Luxury cruise specialist Seabourn has revealed plans to create an agent academy.
Speaking on the pre-inaugural sailing of the lines sixth ship, Quest, president Rick Meadows said Seabourn Academy was already being built.
He added: “The online offering is being developed and we are working to get proper accreditation, probably through Ace.
“The fundamental idea is to help agents sell Seabourn of course so it will teach them everything they need to know including what is unique about the ships and service and also offer various sales tips.
“We plan to have it ready by late autumn and in the course of development we are speaking to a lot of partners, including agents, to ensure it feels right and does what it is supposed to.
“Like many staff at Seabourn I am a former travel agent so we do have a good understanding of what is needed.”
Meadows is a strong believer in fam trips and reduced rates for agents to take trips on board and is keen to have a series of incentives attached to the academy.
He added: “We aren’t sure what they will be yet but there will be various incentives in place to recognise the time agents spend learning.”
The line has recently relaunched its website with features such as ship tours available and has also changed its booking system.
Meadows added: “We are always talking to partners and six months ago those conversations revolved around the website and booking system.
“And now we have delivered them. The switch to Polar will be a benefit and the website will be really helpful for agents to be able to turn their screen and use as a sales tool.”