CrosiEurope’s head of UK sales and marketing Gabrielle Alam tells us what she most loves about going on a cruise and what the operator has got coming up this year.
Could you explain a little about how you work with groups in your role?
Together with my colleagues in our dedicated, experienced groups’ team, I work closely with GTOs. By listening and understanding groups needs and expectations, I assist GTOs and group / coach tour operators, to find the best suitable cruise itineraries, product and land experiences.
What does CroisiEurope offer groups?
We offer welcome drinks on the first day and special seating arrangements in the restaurant. Furthermore, there are special group terms including generous booking conditions, free tour leaders according to group size and flexibility with single use cabins.
Tell us about some of the highlights coming up over the next year
We have new itineraries on our popular canal barges in France on the Oise canal, a new short cruise during the amazing annual light festival in Lyon has been launched, plus a new Dolce Vita cruise along the Italian coast including Tuscany, Sardinia, Elba and the Cinque Terre.
What advice would you give to a GTO planning a cruise for the first time?
Choose a cruise holiday of six to seven days, and select a tried and tested destination like the Seine, Rhine Valley or the Danube with spectacular scenery, culinary delights and cultural highlights that never fail to impress. During low and shoulder season you would find prices more attractive.
What’s your favourite thing about a cruise holiday?
There’s no need to pack and unpack each time you’re somewhere different. Our river cruise ships take you to the heart of European cities and you wake up every day in a different place. Our river cruises are all inclusive so you know that everything is taken care of. Optional excursions allow groups to tailor your cruise holiday and make them as relaxing, immersive or dynamic as you choose.
Where’s still on your bucket list to visit?
The Vltava and Elbe rivers. CroisiEurope launched these amazing cruises not long ago, and I have heard it’s very beautiful along these still lesser known rivers.
Gabrielle Alam is head of UK sales and marketing for CroisiEurope.
