Toni & Gemma at the CLIA Riverview Conference (7th–11th March)

What an incredible few days we had at this year’s CLIA Riverview Conference! From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in for a packed (and very enjoyable) schedule. Between the two of us, we experienced everything from insightful talks and exclusive ship tours to fantastic food, entertainment, and plenty of laughs along the way.

7th March – Kicking Things Off in Style

We started our trip by attending the Riviera Travel Agent Committee Meeting, which gave us a really useful overview of what’s happening in the river cruise world right now. It was great to hear updates, share ideas, and connect with others in the industry, on board the stunning MS Geoffrey Chaucer.
The meeting was followed with their VIP Gala Dinner! We were treated to a glass of fizz and canapés pre dinner and then made our way to the dining room and what a wonderful setting – great food, a brilliant atmosphere, and a chance to catch up with familiar faces as well as meet some new ones. A perfect way to start the conference!

8th March – Learning and a Little Motown Magic!

Day two brought one of the most interesting talks of the trip, focusing on Nile cruises and long-haul river cruising. It’s such an exciting and growing area of travel, and we both came away feeling inspired and full of ideas.
In the evening, we headed over to the TUI Maya, where we were treated to a fantastic night onboard. After dinner, the entertainment really stole the show—a lively Motown performance that had everyone smiling (and a few people singing along too!). It was such a fun and relaxed evening, and definitely one we’ll remember.

9th March – Ships, Surprises, and So Much to See

We were up bright and early for one of the busiest (and best!) days of the trip—ship tour day. First up was the Viva Enjoy, followed by an Emerald Luna, both offering a great look at different styles and onboard experiences.
One of the absolute highlights of the entire conference was getting an exclusive sneak peek at Uniworld’s brand-new ship, the S.S. Emilie. Inspired by Gustav Klimt’s famous portrait of his wife, the design is truly something special—elegant, artistic, and completely unique. It felt like a real privilege to see it before it officially launches.
We then enjoyed a fantastic guided tour and lunch onboard the Riverside Debussy. The food was excellent, and it was a great opportunity to experience the ship properly rather than just a quick walk-through.
Later in the day, we attended CLIA’s business sessions, which were both informative and unexpectedly entertaining—especially when Susan Calman made a surprise appearance! It definitely added a fun twist to the afternoon and kept everyone engaged.
That evening, we checked into the AmaSerena, where we were both genuinely impressed by our cabins. Toni was treated to a Suite on the top deck and Gemma had a beautiful twin balcony on the middle deck, and both rooms were absolutely beautiful—spacious, comfortable, and perfect for relaxing after such a busy day. Toni was even lucky enough to have a bathroom with double sinks and a bath!

 

 

Final Highlights & A Fantastic Farewell

As the conference came to a close, we squeezed in a few more ship tours—making the most of every last moment. It’s safe to say we left feeling incredibly well-informed and inspired by everything we’d seen.
But the fun didn’t stop there! We were lucky enough to enjoy a bonus night onboard the Avalon View, which turned out to be the perfect ending to an already amazing trip. The evening featured an 80s-themed black and neon party—think bright colours, great music, and lots of laughter. It was such a fun, relaxed way to celebrate the end of the conference and unwind after a busy few days.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the CLIA Riverview Conference was an unforgettable experience. From the insightful sessions and stunning ships to the brilliant entertainment and friendly atmosphere, it had a bit of everything.
For both of us, it was not only a fantastic opportunity to learn more about river cruising but also a chance to build connections, gather new ideas, and, most importantly, have a great time doing it.
We’ve come back feeling inspired, excited, and ready to share everything we’ve learned with our clients at Art of Travel.