Thomson Cruises will be working with more third-party agents to help fill the extra capacity when Thomson Dream joins the fleet in April 2010.
Thomson Cruises has traditionally been sold through Thomson agents, but the cruiseline is looking to drive sales through independents ahead of Thomson Dream joining the fleet and the separate Island Cruises brand ship launch.
A group of agents who had never sold Thomson Cruises before attended a three-day mini-cruise on the Costa Europa last week, which will become Thomson Dream next April.
TUI director of cruise David Selby said: “The wider our distribution, the better the exposure. There is a lot of choice for cruisers and we have got to get out more and shout about what we do.” He told agents: “We do use direct selling, but we also need you.”
Gill Cruise Centre head of commercial Mike Davies welcomed the fact that the line is more willing to work with cruise specialists.
He said: “We’ve never sold Thomson, but this is a great opportunity to step in and replace Ocean Village. It’s something I feel we can sell. The regional flying, the included tips and having sterling on board are all important for British cruisers.”
Value Cruise sales director Steve Fenton said his agency started selling Thomson when the cruise business launched in February this year.
He said: “This ship is typical Thomson and will do very well. The British want good food, good service, good entertainment, and tips included in the price. They are not so bothered about the hardware.”