CLIA River View Podcast CLIA

During CLIA's Showcase event in Porto CLIA's Andy Harmer talks with Lewis Quigley from Emerald & Scenic. Lewis took some time to talk with about his role, what separates the two brands of Scenic & Emerald Cruise plus his passion for working with agents and how important CLIA events for educating agents and allowing them to see the product for themselves.

Andy Harmer Managing Director at CLIA UK & Ireland talks to Avalon Waterways UK Sales Director Phil Shipman. Phil joined the cruise industry eight months ago, bringing decades of experience in the travel industry and tells Andy what it’s been like getting to know Avalon Waterways and learning about what river cruising has to offer. Having attended his first river conference earlier this year Phil also tells us why he found it such a useful event for the industry and also what sets Avalon Waterways apart and variations amongst the fleet. We also have an Avalon ship tour on cruising.org very soon! With a brand-new sales team launching including Ryan and Karen there’s lots of opportunities to speak to the team.

Andy Harmer talks with Paul Melinis (Managing Director UK & Europe) at APT Travel Group to hear about his journey into travel from a young age and how the path that took him to his current role. Paul shares how he introduced the “APT Difference” which first started as a term used internally to a signature above and beyond levels of service to becoming something guests refer to when posting their travel experiences on social media. As a big foodie and wine connoisseur Paul has a big part in driving how APT continue to elevate their dining offerings across the board from portions, healthiness, elevated wine options etc. Also listen up for what’s coming up in 2024 including their newest ship launching in the Douro.

Andy Harmer talks to first time river cruiser Tim Hames in this fascinating and slightly different episode we hear from Tim as someone who had until recently never been on a river cruise. Tune into hear what he expected vs what his actually experience onboard turned into.

Recorded during the Advantage Travel Partnerships special cruise conference in Paris onboard their stunning ship Joie de Vivre.

Andy Harmer sat down with Chris Townson (Managing Director, UK & Ireland) at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to hear more about what's new at the cruise line.

In this in-depth podcast Chris shares a wealth of knowledge and inspiring information for agents to learn about. Listen to learn more about long haul, European experiences as well as diving deep into the unique destination in Asia and India and even the Amazon experience which he likeness to an almost Water Safari experience rather than river cruising as guests get a truly destination-based experience whilst also retaining the luxury that Uniworld offers its guests.

Chris also updates us on some developments and expansions within the UK team and the importance in how they have changed the way they’ve communicate their product and how agent can do the same with their customers to improve sales opportunities.

Andy Harmer talks with Patrick Ell (Head of Marketing & Digital) at Viva Cruises who recently joined as CLIA's newest River Cruise Operator. Patrick goes in depth to explain what sets Viva Cruises apart and tells us about their impressive growth since launch and some of the trends they are seeing in the market and what's coming next.