River Cruise Companies Target Destinations Show 
16.01.2014
River Cruise Companies Target Destinations Show
Several river-cruise lines will exhibit for the first time at the high-profile Destinations Travel & Holiday show in London next month.
The popularshow, presented by The Times and at London's Earls Court from February 6-9, will feature the debut of the likes of AmaWaterways and specialists Imagine Cruising.
It underlines once again that river-cruising is a fast-growing part of Britain's holiday-going profile, and the two companies will feature prominently alongside other notable tour operators and tourist boards from around the globe.
AmaWaterways: they will feature the 2014 launch of their two latest ships, and the debut of their Limited Editions shore excursion programme.
AmaSonata and AmaReina will be the eagerly-awaited sisters to the 164-passenger AmaPrima and AmaCerto, which made their debut to much acclaim last year. Both new vessels will feature twin balcony staterooms and suites, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations, complimentary fine wine and beer at lunch and dinner, multiple dining venues, a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness centre, free Internet and Infotainment in every stateroom and a fleet of bicycles for guests to borrow and enjoy. AmaSonata will travel the Danube and Rhine Rivers on seven itineraries, while AmaReina will be dedicated to the Enchanting Rhine seven-night itinerary.
Show prices from £1,849 for a seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise on AmaReina, departing November 9 (cruise-only).
Limited Edition Tours are a new collection of shore excursions with a specific focus. From culinary-themed tours exploring regional specialties to guided bike tours, these complimentary excursions are ideal for guests seeking an alternative to AMA's regularly scheduled guided city tour in each port of call.
Visit AmaWaterways at Stand CR10 at Destinations.
Imagine Cruising: the luxury holiday specialist has launched ‘Masterpiece’ holidays to give travellers the ultimate cruise-and-stay experience.
Tipped to be one of the biggest cruise trends for 2014, the popularity of cruise-and-stay holidays is growing exponentially as travellers look for variety and more in-depth destination experiences. Imagine Cruising aims to combine the lasting popularity of luxury cruising with iconic rail journeys and city stays to give guests exciting holidays that cannot be found anywhere else.
Almost sold out for 2014 and already on sale for 2015, Southern African holidays are proving the most popular, with river cruises Zambia and Zambezi Queen experiences selling fastest of all; fly-cruise Mediterranean itineraries, Orient Express and Far East holidays follow close behind.
Other itineraries include Orient Express journeys to Venice and Singapore, luxury cruises into the world’s most iconic ports, such as Cape Town and Sydney, and fantastic stays in bucket list destinations from Lake Garda to Bangkok. The Masterpiece holidays range from 11-30 nights in length and start from £999 per person.
Visit Imagine Cruising at Stand LA20 at Destinations.
Celebrating its 20th year in London, the Destinations show also features hundreds of other holiday ideas, with colourful booths, live entertainment and other eye-catching features to bring the event to life:
Meet the Experts Theatres will play host to various travel personalities, celebrities and experts like Simone Reeve, Michaela Strachan and Julia Bradbury, all offering advice and information in an intimate setting.
The MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) will allow show visitors to enjoy a free, personalised consultation with expert nurses on what vaccinations they'll need for their next journey.
The NEW No.1 Lounge Experience (E190), from No1Traveller.com, will offer complimentary spa treatments and refreshments. Plus, book in to one of their award-winning airport lounges at exclusive discounted prices.
Visitors can get a flavour for different cultures and countries at Taste the World where complimentary samples of world food and drink are available throughout the day. For delicacies including mopane worms, the Extreme Taste Zone is for you.
The World Entertainment Stage will see some vibrant acts bringing different cultures from around the world to life.
The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show is open from 10am-5.30pm each of the four days and costs £11 in advance (£13 on the door) for adults and is free for under 12s.
More info: to book, call 0871 230 7141, or visit www.destinationsshow.com/london.