A remarkable shift in perspective has occurred for Ben Knowles after his first encounter with the world of cruising. His recent journey aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has sparked a new interest in ocean travel.
Prior to this landmark trip, Knowles had little familiarity with the nuances of sea voyages. His firsthand experience with Cunard has provided a transformative view of cruise holidays, compelling him to consider a family trip with the esteemed line.
A First Encounter with the Seas
Ben Knowles, an established cruise consultant at ROL Cruise, embarked on his inaugural voyage aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth last month, undertaking a four-night expedition from Rome to Barcelona. His venture into the cruise world was shared with 17 other agents from 12 UK-based agencies. This experience marked an informative and engaging introduction to the maritime holiday arena that now captivates him.
Knowles expressed his enthusiasm about the voyage, noting the exceptional efforts of the staff and the fine dining options aboard the ship. “It was the small touches from the attentive and friendly staff, as well as the incredible dining experience throughout, that showed me how truly timeless this brand is,” he remarked.
Educational Opportunities Onboard
The entire fam trip allowed agents to delve deeper into cruise offerings through various educational activities. Agents participated in training workshops that honed their understanding of cruise operations and customer service. One of the highlights was an exclusive cocktail-making masterclass at the Commodore Club.
Moreover, each group had the opportunity to savour a meal in Queen Elizabeth’s esteemed Steakhouse at The Verandah, experiencing firsthand the culinary excellence that Cunard is renowned for. These engagements fostered a rich learning environment, providing agents with the tools necessary to advocate for the Cunard experience effectively.
Exploring Iconic Destinations
Beyond the confines of the vessel, the agents explored storied locales that are integral to the cruise itinerary. Knowles and his fellow agents enjoyed a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Pompeii during their stop at Naples, an experience that broadened their cultural horizons.
In a separate leg of the journey, the second group ventured through the mystical Caves of Drach in Majorca, marvelling at the natural wonders that complement the maritime adventure. These excursions enrich the cruising experience, adding dimension beyond the onboard luxuries.
Such land trips offer passengers a blend of cultural enrichment and leisure, further affirming the value of cruising as a comprehensive travel option.
Cunard’s Expanding Fam Trip Programme
This year signified a doubling of Cunard’s familiarisation trips, hosting agents on eight varied voyages compared to the previous year’s four. This expansive strategy underscores Cunard’s commitment to empowering its travel partners through direct exposure to their services and ships.
The highlighted Queen Elizabeth voyage was just one component of this broadened programme, showcasing Cunard’s intent to fortify relationships within the industry.
Upcoming Voyages and Future Prospects
The next bout of educational voyages will commence in December with a five-night excursion on the Queen Victoria, navigating from Southampton to ports including Rotterdam, Bruges, and Le Havre.
Looking forward, 2024 promises to be an even more engaging year for Cunard’s travel partners, with plans to welcome up to 500 agents aboard the new Queen Anne in its inaugural month. This initiative is poised to strengthen bonds and enhance the agents’ capability to promote Cunard’s offerings.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his inaugural cruise, Knowles anticipates planning a Cunard holiday for his family next year. “This educational trip has been fantastic for my knowledge,” he shared, highlighting the potential to leverage this experience in his professional pursuits.
The immersive exposure to the cruise lifestyle has inspired Knowles to consider broader horizons, both in personal travel and in professional avenues as a representative of Cunard’s esteemed brand.
Final Thoughts
Knowles suggests that a voyage with Cunard offers an unforgettable experience characterized by timelessness and first-class service. The commitment to excellence underscores why agents and travellers alike are drawn to Cunard’s prestigious sailings.
As Knowles prepares for future travels with Cunard, his reflections emphasize the allure and elegance of cruising. His experiences underline the potential for similar journeys to captivate both new and seasoned travellers.
The unforgettable encounters and learning opportunities afforded by Cunard’s programmes have left a lasting impression, making them a preferred choice for many agents seeking to expand their knowledge and network.
