By the time we sit down for our next Christmas lunches, 16 cruise ships will have been launched.
That’s a pretty impressive figure, and it illustrates the revolution that’s taken place in the cruise industry over the past decade.
In recent years, you will have heard lots about the opportunities in the cruise sector. If you dismissed them as a flash in the pan then the wealth of ships, experiences and destinations available this year should make you think again.
In the past 10 years we have seen the number of UK customers taking a cruise holiday more than double – and that’s because never before has there been greater choice or such exceptional value.
For selling staff, this represents an immense opportunity to match customers’ requirements to the enormous variety of durations, ports and experiences available.
And there are also now greater opportunities for agents to offer additional services, such as pre and post-cruise stays, exciting trips ashore or the inclusion of onboard packages such as spa treatments and drinks.
The Ace UK Cruise Convention is just two months away, and the theme of this year’s event is ‘Choice’. Whether it’s the differing styles and facilities, or emerging river and ocean cruise destinations such as the Middle and Far East, your customers have never had a greater choice of cruise and you’ve never had a greater choice of options to sell them. (See our UKCC preview page for more – Ed)
At the convention in June, we’ll be hearing from some big-name speakers who will explain how best to sell that wealth of options to your clients.
Azamara Club Cruises president Larry Pimentel will be discussing upselling to luxury and explaining why you should always consider the option as evidence suggests the leap to luxury is not always a great one.
Meanwhile, Carnival UK chief executive David Dingle and NCL chief executive Kevin Sheehan will discuss their new ships and share their opinions of the growing opportunities open to agents.
With hundreds of ships visiting thousands of destinations, the choice for the consumer is immense.
And with more than 80% of cruisers booking through a travel agent, it will be your detailed knowledge of brands and their different offerings that will be your key to reaping financial rewards.