CARNIVAL Cruise Line is planning a huge educational programme for agents in a bid to increase knowledge of its product in the UK.
The US-based cruiseline wants to invite 100 UKagents on cruise-and-stay educationals over the next six months.
Lunn Poly, Going Places and Ilkeston Co-Op Travel are among the companies who will send agents on trips to Florida during this period.
UK sales and marketing director Lynn Narraway said:”With more than 80% of our business from the UK coming through travel agencies, it is more important than ever to ensure agents are fully aware of the Carnival product and who we are trying to appeal to.”
She claimed that apart from one half-day seminar and an escorted shore excursion, agents will be encouraged to experience the trip from a customer’s point of view. The seminar will offer training on identifying potential Carnival clients and selling the product.
Meanwhile, a total of six cruises on Carnival’s ship Tropicale have been cancelled in the wake of a fire in the engine room on September 19.
Three of the cruises departing on October 4, 9 and 14 will be operated by sister ship, Imagination, but will sail out of Miami instead of Tampa.
The cruiseline is offering passengers a complimentary bus service between the two ports, and is assisting with any new airline arrangements.
Passengers booked on the cancelled cruises will get a full refund and a 50% discount on future cruises.