Going down the river

Viking River Cruises, known as the world’s largest river cruise line, reported that January was its strongest month ever with travel agent bookings also doubling over the same time last year. Figures show: —Travel agent bookings in January were up 116% from the same time last year. —Overall sales increased 65% in that month. —FIT passengers booked 72% more in January 2004 than the prior year. —January was the busiest month in company history, with 15% more new bookings than in the previous record month, October of 2003. Viking River Cruise officials attributed the increases to the usual booking rush during wave season, but also to the overall improved strength of the travel market and increased awareness of river cruising. For travel agents, Viking says it remains attractive because it is one of the few cruise lines to not only offer commissions on the cruise portion of all itineraries, but also to give 12% commissions on all land and air packages booked in conjunction with Cruisetour packages. Report by David Wilkening