United Waterways White Label Cruises: Individual solutions for tour operators
Tour operators and travel agencies benefit from tailor-made river cruises without having to own or operate their own fleet. United Waterways acts as a white label operator and provides cruise ships that are operated under the brand of the respective provider. Guests experience high-quality travel while the travel agency or operator retains full control over branding and the customer relationship.
White label: operating cruises without your own fleet
The United Waterways concept enables companies to offer cruises without having to invest in ship operations themselves. Tour operators, hotel brands and other providers can charter ships that are operated with their own branding. The complete operational management - from crew and route planning to on-board logistics - is in the hands of United Waterways, while the travel company's brand remains the focus for guests.
Direct customer contact remains with the travel agency or tour operator, so that travelers benefit from a consistent brand experience. This model offers maximum flexibility and reduces the risks and costs associated with operating a cruise fleet in-house. Hotel brands in particular are increasingly using river cruises as an extension of their portfolio to offer guests a combination of first-class service and an exclusive travel experience.
International markets and target groups
The river cruise industry serves a diverse audience with different expectations and travel preferences. Around half of passengers come from Europe, particularly from German-speaking countries. The other half is largely made up of travelers from North America, with a growing proportion from Asia.
The age of travelers varies depending on the region of origin: while Asian cruise passengers are often under 50 years old, the average age in North America is 60 to 65 years. German river cruise passengers are predominantly in the 50 to 70 age group. This diversity shows that river cruises appeal to both younger and older travelers - whether as a luxurious adventure trip or a relaxed cultural vacation.
The special features of the river cruise
River cruises offer an attractive alternative to the classic ocean cruise. The ships are smaller, more personal and allow guests to experience the destinations up close. The United Waterways fleet comprises modern ships with a capacity of 120 to 180 guests, which offer the standard of upscale hotels.
Travelers stay in comfortable cabins and enjoy amenities such as restaurants, bars, spas and entertainment. The routes run along major waterways such as the Rhine and Danube, with connections from Amsterdam to Basel or Budapest and on to the Black Sea. Thanks to the manageable size of the ships, guests benefit from a relaxed atmosphere and short travel times on board.
Exclusive experiences and tailor-made offers
Modern river cruise ships are increasingly focusing on individuality and exclusivity. The gastronomic offerings range from international specialty restaurants to gourmet experiences with renowned top chefs. In addition, individually designed shore excursions ensure unforgettable experiences.
One major difference to ocean cruises is the size of the tour groups. While classic cruises often offer large excursions, river cruises focus on small, exclusive groups. Guests experience guided tours with a maximum of ten people that focus on topics such as wine tastings, cultural city tours or regional specialties. This type of cruise is aimed at discerning travellers who value a private atmosphere, personalized offers and first-class service. With tailor-made concepts, tour operators can cater specifically to the wishes of their customers and offer a unique cruise experience.
