our brand best aligns to the North American river cruiser will undoubtedly accelerate our market share,’ said Andrea Kruse, president of VIVA Cruises.
VIVA vessels sail the Seine, Rhine, Main, Danube, Vltava, Elbe, Moselle and Rhone rivers and the Black Sea.
Four-star-plus, inclusive product
The fleet provides four-star-plus accommodations, free-flowing premium beverages including select wines, spirits, aperitifs, soft drinks, coffee, water, teas and juices; a fully stocked in-stateroom minibar including beer, water and soft drinks; and shipboard gratuities (effective March 1, 2020).
With a long-established high-quality reputation, VIVA has a strong international client base with English-speaking staff and shore experiences.
North American website, toll-free number
VIVA’s North American website has launched along with toll-free (1-866-359-0140) sales support for the travel trade. In addition, travel advisors have the option of booking their clients online.
Rein said a series of webinars and familiarization trips for the travel trade will be announced in late October.
Privately owned and operated, Scylla has been involved in river cruising since 1973. Today the company fields 34 Swiss-flagged, wholly owned and self-managed vessels. Scylla’s global corporate headquarters are located in Dusseldorf, Germany.
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