Holland America Line (HAL) is on track for one of its “best ever” wave periods in the UK, its sales chief has said.
In a webcast with Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, sales and marketing director Karen Farndell said work in building awareness of the brand among the UK trade was paying off.
She added the line’s first ex-UK cruises in more than 10 years were also “really coming through in the numbers” during this year’s wave period.
The first ex-UK cruise from Dover will depart on Nieuw Statendam on April 19, with the ship then returning to the port every two weeks throughout the summer season.
Alaska bookings have been “massive” in January and in February, said Farndell, with consumers increasingly opting for bucket-list destinations and cooler climates.
Farndell also credited the return of the line’s Have It All incentive for a strong start to the year, with entries up 10% year on year.
Farndell said: “We are hearing from agents this campaign is one of the best in the market with the value that we offer.
“We are shaping up to have one of the best waves that we’ve ever had in the UK, so it’s really encouraging.”
Farndell also announced more winners of the Have It All competition, adding to the 50 prizes already given away weekly since its launch on January 9.
The line will be giving away prizes to agents until February 27, including places on a VIP hosted ship visit in Rotterdam.
This week’s winners were:
- Steven Toward, Iglu – Holland America Line branded giveaways
- Monica Stevenson, Barrhead Travel – Rotterdam hosted ship visit
- Martin Hay, Go Cruise – stroopwaffel giftset
- Katie Longstaff, Cruise 118 – Lindt hamper
- Claire Brown, ROL – Elemis gift set