SeaDream Yacht Club targets UK passenger growth

SeaDream Yacht Club hosted more than 100 agents during SeaDream II’s maiden call in London as the cruise line continues its effort to achieve UK passenger numbers on a par with pre-pandemic levels.

Bob Lepisto, the line’s president, said the trade would play a key role in the push to strengthen UK figures.

He said: “Our UK passenger numbers are good, but they have not rebounded yet to the level that the US and Canadian numbers have come back post-Covid. We do have a very loyal following here, but we’re always looking to enhance our presence in the UK market.”

Each of SeaDream Yacht Club’s two ships has a maximum capacity of 112 guests and a crew of 95.

During the weekend showcase of SeaDream II, about 100 agents were among 560 visitors in total, Lepisto said, with many of those stepping on board being high-net-worth individuals.

“Having the yacht here and having so many travel agents here in itself is a big step forward,” Lepisto told Travel Weekly on Friday (May 23).

He added: “We’re searching for those travel agents who can learn about us and confidently sell us and the thing that travel agents who start selling us love is that most of their guests book their next voyage before they get off the ship.

“We really respect travel agents and when they deliver us a guest, we never try to change that guest to a direct booking with SeaDream.”

UK and Ireland sales director Mark Schmitt has helped ensure “great support” from a number of agencies, Lepisto said, with the line’s focus now on further expanding its trade reach.

“We love the UK market and we want to grow that market,” he added.

The line does not host fam trips, but it offers agent rates for members of the trade who would like to join a sailing.

Lepisto said agents should regard charters as a significant income opportunity, arguing that clients would be attracted by the line’s own research suggesting a five-day Caribbean sailing can be about 35% cheaper than staying in a five-star hotel.

“Not many travel agents think, ‘I could recommend a charter on SeaDream’,” he added.