Van Loon Cruises Debuts in North America After European Success

Van Loon Cruises: Redefining River Travel

Emerging from the Netherlands’ rich maritime heritage, Van Loon Cruises is making a splash in the European river cruise market. This family-owned venture,established just last year,is now setting its sights on North America,offering a modern and innovative take on the traditional river cruise experience.

A New Era in River Cruising

At the heart of Van Loon Cruises’ appeal lies its distinctive flagship, “The Gentleman,” a 172-passenger vessel that debuted on the Rhine and Moselle rivers in 2024. “it’s different from others. It’s a modern ship,” says Jasmijn van Loon, Sales and Marketing Vice President and part of the company’s senior management team alongside her father, Arjan.

Unlike the traditional river cruise ships, “The gentleman” sports a contemporary design inspired by hotel chic rather than classic nautical themes. Warm colors, handcrafted details, and sleek lines create a sophisticated ambiance. The eight large suites adorn themselves in beige, orange, and coral accents, while public areas blend stone and wood, offering an elegant and welcoming atmosphere.

“The interior is hotel chic—warm colors,” explains Jasmijn van Loon. “It’s not the ship you think about when you think of the gray image of river cruising. It’s a very modern ship, with the cleanest diesel engines.”

Beyond Luxury: A Focus on Experience

Van Loon Cruises goes beyond simply offering luxurious accommodations. The company emphasizes crafting unique and personalized experiences for its guests. “we want to make sure that our guests feel like they are on a journey, not just a vacation,” says Jasmijn van Loon.

This commitment to personalized travel is evident in their curated itineraries,which often feature off-the-beaten-path destinations and unique activities. Alex Reeds can enjoy everything from wine tastings at local vineyards to private concerts in historical castles, creating memories that extend far beyond the cruise itself.

Sailing Towards the Future

Van Loon Cruises is dedicated to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. “We believe that we can have a positive impact on the environment while providing our guests with unforgettable experiences,” says Jasmijn van Loon. The company uses modern technology to minimize its environmental footprint, from energy-efficient engines to waste reduction programs.

Looking ahead, Van Loon Cruises is poised to redefine river travel. Their innovative approach, combined with a commitment to sustainability and personalized experiences, holds the promise of a new era in river cruising.

Ready to embark on a modern river cruise adventure? Visit Van Loon Cruises to explore their itineraries and discover the future of river travel.

>

Van Loon cruises: Redefining river Travel for Groups

Van Loon Cruises, a new player in the river cruise industry, is disrupting the market by focusing exclusively on group travel and customizable itineraries. Monique van Loon,co-owner,emphasizes,“Our ships are not for individual travelers. We work exclusively with tour operators.” This direct approach allows for personalized experiences and efficient communication.

The company’s origins lie in Van Loon Shipping, a Dutch family business with decades of experience in maritime logistics. this background has undoubtedly shaped Van Loon Cruises’ commitment to smooth operations and a seamless passenger experience. “We have direct communication and rapid decision-making,” explains van Loon. “You see a few players in the river cruise industry which…”

This family-oriented approach extends to their dedication to adaptability. They collaborate closely with tour operators to design itineraries that cater to specific interests.For instance, during the summer, they crafted a Holland-Belgium itinerary centered around a concert featuring world-renowned Dutch violinist Andre Rieu. The company’s vessel, The Gentleman, was strategically docked less than half a mile from the concert venue in Maastricht, Netherlands, providing guests with unparalleled convenience.

Van Loon Cruises launched in the US market last year, actively engaging with industry professionals at events like ASTA River Cruise Week and the USTOA conference in Marco Island, Florida. These efforts have already borne fruit. Collette, a respected tour operator, has already booked a Dutch tulip cruise with Van Loon Cruises for April. This positive momentum signals a promising future for the company as they continue to expand their presence.

The rise of Van Loon Cruises highlights a growing trend in the travel industry: the demand for personalized experiences. By focusing on group travel and customized itineraries,Van Loon Cruises is catering to this desire,offering a unique and enriching travel experience for groups of all types.

A River Cruise Revolution: An Exclusive Interview with Monique van Loon of Van Loon Cruises

Diverging from the Conventional: Exclusively for Group Travel

Van Loon Cruises distinguishes itself in the crowded river cruise market by focusing exclusively on group travel experiences. “We cater exclusively to the group travel market,” explains Monique van Loon, co-owner of Van Loon Cruises.”We work directly with tour operators, offering tailored itineraries and personalized experiences.When clients are talking to us, they’re talking directly to the owners.”

This personalized approach allows Van Loon Cruises to create unique itineraries that cater to the specific interests and desires of each group.

Embracing Sustainability: A Competitive Advantage in European Waters

Beyond custom itineraries, Van Loon Cruises prioritizes sustainability, a factor increasingly important to discerning travelers. The company’s flagship vessel, The Gentleman, holds a prestigious gold-level Green Award from the Green Award Foundation. This certification, based on stringent criteria regarding emission control and other environmental practices, grants the Gentleman access to central docking locations in popular European cities.

