inside
VIEW FROM THE TOP
Bet ridge explains: “These younger travellers
want to be able to unpack once but see many diff erent places. They like to be able to do things on their own time, and we make sure they know where the local at ractions are. These holidaymakers are oſt en in their 30s, they make good money and want a quality vacation while surrounded by other people like them.” Three room categories are on off er: balcony
rooms, which are designed for pairs; suites, which are designed for honeymooners or those celebrating a special occasion; and studio rooms, which can accommodate up to three passengers. Clearly some of the things that millennials
are looking for from a cruise extend beyond the generation — Bet ridge reports that older travellers have expressed an interest in seeing U by Uniworld features introduced to its other ships too. Nine European itineraries are available, with the fi rst trips taking place in spring 2018.
WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON? In March, Uniworld’s newest Super Ship, the S.S. Joie De Vivre, set off on its maiden voyage along the Seine river in France, with the ship christened by its godmother, Dame Joan Collins. The ship measures in at 125 metres, rather
than the typical 135 metres — which makes it easier to dock in the heart of Paris — while it has a maximum capacity of 128 guests. Sailings are set to take place until 27 December this year. As Bet ridge points out, the ship is authentically
French, from the decor to the food and wine on off er. What’s more, for a couple of nights on each trip, guests can enjoy French fi lm screenings in an intimate cinema.
HOW DOES IT WORK WITH AGENTS? According to Bet ridge, a “big part of our success is our relationship with our partners”. They’re invited to visit the cruise ships and get a real feel for what a Uniworld cruise is like. “It means that agents understand what we’re doing, and then they can sell it. Even if the agent can just come for one day, it helps us demonstrate the experience, from the hospitality to the elegance and luxury that our guests enjoy,” says Bet ridge. The fi rm is also launching an online agent-
learning platform called Uniworld University, which Bet ridge says provides a “quick education into what we off er”.
uniworld.com
VIEW FROM THE FRONT
Kathryn Beadle UNIWORLD UK MANAGING DIRECTOR
How long has Uniworld been an ABTA member? Since November 2014, when we established Uniworld in the UK.
How has the business changed since you first became a member? Our first priority was to engage as many agents as possible with our brand, which we achieved through training, workshops, conferences and personal visits. Agents have embraced our brand and this has been reflected in the phenomenal support that we receive.
What changes have you seen? Over the past two and a half years, the biggest change has been the increase in awareness of the river cruise. The rise has been prolific, not only in travel agents who weren’t promoting this sector before, but also among the general public. There are many agents who now specialise exclusively in river. As more people experience the
benefits of a river cruise, they’re spreading the word, giving new customers the confidence to book.
What’s the biggest challenge to your business? There’s a great deal of ‘noise’ in our sector with many brands stating they’re luxury. This is confusing for agents and also for consumers trying to decipher the diff erence between the cruise lines. We have a challenge to educate
agents and convey in our marketing eff orts exactly why we’re a luxury brand: it’s everything we do, from our standout service, our excellent food, the choice and variety of excursions we off er, to the unique decor of our ships and our handmade beds.
Ricardo Figueiredo UNIWORLD CRUISE MANAGER
How long have you worked for Uniworld? I joined a small group of guides that provided the local service in the city of Porto for the Uniworld groups back in 2004.
Tell us about a typical day for you I get up early and start with breakfast with the captain or hotel manager. Once the local guides arrive, I brief
them on Uniworld’s expectation of service, answer any questions they have and assist the guests as they depart the ship and join their chosen excursions. I oſt en attend the more logistically challenging excursions, or those with a large group of guests. Once onboard again, I prepare the
excursions for the next day, cross- checking the daily programme that’s delivered to the guests’ stateroom, present the daily onboard ‘port talk’, where I explain to guests what activities are on off er the next day, and prepare maps and guides for the guests.
What do you enjoy most about working for Uniworld? I don’t feel like an employee in a company, I feel like I’m part of a huge family that excels in exclusivity and excellence of service. I’m very honoured to be one of the many faces of this family.
What has been the highlight so far? Being able to create an unforgettable river cruising experience for our guests is very special to me. And, to have the opportunity to learn from a group of excellent professionals — both onboard and at head off ice — is something I’m very grateful for.
countrybycountry.com | ABTA Magazine
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