Carnival Cruise Line’s UK sales team has been put in charge of educating and training agents on new sister brand Fathom.
The team will represent both brands, and hopes the new offering will open them up to more agents.
Luke Smith, the brands’ senior partnership manager, said early indications showed agents were “calling out for something exciting, new and different”.
Fathom is bookable on the Polar Online portal and can be found in the same section as Holland America Line and Seabourn.
Rates are currently quoted only in dollars, but Smith said many of Carnival’s existing agent partners contracted in dollars, and he didn’t regard that as a barrier.
“We are working on pricing for the UK market and we will have sterling pricing available as soon as possible,” he said. “The important thing is that we want to get this right, so we’d rather take our time with pricing than rush through it.
“We see Fathom as a massive opportunity. It’s something that’s unique – a cruise line unlike any other. We believe it will resonate with customers and agents.
“Cruise specialists see this
as something new and exciting
for them to get their teeth stuck into. Those not currently selling much cruise believe it could
help them tap into this sector.”
Smith said the line had appeal beyond regular cruisers and could be targeted at the likes of gap-year travellers and those who book responsible or eco-friendly trips.
He said net rates would be available eventually, and the line was looking at hosting fam trips.
Social-impact brand Fathom is based on ‘voluntourism’, offering guests the chance to help community projects such as building and installing water filters or making chocolate with a women’s cooperative.