Travel agents Mandy Semper and Adaline Nicholson were notably impressed by Cunard’s offerings after participating in the line’s familiarisation (fam) and ship visit programme.
The positive experiences from these initiatives have resulted in both agents booking their own cruises with Cunard, reflecting the programme’s impact on the agents’ booking decisions.
Cunard’s Fam Trip Influence
Mandy Semper, assistant manager at Lincolnshire Co-operative Travel, embarked on a four-night familiarisation trip aboard Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Anne, in August. The experience led her to book a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, set for May 2025, featuring celebrity chef Michel Roux.
“The atmosphere on Queen Anne was more laid-back and informal than expected,” shared Semper. She appreciated the diverse age range and remarked on the high-quality dining and lecture experiences, altering her perception of Cunard’s client base.
Confidence Inspired by Ship Visits
Adaline Nicholson, a travel manager at Travel Counsellors, was equally swayed after a visit aboard the Queen Mary 2 in Liverpool this September.
Nicholson booked a similar seven-night Norwegian Fjords voyage for April 2025, citing confidence in Cunard’s appeal to all age groups due to the ship’s timeless elegance.
“The visit reinforced my belief in Cunard’s adaptability and broadened my promotional approach,” she remarked.
Expanding Agent Engagement
Cunard has increased its agent engagement this year with two fam trips already completed and two more scheduled for October and November.
Planned additional events, including ten ship visits in 2024 across various UK locations, aim to reach over 250 travel agents and enhance sales. This initiative underscores Cunard’s commitment to deepening agent relationships.
Tom Mahoney, UK Sales Director at Cunard, emphasised the benefit of these immersive experiences in illustrating the breadth of cruise offerings.
Utilising the Shine Points Reward Scheme
Agents are encouraged to explore Cunard’s Shine points reward programme, allowing them to contribute towards cruise balances. This initiative has already seen positive uptake among industry professionals.
Jane Chadwick, a cruise specialist at GoCruise & Travel, expressed gratitude after using her Shine points to fully fund her upcoming Queen Victoria voyage, a celebration of her 20th wedding anniversary.
“This is precisely what Shine points were designed for,” Chadwick stated, adding personal delight at celebrating significant milestones on a Cunard cruise.
Feedback from the Travel Industry
Cunard’s strategic fam trips and ship visit programmes are reshaping perceptions within the travel industry, with agents showcasing heightened awareness of the brand’s diverse offerings.
Both Semper and Nicholson exemplify the programme’s effectiveness in converting participants into booking clients.
Their experiences have become vital feedback for Cunard, offering insights into how the company can continue to adapt and meet market demands effectively.
Sustaining Cruise Industry Growth
The wider cruise industry continues to leverage such programmes to sustain growth and enhance agent relations, with Cunard at the forefront.
These targeted initiatives are pivotal in equipping agents with firsthand knowledge, enabling them to better advocate Cunard’s varied cruise experiences to prospective holidaymakers.
By fostering stronger ties with travel agents, Cunard is not only fortifying its market presence but also ensuring the continued success and expansion of its services.
Looking Ahead with Cunard
As Cunard progresses with its ambitious agent engagement plans, the focus remains on expanding market reach and enhancing client experiences.
Continued investment in ship visits and incentive programmes is anticipated to yield significant long-term benefits, for both the company and its valued travel partners.
Cunard’s proactive approach in engaging travel agents through fam trips and ship visits is proving essential in influencing booking choices.
The success evidenced by agents like Mandy Semper and Adaline Nicholson highlights the direct benefits of these programmes and solidifies the value of Cunard’s strategic initiatives.
