CLIA Riverview Conference 2025: First-Hand River Cruise Discoveries in Budapest
11/08/2025
CLIA Riverview Conference 2025
Back in March, Budapest played host to the highly-anticipated CLIA Riverview Conference 2025 – a gathering that brought the river cruise industry to life for travel professionals from across the UK.
Among those lucky enough to attend was Lauren from the Hays Travel Social Media Team; who returned brimming with inspiration and fresh insights into the world of river cruising...
Lauren described the experience as eye-opening; admitting she had no idea just how unique each river cruise line could be. From ship design and entertainment to onboard service and culinary finesse; each brand offered a distinctive flavour of river cruising.
Her personal highlight? TUI Skyla - a sleek and modern ship that impressed her with its silent disco under the stars and the warmest touch of all: a face-to-face thank-you from the Head Chef after dinner. It was this attention to detail and hospitality that truly stood out; showing how river cruising creates not just holidays, but deeply personal experiences.
Lauren wasn’t the only one who found the conference transformational. Three other Hays Travel colleagues also shared their experiences - and each offered a unique perspective:
Madeleine Channel – Regional Sales Manager, Tyneside & Northumberland
For Madeleine, the conference completely changed her perception of river cruising. Previously seen as niche or suited to a narrow demographic; she now believes it’s a holiday style for absolutely anyone.
She was especially impressed by Scenic Opal: She stayed in a fabulous suite and admired the luxurious on-board self-therapy rooms.
What she loved most about the conference: Seeing the product first-hand; stepping aboard various ships to explore their differences; engaging business presentations that broadened her industry knowledge; and networking with colleagues and cruise professionals.
What surprised her most: The diverse age range of the guests river cruising now attracts - proof that the market is evolving and more inclusive than ever!
Atlanta Glanfield – Branch Manager - Hays Travel Plympton
Atlanta echoed a sentiment shared by many: if you love city breaks, you’ll love river cruising!
She was amazed by: the range of destinations and the level of luxury onboard.
What were Atlanta's highlights? TUI Skyla for her spacious cabins, French balconies, and high-quality food - a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Her three favourite parts of the conference were: Meeting colleagues from across the business and others in the travel industry; experiencing the river cruise product first-hand; and learning how diverse and exciting this corner of travel can be.
Tina Tuckwell – Hays Travel Personal Travel Consultant
Tina came into the conference already familiar with ocean cruising - but river cruising offered something new. She saw a strong appeal for those who love city breaks; as river cruises visit multiple destinations in one trip, often docking right in the heart of iconic towns and cities.
Her standout experience? Onboard Scenic Opal, praising: the butler service, the exceptional friendliness of the staff; and, of course, the unforgettable food (which she jokingly credits for expanding her dress size!).
What resonated most? For Tina this was seeing such a broad range of ships – from Riviera Travel and AmaWaterways to TUI - and understanding that there’s truly a perfect river cruise for everyone. The key, she noted, is matching the right ship with the right traveller!
A Glimpse Into the Future of River Cruising
The CLIA Riverview Conference 2025 wasn’t just a showcase of ships – it was an education, a networking hub, and a spark of inspiration. For the Hays Travel team; it was a reminder of how innovative, luxurious, and inclusive river cruising has become.
Whether it’s a silent disco under the stars, gourmet dining with personal touches, or waking up to a new city skyline each day; river cruising offers something truly special.
And after Budapest, the team is more excited than ever to share it with their customers.
Discover your perfect River Cruise today with Hays Travel!