“If you don’t have the green Award, you can only go to the industrial ports, and your outside of the center,” van Loon explains, highlighting the competitive advantage this certification provides. She further emphasizes the challenges of securing prime docking spots in highly sought-after locations: “The industry is growing and all the companies are building new ships, but there are not extra dockings.There’s a huge lack of dockings, so it’s always a big thing to arrange it on time.”

A New Wave in River Cruising

Van Loon Cruises demonstrates that success in the river cruise market goes beyond luxurious accommodations and traditional routes. it’s about forging strong partnerships, creating unique experiences, and prioritizing environmental responsibility. As the demand for river cruises continues to rise, Van Loon Cruises is poised to redefine what it means to sail the European waterways.

Creating unforgettable River Experiences with Van Loon Cruises

Personalized Itineraries: Beyond the Ordinary

Van Loon Cruises distinguishes itself by crafting personalized itineraries that cater to specific interests and desires. Rather than offering generic routes, they collaborate with tour operators and passengers to design unique journeys that create lasting memories. “Last summer, we designed a Holland-Belgium itinerary centered around an open-air concert in Maastricht, Netherlands, by renowned Dutch violinist Andre Rieu,” explains van Loon.”Our ship, ‘The Gentleman’, docked less than half a mile from the concert venue, providing passengers with unparalleled convenience and access to this unique event. This is just one example of how we collaborate with tour operators to create truly memorable experiences.”

Strategic Partnerships: Expanding Horizons

Van Loon Cruises has forged strong partnerships with leading tour operators like Collette and Transcend. These collaborations not only expand their reach but also introduce their unique experiences to a broader audience. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with prominent tour operators like Collette and Transcend,” van Loon shares. “Collette will be joining us for a Dutch tulip cruise in April, and Transcend is chartering ‘The Gentleman’ for several of their cruises. These collaborations are instrumental in expanding our reach and showcasing the unique value proposition of Van Loon Cruises.”

A Commitment to Sustainability

Recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility, Van Loon Cruises has implemented sustainable practices throughout its operations. ” ‘The Gentleman’ holds a gold-level Green Award from the Green Award foundation,” van Loon proudly states. “This prestigious certification reflects our commitment to reducing emissions and minimizing our environmental impact. It also allows us to dock in the heart of Amsterdam, a critically important advantage given the limited docking spaces available on the European rivers.”

The Future: Personalized, Sustainable, and unforgettable

The future of river cruising lies in creating personalized, sustainable, and unforgettable experiences. Van Loon Cruises is well-positioned to lead the way, combining intimate ship sizes with thoughtfully curated itineraries. Their commitment to environmental responsibility ensures that their passengers can enjoy the beauty of the waterways while minimizing their impact on the planet. By embracing innovation and prioritizing guest satisfaction, Van Loon Cruises is setting a new standard for luxury river cruising.

Please provide me with the article content so I can rewrite it according to your instructions and deliver the HTML formatted output.

What trends do you see shaping the future of river cruising?

Unveiling River Cruise Innovation: A Conversation with Monique van Loon,CEO of Van Loon Cruises

We cater exclusively to the group travel market.

We work directly with tour operators, offering tailored itineraries and personalized experiences. When clients are talking to us, they’re talking directly to the owners.

Diving into Exclusive Group Experiences

Monique van Loon,CEO of Van Loon Cruises,emphasizes the company’s commitment to personalized group travel.

Q: Monique, what sets van Loon Cruises apart in the competitive river cruise market?

Monique van Loon: “Van Loon Cruises distinguishes itself by focusing solely on curated group experiences. We partner directly with tour operators to design bespoke itineraries that cater to the specific interests and desires of each group. This personalized approach allows us to create truly unique journeys that go beyond the conventional river cruise experience.”

Beyond Luxury: Embracing Sustainability in Navigation

Q: How does Van Loon Cruises prioritize sustainability in its operations?

Monique van Loon: “Sustainability is at the heart of our company ethos. Our flagship vessel ‘The Gentleman’ holds a prestigious gold-level Green Award from the Green Award foundation. This certification reflects our commitment to reducing emissions and minimizing our environmental impact. It also grants us priority access to prime docking locations, which is a meaningful advantage in waterways with limited space. For us, sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a core value that shapes every aspect of our operations.”

Charting a Course for the Future

Q: What trends do you see shaping the future of river cruising?

Monique van Loon: “The future of river cruising lies in offering personalized, enduring, and unforgettable experiences. Passengers are seeking unique itineraries,deeper cultural immersions,and a minimal environmental footprint. At Van Loon Cruises, we’re committed to leading the way by combining intimate ship sizes with thoughtfully curated itineraries and prioritizing environmental obligation.”