Carnival UK addresses trade concerns over restructure

Carnival UK has responded to agents’ concerns about its company-wide restructure plan, insisting agents will “continue to receive the same support”.

Several agents expressed worries that the new “cross-company teams” which will work across P&O Cruises and Cunard could result in cuts to headcount and trade support.

Robbie O’Grady, founder of The Cruise Room, said: “The fear is that the brands continue to merge so that they lose their iconic individual identities.

“The biggest worry now is that we’ll lose some of the brilliant people that support us within those brands.”

Another concern was around Carnival UK retaining individual leadership for each brand.

Richard Slater, owner of Henbury Travel, said while there has “always been some duplication” between P&O Cruises and Cunard, retaining strong individual advocacy for each line was “important”.

“P&O Cruises and Cunard are very different products, appealing to different customers with different expectations,” he said. “Both brands deserve dedicated leadership and advocacy at the highest level.”

However, Slater’s “bigger concern” was that he felt “significant sums” are being allocated to partnerships, sponsorships and events, when many customers “care more about the small touches that make a holiday feel special” and independent agents needed more investment in training and support.

In response, Ruth Venn, associate vice-president of sales and distribution at P&O Cruises, said: “Our partnerships with agents are key, as they always have been and this will not change.

“There are still separate teams for P&O Cruises and Cunard with separate leadership to retain relationships, individuality and distinction for the brands.

“Agents will continue to receive the same support and the same level of communication and collaboration.”