p28-31 Cruise_client_match 20/3/09 12:57 Page 30
Cruise selling tips
Ryan Inman Scott Anderson
sales and development executive, general manager,
south of England, Cruise Thomas Cook White Star Cruises
Off track
Family – they have water slides and outdoor
W
hen selling to families I’d screens for movies, sport and cartoons.
ask about the type of line For a more British product and
they wish to sail with. clientele, suggest P&O Cruises. Its current W
hen your clients want to cruise
off the beaten track, a good tip
is to look at lines with smaller
ships, as they can access smaller,
Whether a ship is part of a fleet of six includes two child-free ships, less well-known ports.
US, British or European-owned line can Arcadia and Artemis, but the other four Of the bigger lines, Princess Cruises is a
make a big difference to the onboard welcome children. Ventura is particularly good destination-intensive option. Royal
experience. suited to families, with Noddy and Mr Princess has a small-ship feel and visits some
Also, find out where they want to go – Bump on hand to entertain. There’s also fascinating ports.
the Mediterranean is a great summer circus skills training and, in the school If your clients want to steer clear of congested
destination for families as it’s close to holidays, Rock School (pictured, below). ports in Europe, suggest the Black Sea, which
home and the weather’s usually good. Ocean Village is great for first-time is an up-and-coming area. Holland America
Starting with US-owned ships, Royal cruisers – it’s informal, friendly and has Line has a range of itineraries including stops
Caribbean International’s Independence no set dining times. Tots will enjoy at Trabzon and Sinop in Turkey and Sevastopol
of the Seas is based in Southampton this meeting Bagpuss and Paddington Bear, in Ukraine.
summer. It has kids’ clubs, games rooms, and Ocean Village Two boasts the Sega For a small ship with a British feel, Voyages
and more casual restaurants such as village entertainment arcade. of Discovery sails out of Harwich and visits
American diner Johnny Rockets but the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is worth ports such as Sochi in Russia, Yalta in Ukraine
star draws have to be its FlowRider surf considering for older children who like (pictured, above right) and Canakkale in Turkey.
simulator and climbing wall. Voyager of exploring – the line has good educational Hurtigruten has daily departures from
the Seas is smaller but has an ice rink. itineraries and shore excursions to appeal Bergen, cruising up the beautiful Norwegian
NCL is another family-friendly to adventurous teens. coastline, visiting some amazing ports of
US-owned line and Norwegian Jade is Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises provide call, such as Rorvik, Bodo and Honningsvag.
sailing from Southampton this summer. a more European feel onboard, perfect For a summer holiday with a difference, why
Princess Cruises too has an American if your client wants their children to
theme onboard, and Grand Princess, Ruby practise their language skills! MSC
Princess, Royal Princess and Crown passengers are a mixture of Italians,
Princess are all prolific in the Med this French and Germans and the line is good
summer. value – children sail for free year-round Gay Scruton
Carnival brands its ships as “Fun Ships” when travelling with two paying adults. ultra-luxury cruise
consultant, The Cruise People
Luxury
U
ltra-luxury cruises account for only
4% of the market but offer a high
rate of commission. They are very
different from the mass-market
cruises offered by big lines with vice-presidents
in charge of guest experience (read onboard
revenue) and ships that carry 5,400 (and that’s
just the lower beds).
On product, we find Crystal Cruises suited
to adult families without young children. Their
ships are big enough and offer enough activities
that three generations can happily travel
together, and families mean multiple bookings.
A key selling point for Crystal is that they
operate big ships but only carry about 1,000
passengers whereas ships of their size would
normally carry 60% to 80% more. In addition
they offer alternative Italian and Asian restau-
rants, which in the case of the latter is a Nobu!
30
TTG Knowledge – March 2009
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52