How are bookings to the USA and how do they compare to, say, 2025?
Whilst this year initially got off to a slower start than 2025, we have been active with promotional campaigns/offers and working with our tour operator partners to ensure that we are in the marketing mix.
A motorhome trip always makes for a very attractive lead-in price and we have seen a further uplift from February onwards, now putting us ahead of 2025 in terms of overall booking numbers. We hope to continue to build on this momentum.
Whilst a lot of customers do tend to book early, and many consider January and February peaks, it is surprising how many bookings we are still receiving being booked closer to departure.
Tell us about your fleet of vehicles and recent upgrades to your fleet?
Our fleet across the U.S. and Canada consists of approximately 4,500 vehicles and we keep it simple by just offering four different models to suit a variety of travel needs
We are excited to introduce our newest model, the C18 ultra compact, which fits into an ordinary car parking space. Although small, it still has all you need for a comfortable trip.
The C18 will be available from July 1 at select U.S. locations, including Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Portland, New York East and Philadelphia.
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the guest experience, we have also placed a significant order of more than 1,000 new vehicles for 2026.
These units feature newly updated graphics with a modern, travel-inspired design, as well as a refresh to the interior units and colour scheme embracing a lighter, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, with brighter spaces, contemporary fabrics, streamlined fixtures and improved lighting. The result is a more open, comfortable, and inviting environment for travellers.
These upgrades reflect our continued focus on evolving the RV experience and delivering comfort, style, and reliability from the very first impression through to the final mile.
How does a travel agent distinguish between the different vehicle types, and how to match these to the right clients?
The key distinction between our four vehicle types is their size and passenger capacity, with options accommodating between one and seven travellers.
The C18 Ultra Compact RV, our newest and smallest model, combines the comfort of an RV with the flexibility of a campervan, including the ability to fit into standard parking spaces and offering easy handling.
It is ideal for first-time renters, couples and solo travellers. Its smart interior layout includes efficient storage, a compact kitchen, and a compact bathroom. As it operates without propane, an electrical hook-up at campgrounds is required for amenities such as the cooktop, hot water, and heating.
The C21 Compact Plus RV is the smallest model with a traditional cab-over bed design and can accommodate up to four travellers. It offers full amenities in a compact format, like European motorhomes, including a convertible dinette and a wet room cubicle with shower and toilet.
The C25 Standard RV is our most popular option, accommodating up to five travellers. Its wider North American design creates a spacious and comfortable living area, with a fixed rear bed, separate shower and generous storage. It is also a popular choice for couples travelling for longer as well as families who value some additional space and comfort.
The C30 Large RV extends the features of the C25 and accommodates up to seven travellers. It offers enhanced space, including a centrally positioned rear bed with walk-around access, a fully separated shower and a front sofa bed area. It is an excellent option for families or a small group seeking maximum comfort and room.
What are the advantages of taking an RV trip in the U.S. over, say, a regular self-drive rental?
An RV trip offers a unique and highly flexible way to explore North America, with the key advantage being the ability to travel with your own home on wheels. There is no need to pack and unpack at each stop, as your home base travels with you.
It also allows travellers to prepare their own meals (eat farm to table) and dine in some of the most scenic locations imaginable, enhancing the overall experience.
The flexibility to adapt your itinerary and travel at your own pace is another major benefit.
Staying in campgrounds within national and provincial parks enables visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature. Whether it’s enjoying an evening by the campfire or waking up to stunning landscapes and wildlife right outside your door, an RV trip offers an unparalleled connection to the outdoors.
Is it all about the open roads and the national parks or are RVs also suitable for negotiating the USA’s main cities?
RVs are often associated with open roads and national parks, but they are also very well suited to exploring the USA’s cities, thanks to the country’s strong RV culture and infrastructure.
With a bit of forward planning, travelling in urban areas can be straightforward. Many cities offer dedicated parking facilities for RVs for day visits, as well as well-equipped campgrounds and RV parks located nearby, often with convenient access to public transport or even shuttle services.
