The availability of some of the world’s newest ships for agents to experience gives Southampton an advantage over other ports in hosting the UK Cruise Convention.
Carnival UK chief executive David Dingle backed the staging of the event at the UK’s main cruise hub, where agents have had the opportunity to visit five ships in a matter of days.
Agents have had the chance to view NCL’s new ship Norwegian Epic, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, P&O Cruises’ Azura, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Le Boreal from Compagnie du Ponant.
“The ship visits give agents an instant comparison while on occasional visits it is difficult to put different ships into context,” said Dingle.
“By being able to see a variety of different vessels at the same time, they can see the different styles, which is a real advantage as it helps travel agents direct more customers towards the most appropriate ships.”
Dingle added: “The number one issue has to be making the event as effective as it possibly can be. When you have some of the most popular ships here in Southampton – real leadership vessels – it speaks loudly for continuing to have the event here in Southampton.”