WANTED
An older couple want to go on their first cruise, but are unsure about aspects such as tipping, dressing for dinner and seasickness. They would like to depart from the UK, and are interested in seeing the British Isles, northern Europe, Norway or the Baltic. They would prefer something more British than American, and
would rather not be travelling with lots of families with kids. BUDGET: £4,000
THE VERDICT
Both Worldchoice and Peakes Travel Elite scored well, as they offered a great service and a wide range of options. Worldchoice edged it, thanks to quotes for three suitable cruises. The service at Polka Dot Travel was less enthusiastic, and the agent missed an opportunity by not asking about the budget, as there was plenty of scope for a more lucrative booking.
worldchoice travel 21 SHOPLATCH
IMPRESSIONS: The store was presentable, with smart staff and displays that were easy to browse.
WINNING AGENT
TRAVEL CONSULTANT eve edwards
Cruise sales are growing every year. There has been a rise in demand for
no-fly cruises as airports are getting busier, whereas embarking and disembarking in the UK is less hassle. I recommended P&O and Fred Olsen as they fitted the brief, and I was able to give some personal insight.
SCORING SYSTEM
10% Appearance/first impressions 25% Customer service 25% Advice and product knowledge 25% Holiday details 15% Overall experience
OVERALL: The shopper was impressed with the range of cruises offered.
84% 68 25 JULY 2019
travelweekly.co.uk
SERVICE: An agent greeted me immediately and invited me to her desk. She was knowledgeable about cruises, destinations and cabin types, and I was given plenty of options. The agent encouraged me to ring back and said everything could be done over the phone, including payment. She mentioned insurance when prompted, and said she could arrange parking when I had decided about the cruise. She was friendly, and brought me a cup of water when I asked, but kept a slight professional distance. Both recommendations suited my needs perfectly.
QUOTES: The first quote was for a seven-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords in September from Southampton on P&O Cruises’ Ventura. The price was £2,758 for a balcony cabin, with £280 onboard credit. The agent said there would be mostly British passengers onboard, and not many children. The second was a 14-night Baltic cruise on P&O Cruises’ Arcadia from Southampton in September, for £4,198 in a balcony cabin, with £280 onboard credit. I was also quoted £3,998 for an eight-night Scottish isles trip on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Black Watch in August.
THIS WEEK’S WINNER
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