A-ROSA has taken its European product and launched it in North America with changes geared for the new consumer, going all-inclusive and upping its cuisine and itineraries.
Three of A-ROSA’s 10 ships are now dedicated to the North American market and being managed by David Morris International (DMI).
“The first thing we did was to make our product completely all-inclusive because our experience in talking to agents and the consumer, was that they didn’t want to be nickled and dimed,” says Marilyn Conroy, executive v.p. of DMI. “They wanted to go on board and not have to worry about who is paying the check. And it also changes the whole style and onboard feeling of a ship because if you’re an all-inclusive product, it encourages people to have a drink at the bar before dinner so you get to know people easier.”
Gearing the product toward a younger clientele (ages 45 to 65), onboard atmosphere, ambiance and shore excursions became major components of the trips. Up to three shore excursions are also included per stop in the all-inclusive package, as well as a seated menu dinner, another major change in the product, Conroy adds, because they “believe Americans don’t like buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Conroy says the food is “above anything else you’ll find on a river cruise.”
New this year, A-ROSA is offering 7-night itineraries on the Rhine throughout June and July with reduced fares starting at $2,462 pp cruise-only. One of the new Rhine tours, Panoramic Adventures, goes from Amsterdam to Basel taking travelers to different towns, vineyards and ports along the way. Some of the stops include Cologne, Koblenz, Speyer, Strasbourg and Breisach. The all-inclusive rate starts at $4,470 pp and includes air, gratuities, taxes, fees, transfers, complimentary shore excursions, open bar all day and more. If travelers book before April 15, they can save up to $1,175 per couple as part of the inaugural season sale.
Agents can also earn with incentives such as FAM fares from $699; a $100 gift card per booking; and a “book 3 sail free” offer.
For more information, call (855) 55-AROSA or visit arosacruises.com or arosacruises.com/cruises/agents.html.
For read about our experience on A-ROSA, see the onboard review, A-ROSA Silva from Recommend’s January issue.
