Over the past six months, I’ve been on an incredible journey expanding my knowledge of river cruising after graduating from the CLIA River Cruise Academy – and what a journey it has been.
Throughout the programme, I’ve learned so much about the geography of the world’s great rivers and the different styles of river cruising available. From luxury sailings to more relaxed and culturally immersive experiences, it’s been fascinating to explore the variety of options available for clients looking to experience this unique style of travel.
Experiencing River Cruising First-Hand
One of the highlights of the academy was the opportunity to experience river cruising for myself. I spent four nights onboard the beautiful MS William Wordsworth, sailing along the stunning Danube River.
This firsthand experience gave me valuable insight into what a river cruise is really like — from the relaxed pace of travel to the immersive destinations and the exceptional service onboard. Being able to experience it personally means I can now confidently share authentic insights with my clients.
Continuing to Learn
Since that cruise, I’ve continued to build on my knowledge by attending specialist webinars and completing further training with a range of river cruise suppliers. This has allowed me to become a specialist across multiple river cruise brands, giving me the expertise to help clients choose the right cruise line, itinerary, and ship for them.
Sharing Knowledge with the Community
Another highlight during this time was partnering with Sarah Robson to deliver educational talks about river cruising at three local retirement villages.
These sessions were a wonderful opportunity to introduce people to the idea of river cruising, answer questions, and help them start planning their future river cruise adventures should they wish to take one.
The CLIA RiverView Conference in Amsterdam
I’ve also just returned from CLIA RiverView Conference in Amsterdam, which was a fantastic way to complete this stage of my river cruise journey.
During the conference, we heard from inspiring guest speakers representing many of the leading river cruise suppliers. Even more exciting was the opportunity to stay overnight on three incredible ships:
- Emerald Luna
- Riviera MS Geoffrey Chaucer
- Avalon View
Across the three days, I was able to tour nine different ships in total, giving me a fantastic overview of how each cruise line offers something unique — whether it’s design, onboard atmosphere, excursions, or dining experiences.
Why This Matters for My Clients
All of this training and experience means I’m better equipped than ever to help clients find the perfect river cruise. River cruising is such a special way to travel — unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way, and experiencing cultures in a more relaxed and intimate way.
If you’ve ever thought about trying a river cruise or would like to explore what options are available, I’d love to help guide you through the possibilities.
Your next unforgettable journey could start on the river.