There are also some pleasantly surprising options: for example, centrally located RV parks such as the French Quarter RV Park in New Orleans, which is just a short walk from the heart of the city. For those who are comfortable driving larger vehicles, navigating certain city areas is entirely possible, provided local road regulations and restrictions are considered.
Talking of national parks, the USA’s have a reputation for booking up quickly. What’s your advice to clients on this?
National Parks are a key highlight for most RV travellers in the U.S. and their popularity means that campsites can fill up quickly, particularly during weekends, public holidays and the summer months. We always recommend booking as early as possible, ideally as soon as reservations open.
That said, limited availability within the parks themselves doesn’t mean a visit isn’t possible. There are numerous private campgrounds located just outside park entrances that provide excellent alternatives.
In addition, some campgrounds offer first-come, first-served sites, so arriving early in the day can improve your chances of securing a spot.
Availability also varies depending on the park and the season. The official reservation platform provides real-time visibility of campsite availability, so it’s worth checking regularly. For those travelling outside peak periods, greater flexibility often means pre-booking every stop may not be necessary.
Are there any specific road trips you recommend?
We offer a comprehensive Tourbook featuring more than 30 carefully designed itineraries across the U.S., complete with suggested daily driving distances and campground recommendations.
For first-time visitors, some of the most popular routes include “Attractions of the West,” “Utah’s Mighty Five,” and – timely for this year – “Route 66”, as interest grows around the road’s centennial. We are proud to be the official RV rental sponsor for the Route 66 centennial, which has further increased demand for this iconic journey.
These are sample itineraries to help with planning and to whet the appetite, and each itinerary can be tailored to suit individual preferences, ensuring clients get the most out of their RV experience.
The Tourbook is available as a downloadable PDF via RVcheckin.com
What kind of trade help – collateral, training, webinars, fams, etc – do you offer agents wanting to become experts in selling Cruise America’s USA RVs?
We offer a great range of collateral and tools to help travel agents become confident in selling our RV products.
This includes our dedicated training platform, cruiseamericaspecialist.com, as well as participation in the Brand USA Discovery Programme through partner specializations.
We regularly take part in webinars and host our own sessions, often promoted through platforms such as Hablo. In addition, we attend industry roadshows, including those organized by Visit USA UK.
Agents can access a variety of helpful resources via RVcheckin.com, and for those looking to experience the product firsthand, we also offer individual discounts on RV rentals.
Finally, do you have a favourite memory, experience or wow moment from an RV trip of your own in the USA you can share with us?
I have so many that it is hard to know where to start! But overall, a highlight is always staying in a national or state park where you immerse yourself in the beauty, serenity and nature of it all, getting closer to what you came to see.
Last year we stayed in Acadia National Park in Maine – it has no lodges, just campsites. The park closed late afternoon and, before it reopened in the morning, we were privileged enough to enjoy this vast park, with all its beauty, almost by ourselves.
We made a bowl of pasta, grabbed a bottle of wine and sat on the rocks, watching the waves crash and trees as far as the eye could see – and with not another person in sight. It was one of those magical moments that money can’t buy.
In the morning, it was a joy to get up early and run a section of the 27-mile park loop road. Again, there was not another person around, just me and the sheer magnificence of the park. Magical!
Trade offer:
Cruise America is running a 25% advance booking discount off the daily rental rate for the USA bookings for summer 2027 (departures from April 1 to October 31) for those signing up before November 30, 2026.
Tour operator:
The 13-night Cowboy Country itinerary, in a Cruise America C25 vehicle, is from £2165pp, based on departures in May 2027. The deal includes flights, unlimited mileage, tax, bedding, towels, cooking utensils and crockery. Starting and ending in Denver, the tour takes in Cheyenne, Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.
cruiseamerica.com; northamericatravelservice.com
