The event will be held from 27 Novemmber to 1 December onboard MS Riviera Radiance in Budapest, with 140 delgates signed up.

Hosted by Hays Travel’s Head of Cruise, Catriona Parsons, the conference theme is ‘Cruising into the future’.

Agents will learn about the latest ships and itineraries from suppliers, all while experiencing the ‘boutique hotel’ luxury of Riviera’s newest ship, as it sails up the Danube, stopping in Bratislava, Slovakia, before heading to Vienna for a panoramic tour, followed by free time in the Austrian capital.

“River is the biggest growth area in cruise, and it’s easy to understand why," said Parsons. "The ships are like luxurious boutique hotels, and their smaller size makes for a convivial atmosphere, with guests happily chatting to each other – often about the incredible views and multiple destinations they experience along the way.

"Being on the river means those on board can simply hop off and walk straight into the heart of a city or town; and of course, the dining on board is exceptional.

“Our people are now excellent at selling ocean cruise, so this conference is part of our strategy to promote river, luxury and expedition cruising. It’s an opportunity for agents to experience this style of cruise first hand, and leave equipped with all the inspiration and supplier info they need to sell river to their customers.”

Figures shared at Hays Travel’s overseas conference in Greece suggest that 290,000 customers took a river cruise in 2024 and a fifth of adults have expressed an interest in trying a river cruise over the next five years.

Delegates will hear from Riviera Travel, Hurtigruten. Azamara Cruises, Marella / Tui, Royal Caribbean International, Ambassador Cruise Line, Vista, Avalon Waterways, Celestyal Cruises and MSC Cruises.