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news to use CRUISING Tourism Update
ASSOCIATION OF CRUISE EXPERTS
Voyages adds incentives to book
BY JULIE BAXTER Voyages of Discovery is offering free
ANDY HARMER Ace Director Our ACE Cruise Convention has been
running annually since 2007 and it’s really interesting to see how the debate around maximising cruise sales has changed in that time. There was certainly no discussion
of the benefits of Twitter or the demographic of online marketing and the iPad at the start. The pace of change is one reason
ACE has introduced a series of seminars called Think Differently. To grow our cruise sales we are likely to have to think differently about how, when and where we introduce cruising to the non-cruising traveller. What’s clear from these seminars
is that ‘people buy from people’. Whilst modern technology has a part to play in business, it is the one- on-one conversations that really help agents sell more cruises. Cruising continues to face certain misconceptions and that’s why travel agents continue be centre stage in understanding the needs of their customers and advising which style of cruise would suit them best. Technology can make life easier
and help agents gather the necessary personal information they need but it only enhances the relationship between client and the travel agent. It’s the relationship that secures the holiday sale and it is a relationship built on trust and agent enthusiasm. When agents talk about the cruise experience they can paint a picture to bring it to life and highlight the incredible value, quality, dining and service that cruising offers. These things don’t change and it’s
the continued enthusiasm shown by agents for cruising that will ensure cruise remains the most vibrant, innovative, and engaging sector of the travel industry.
cabin upgrades, on-board credit and reduced fares across a selection of itineraries in its winter 2012 brochure. The programme sees Voyager joining
the fleet in December for an inaugural itinerary from Portsmouth and a series of cruises in Latin America and the Caribbean. Prices start from £1,569pp. Book before May 31 for Voyager and clients receive a cabin upgrade or onboard credit. Those booking an inside cabin will be upgraded to an outside cabin; those booking an outside cabin will be upgraded to a higher grade. In addition any guests who book a
Junior Suite or above will receive £150pp on-board credit. Guests booking Discovery will receive £75pp onboard credit with an outside cabin, or £150pp on-board credit when booking a Superior cabin. To support these winter 2012 sales,
Viking goes to sea
Viking Ocean Cruises, sister company of Viking River Cruises, is to build two new luxury ocean-going ships with cruise shipbuilder, Fincantieri. The new ships will be small by today’s standards, featuring 499 cabins for up to 998 passengers, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in late 2014 and the second in late 2015. They will sail around the US, the UK and Australia. Much speculation surrounds the possible re-birth of former luxury Royal Viking Line which ceased operations 20 years ago.
www.vikingrivercruises.com
CRUISING IN BRIEF
MSC goes for growth MSC Cruises reports unprecedented
growth during January and February with bookings up more than 93% year-on- year. Its fleet will further increase in size this month with the addition of the MSC Divina. It will build on its success with a line-up of new promotions and itineraries throughout 2012.
www.msccruises.co.uk
Crystal expands themes Crystal Cruises has added
additional special interest themes to its itineraries for 2013. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony voyages will now offer 28 themed itineraries including two new ones – photography and Formula One racing. Stops and speakers complement the respective themes.
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
Compare cruise with Major Independent tour operator Major
Travel has launched a new agents’ cruise product offering online search, comparison and booking facilities across 15 cruise lines. The site’s simple format allows agents to search and share the screen with clients as prices are commission included.
www.major4agents.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com • May 2012 11
the cruise line has also created a series of new videos for
Discoverycruise.tv (
http://discoverycruise.tv) showcasing every itinerary from the
second-edition brochure. This helpful tool can be shared with clients to help encourage them to book.
www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk
Park and cruise with RCI Royal Caribbean is offering cruisers
the chance to combine cruising with a visit to Orlando’s popular theme parks. Freedom of the Seas will sail 26 new Caribbean cruises between May and October 2013, departing each Sunday from Port Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast. The cruises will feature DreamWorks’ stars such as Alex the Lion, Po the Dragon Warrior, Shrek and Fiona. The proximity of Port Canaveral to Orlando means holidaymakers can combine the cruises with three- and four-night stays at Universal Orlando Resort to gain added savings.
The package includes hotel and shipboard accommodation, multi-day passes to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, complimentary admission to venues at CityWalk and ground transfers between airport, hotel, theme parks and the ship at port.
www.royalcaribbean.co.uk
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