Clia’s Cruise Week is an opportunity for agents to target more new to cruise customers, according to director Andy Harmer (pictured).
Clia has a new digital guide and social media app to help agents interact with non-cruisers during Cruise Week.
Harmer, director of Clia UK & Ireland, said Cruise Week, which runs from September 27 to October 5, is a great time to target potential first-time cruise holidaymakers.
“We’re introducing a digital guide called ‘So You Think You Know Cruise Holidays?’, which agents can use to help customers get rid of any preconceptions they have about cruise,” he said.
Clia is also launching a Facebook app, allowing customers to find out which cruise lines and itineraries would suit them.
As part of the week of activities cruise lines are offering numerous deals to entice bookings. Below are some of the offers available.
Royal Caribbean International is offering $100 onboard spend on selected 2015 sailings as well as its all inclusive offer, which includes drinks and gratuities. The offer is available on Anthem of the Seas and seven night western Mediterranean cruises on Allure of the Seas.
Oceania Cruises is offering $200 onboard credit for any of its sailings booked between September 27 and October 5. The line is also offering flights from regional airports throughout the UK for a supplement from just £49 per guest.
P&O Cruises’ cruise week promotion is for its new ship Britannia. The deal is on selected summer 2015 cruises with customers making a Select Price booking getting added benefits. Customers will get additional onboard spend depending on the length of the sailing. On top of that, the line is offering free London flights on a selection of 2015 exotic fly-cruises. The flights, worth up to £1,350 per person, are available on bookings made before October 31.
River line AmaWaterways is offering savings of up to £1,000 per cabin during cruise week as well as giving customers free airport lounge access and a river cruise guide.
Celebrity Cruises is giving agents £20 Love2shop voucher for each 2015 sailing booked during cruise week. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, director of sales, said Cruise Week was the perfect opportunity to reward agents.
MSC Cruises is extending its ‘Free Cheers’ drinks package promotion for that it applies during Cruise Week. All winter 2014/15 sailings in the Mediterranean, Canaries and United Arab Emirates cruises and summer 2015 fly cruise Mediterranean cruises apply.