ROYAL Caribbean is planning to invite hundreds of agents to view its new ship Explorer of the Seas in Southampton this October.
The company claims the 142,000-ton vessel, which is a sister ship to Voyager of the Seas, will be the largest cruise ship ever to dock in the city.
The 3,114-passenger vessel will be in the port for up to three days, during which agents will be offered tours and have the chance to stay overnight.
Sales, marketing and operations director Pete Williams said it was an ideal way to show agents the product.
Royal Caribbean’s other cruise brand, Celebrity Cruises, plans to hold a naming ceremony for its new ship Millennium in Southampton this June. UK agents will also be invited to the inaugural celebrations.
Millennium will have several innovative features including a glass lift that will travel up the outside of the ship; original panelling from the Titanic’s sister ship Olympic; private dining rooms; a wine cellar that can be used for dining; and a room called Notes where passengers can listen to a selection of CDs.
Meanwhile, Explorer of the Seas will be virtually identical to Voyager of the Seas.
Williams claims Voyager is selling extremely well, although he declined to give details.
“It has the novelty value of being the biggest passenger ship in the world,” he said. “It is doing a very popular western Caribbean itinerary of interest to first-time cruisers. And the other big selling point is that it is perfect for families.”
Royal Caribbean’s UK sales rose by 16% last year while Celebrity’s increased by 62%, according to Williams. Precise figures were not available.
He admitted sales in January had been difficult but claimed cruising had fared better than other sectors. He blamed the problems on the ‘millennial hangover’, the number of Bank Holidays over the Christmas period and the flu epidemic.