Approach Tours takes its all-inclusive model to the water with new cruise portfolio | News
Leading senior Canadian tour operator Approach to guided tours has unveiled its highly anticipated new cruise portfolio, marking the company’s expansion into ocean expeditions and river cruises. The signature, radically all-inclusive small-group model is designed to meet the growing demand for more immersive and seamless travel experiences.
The new cruise collection builds on the operator’s award-winning land expertise, combining carefully curated cruise itineraries with integrated pre- and post-cruise land experiences. This hybrid structure creates a fully connected journey, combining the depth of land touring with the convenience of cruising, while streamlining the entire end-to-end customer journey.
Styled as ‘cruising reimagined’, the portfolio has consciously avoided traditional large ship formulas and instead focused on smaller groups, deeper involvement with destinations and full price transparency. All routes operate on a charter basis, giving the operator full control over the guest experience.
Approach Tours launches with three signature cruise itineraries through the Amazon and Ecuador, France and the Rhône, and Costa Rica and the Galápagos Islands. More global destinations will be introduced in the coming months, including multi-river journeys along the Rhine, Main and Danube, the Scottish Highlands and Antarctica. The tours will be sold directly to customers, following Approach Tours’ existing direct-to-consumer model.
The ‘Untamed Amazon and Equador’ cruise consists of a 7-day land tour exploring the natural beauty of Ecuador before cruising the Napo River in the Amazon jungle for 7 days. Travelers will spend longer in the Amazon than most products on the market. By choosing the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon, travelers sail through the most biodiverse region of the Amazon, an area that no other tour operator in Canada offers.
The ‘Savoury France & The Rhône’ cruise consists of a 7-day cruise along the Rhône, focusing on the best foodie experiences, and a pre- and post-tour in Lyon and Nice to keep travelers exploring and truly enjoying the region. Currently, no cruise line sailing on the Rhone offers a stay in Lyon and Nice with an itinerary designed to continue the experience of the cruise. By consciously traveling in one direction, this cruise ensures that travelers do not see the same sights on the return journey.
The ‘Costa Rica & Galápagos Islands’ cruise begins with 7 unforgettable days exploring the jungles, mountains and farms of Costa Rica before heading to the Galápagos Islands for 7 days. No company on the market offers a complete package that includes both Costa Rica and the Galápagos Islands in one adventure. These two destinations combined offer a chance to see more wildlife over two weeks than almost any other tour in the world.
The travel industry is a busy sector, but Approach Tours clearly stands out: the ‘radically comprehensive’ approach. Packages include international and domestic flights, transfers, excursions, meals and free-flowing alcoholic beverages, gratuities, port fees and onboard Wi-Fi, in addition to guaranteed land tour extensions.
Experiences are delivered in small groups of approximately 40 travelers, each supported by a dedicated ‘Group Guru’ and local expert team, ensuring a personal, personalized experience.
Approach Tours enhances the offering even further, offering a fully integrated door-to-door service, including private transfers and home-to-airport flights, creating a seamless journey from start to finish.
Commenting on the launch, Daniel Fequet, founder of Approach Tours, said:
“For too long, travelers have had to choose between convenience and meaningful experiences. Our new cruise portfolio brings these together – combining small groups, deeper access to destinations and a radical all-encompassing model that removes the friction from travel. We’ve also shaped these itineraries based on direct feedback from our customers about where they want to travel, so we’re excited to now bring these destinations to market.”
Bookings are now open for the Untamed Amazon and Equador, Savory France & The Rhône, and Costa Rica & Galápagos Islands cruises, set to launch in early 2027. For more information, visit www.approachtours.com
