AmaWaterways’ co-founder says travel agents have “a great chance” to make more higher-value bookings as customers are increasingly willing to be flexible and book top cabin grades.

Kristin Karst told a Travel Weekly webcast the luxury river line’s passengers were currently booking “from the top down” because they had saved money during the pandemic.

She said: “We live for today because we know what’s happened and we don’t know what’s coming tomorrow.

“The customers are spending much more on their accommodation, they can afford more luxury.”

Karst, who is also the line’s executive vice-president, added: “This is a great chance for our travel advisors because people have become so much more flexible.”

She said there was an opportunity to book extensions through Airbnb for clients who were going on a cruise.

Although she admitted there was “a lot” for the trade to do, she added there were “great opportunities” available.

Karst estimated “four out of five” passengers she speaks to on AmaWaterways’ ships had booked through an agent and some had even been switch-sold to the line from another river operator.

“It’s our job and our responsibility to make the travel advisor look good,” she said. “They’re our heroes. They have told us that we truly listen to them.”

She added the line launched offers, such as the recently-announced More To Love sale, to demonstrate its appreciation for agents.

As part of the More To Love sale, prices for a seven-night cruise, round-trip flights, transfers, and the line’s travel protection plan start from £3,299.

“Everything is conveniently bundled, attractively priced and, of course, offering the convenience of having one trusted supplier taking care of all the arrangements,” she said.

Agents who make five bookings using the offer will earn a free seven-night cruise. Those who book 10 will earn a free cruise on the line’s double-width AmaMagna ship.