Carnival Corporation’s chairman has admitted it is going to take “time and effort” to rebuild business following the coronavirus pandemic and urged agents to work in partnership with the cruise giant.
Micky Arison addressed the travel agent community in an interview with Adolfo Perez, Carnival Cruise Line’s senior vice president and marketing, posted on Facebook.
Carnival Corporation’s lines include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and Holland America Line.
In the video, Arison thanked agents for their support over nearly 50 years and said the current situation was “a difficult time” for both cruise lines and the trade.
He said: “I have been in this for almost 50 years. One of my early jobs was calling on (agents) in the state of Florida, so I have great appreciation not just for them and their support but how difficult their job is.
“This is the time when we refer to travel agents as our partners and we really have to be partners.
“It is a difficult time for us and it is a difficult time for them. Hopefully we will all get through it and at the other end this will pass and we can start to rebuild the business the way it was before.
“It is not going to be easy. It is going to take time and effort but working together I am very confident that we will continue to deliver great vacations to millions of people.
He also added: “I want to send my appreciation to the trade for their support over the last 50 years and hopefully the next 50.”
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