Tui Danube low-water coach swaps spark refund disputes
Low water on the Danube forced Tui Isla's Sept 14 and 21 sailings onto coach-heavy itineraries, and passengers say no refund was offered. The BBC reports some are now threatening small claims action. CP24 and CTV also ran a consumer segment on what to do when water levels affect a river cruise.
For advisors, the practical issue is client expectations on shoulder-season Danube departures. Check each supplier's low-water terms before booking. Set out in writing that itineraries can change to coach segments, and what compensation, if any, applies. Clients who have seen the coverage may ask about this before you raise it.
Riviera Travel's Riv Rewards adds points on top of commission
Riviera Travel has launched Riv Rewards, a loyalty scheme for agents. Agents earn 1 point per £1 of commissionable revenue, on top of normal commission, for bookings made after Oct 1. Tiers run from Blue to Platinum and unlock fams, a free river cruise for two and christening invitations.
Entry requires 'Passionista' training status. Agents who want to benefit should complete Riviera's river cruise or tours training now, so that bookings made since Oct 1 count toward a tier.
2028 early access opens at Scenic and Emerald, with a new Passau–Belgrade route
Scenic and Emerald have opened early access to 2028 river and land journeys. Super Earlybird pricing is available to advisors ahead of general release, so suites and early pricing can be locked in for clients before the public launch.
Scenic's South of France cruise has been redesigned with more overnights. Loire, Brittany, Riviera and Munich extensions are new. Emerald adds a Passau–Belgrade itinerary on the lower Danube.
AmaWaterways and Smithsonian release 2028 collection; River of Rewards returns
Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways have released a 2028 river collection of 50 departures on 15 itineraries. It includes new Holland/Belgium and Rhine/Moselle sailings. This gives advisors a new product for affinity and educational-travel clients.
AmaWaterways has also confirmed that its River of Rewards advisor incentive returns in 2027. The source gives few details, so check the terms with your AmaWaterways representative before building it into your sales plans.