Cruise lines have pledged to host more agents on ship visits than ever before and urged the trade to take advantage of the opportunity.
Holland America Line plans to hold eight ship visits this year with 430 places available, up 23% on the 350 spots it had in 2023.
Speaking during a round-table discussion hosted by Carnival UK, HAL sales and marketing director Karen Farndell said: “This is going to be a big year for agents coming on board and understanding more about the sector and our brand. These visits are crucial in helping the trade broaden their knowledge.”
Princess Cruises also plans to host more agents on scheduled ship visits this year, as well as bringing back its family days when agents can bring their relatives on board.
UK and Europe sales director Hayley Moore said the line was keen to find “new ways to incentivise agents” to see the fleet, adding: “We’re going to get more agents on board than ever before because we know how valuable that immersive experience is.”
Carnival Cruise Line international sales director Luke Smith also highlighted the value of getting agents to see the products they are selling first-hand, adding: “Collectively, there will be thousands of trade places on ships so agents need to take that opportunity, get on board and touch, feel and see the hardware.”
P&O Cruises has yet to announce its 2024 ship visit programme, but sales director Ruth Venn hinted the line would follow suit and host an increased number of agents on board.
“It’s all about reaching new agents, so we will be extending invites to agents who have never been on board as they are the ones that will benefit the most,” she said.
Cunard UK sales director Tom Mahoney encouraged agents to “jump” at the chance to visit ships, saying invitations should be regarded as a privilege.
He added: “Despite the fact we are all offering our largest ship visit programmes, we can still only invite a fraction of the total number of agents on board, so if you do get the opportunity to go on one, you need to make the most of it.”