In a bid to strengthen ties with the travel trade, cruise lines are significantly increasing the number of ship visits available for travel agents this year. These visits offer agents a chance to better understand the onboard experience and services.
Cruise lines are set to drastically increase the number of ship visits for travel agents this year. Holland America Line is leading this initiative with plans to offer eight ship visits compared to last year’s schedule, providing 430 slots for agents, marking a significant 23% increase from the previous year. These tours are designed to provide agents with in-depth knowledge about the cruise experience, helping them to better serve their clients.
Princess Cruises is another major player enhancing its offerings for travel agents. In addition to increased ship visits, the cruise line is reintroducing ‘family days’ where agents can bring their families aboard. According to Hayley Moore, UK and Europe sales director, these efforts are designed to incentivise agents by providing unique and immersive experiences that highlight the value of their fleet.
Carnival Cruise Line is also expanding its ship visit programs. Sales Director Luke Smith emphasises the importance of agents experiencing the ships first-hand. This direct interaction allows agents to ‘touch, feel, and see the hardware,’ thereby gaining a better understanding of the products they are selling. These experiences are expected to improve agent sales performance by equipping them with a more intimate knowledge of the product.
Though P&O Cruises has yet to detail its ship visit schedule for 2024, plans are underway to include more agents than ever in their programmes. Sales Director Ruth Venn indicated that the aim is to extend invitations to agents who have never been aboard before, as they stand to gain the most from these firsthand experiences. This move reflects a broader industry trend towards more inclusive engagement strategies.
Cunard is creating exclusive opportunities for travel agents, viewing ship visits as a privilege. According to UK Sales Director Tom Mahoney, these visits should be eagerly accepted as they offer invaluable insights into the operations of one of the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Despite offering the largest ship visit programmes to date, a limited number of spaces highlights the exclusivity of these opportunities.
With these enhancements, cruise lines are clearly focused on strengthening their relationships with travel agents. By providing agents with firsthand experiences of their ships, these companies are not only showcasing their offerings but also building trust and credibility with their main sales force. Such initiatives are anticipated to foster stronger, more informed agent-client relationships, ultimately benefiting the cruise lines themselves.
In conclusion, the cruise industry’s commitment to enhancing agent ship visits underscores their strategic focus on partnership and product familiarity. By expanding opportunities for firsthand experiences, these companies aim to empower agents, thereby driving sales and elevating customer satisfaction.
