Cunard is taking a strategic step forward by organising four familiarisation trips this year. The objective is clear: foster better relationships with trade partners.
By inviting agents to experience their ships first-hand, Cunard aims to provide invaluable insights into their offerings, strengthening bonds with agents.
Unprecedented Commitment to Trade Partners
In an industry-first initiative, Cunard has announced its plan to host four familiarisation trips this year, offering a unique opportunity for trade partners to engage directly with the Cunard experience. These four-night voyages, departing from Southampton, are scheduled from August to November, reinforcing Cunard’s strategy to build stronger relationships with its partners. Each trip will host 20 trade partners, marking a significant investment in nurturing these critical industry relationships.
Cunard UK sales director, Tom Mahoney, highlighted the importance of these trips in providing ‘invaluable insights’ into the Cunard experience. He stated, “We appreciate how important it is for agents to get on board, and with this announcement and our comprehensive ship visit programme, we want to demonstrate an unprecedented commitment to our trade partners.” Such investment not only showcases Cunard’s dedication but also underlines the importance of direct engagement between brands and agents in the competitive cruise industry.
Details of the Fam Trips
The itinerary includes a series of meticulously planned excursions. Beginning with the Queen Anne’s departure to Rotterdam on August 28, each trip promises an enriching experience. The September trip on Queen Mary 2, visiting Zeebrugge, is exclusive and invite-only, further emphasising the premium nature of these voyages.
In October, Queen Mary 2 will set sail again, this time to Hamburg, offering yet another chance for agents to experience Cunard’s renowned service and elegance. The final trip in November on Queen Victoria to Amsterdam caps the year’s programme, providing a comprehensive overview of Cunard’s offerings.
Onboard Experiences
Agents will enjoy accommodation in Balcony staterooms or Princess Grill Suites, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience. These accommodations are designed to give agents firsthand insight into the high standards of service that passengers can expect from Cunard.
Moreover, each trip includes a range of activities. A key highlight is the speciality dining experience, which showcases the culinary excellence that Cunard is known for. This is complemented by drinks receptions where networking and knowledge sharing are encouraged among agents and Cunard representatives.
Training sessions form a vital component of these trips, ensuring that agents leave with enhanced knowledge and the ability to effectively promote Cunard cruises to their clients. Additionally, shore excursions provide agents with broader insights into potential itineraries, further enriching their understanding of the brand offering.
Supporting Services and Facilities
Cunard is going to great lengths to ensure agents have everything they need during their stay. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available, allowing agents to stay connected and share their experiences in real-time. This connectivity is crucial in today’s digital age, where immediate sharing of experiences can enhance a brand’s visibility and appeal.
Additionally, hotel and dining service charges will be covered during these trips, allowing agents to focus entirely on the experience without worrying about additional costs. Such comprehensive support illustrates Cunard’s dedication to making these trips as beneficial as possible for participating agents.
Enhanced Access via Shine Rewards Club
Registration for participation is streamlined through the Shine Rewards Club, making the process hassle-free for interested agents. This platform not only facilitates registration but also serves as a point of engagement between Cunard and its trade partners.
The exclusivity of the September 11th trip aboard Queen Mary 2, which is by invitation only, further amplifies the prestige associated with these voyages. This selective access ensures that participants are highly motivated and committed, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the programme.
Such engagement strategies reflect Cunard’s understanding of the need for a seamless interface for partner interaction. It underscores the importance of creating a network where both parties can benefit and thrive.
Broader Participation and Engagement
Beyond the four familiarisation trips, Cunard has confirmed nine additional ship visits, welcoming over 400 agents for Queen Anne’s operational test and another 185 agents at the Clia conference in May. This extensive engagement strategy highlights Cunard’s commitment to broadening its reach and influence within the industry.
Through these interactions, agents gain comprehensive exposure to Cunard’s fleet, services, and innovations, equipping them with the insights needed to effectively engage with potential customers. Such efforts are crucial in today’s competitive market where informed agents can significantly influence customer decisions.
This strategy not only boosts agent knowledge but also creates ambassadors for the Cunard brand, who can effectively communicate and promote the unique experiences offered by its cruise ships.
The Significance of Fam Trips in the Travel Industry
Fam trips, or familiarisation trips, play a crucial role in the travel industry by bridging the gap between service providers and travel agents. These experiences allow agents to gain firsthand insight into the products they are expected to promote, enhancing their ability to provide genuine recommendations to clients.
Cunard’s strategic initiative of hosting four fam trips signifies its strong commitment to trade partners. Such efforts are pivotal in enhancing brand loyalty and awareness.
By engaging directly with agents, Cunard reinforces its position as a leader in the cruise industry, dedicated to nurturing and empowering its trade relationships.
