A group of travel agents attending the star-studded naming ceremony of P&O Cruises’ Arvia hailed the vessel’s appeal to a wide range of demographics.
Eight UK agents joined trade sales bosses from the cruise line for the party, which took place on a beach in Barbados and in the ship’s SkyDome venue, with singer Nicole Scherzinger becoming godmother.
Meanwhile, agents who could not attend in person watched the event live on YouTube, and dressed up in ‘Caribbean chic’ to enjoy the ceremony.
Dame Irene Hays, Hays Travel chair – and godmother of sister ship Iona – was in the SkyDome to watch the ceremony, which also starred singer Olly Murs and radio DJs Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson.
More: Nicole Scherzinger officially names P&O Cruises’ Arvia
Arvia is ‘step change’ for P&O Cruises brand, says sales boss
Earlier, she had spent time on the 5,200-passenger ship with two Hays Travel staff members who have been accompanying customers on the agency’s charter programme and heard how passengers liked the smaller, more intimate venues on Arvia.
“Every time I have been on a new P&O Cruises ship, you can see that they are a company that listens and learns from their customers about what they want,” she said.
“You can see the enhancements and improvements that how the ship has transitioned, as [the cruise line] listened to customers.”
‘Widening democraphic’
Sally White, marketing director at Cruise 118, said Arvia is “beautiful” and “sophisticated”.
“There is plenty for families and children to enjoy, plus solo travellers and older passengers,” she commented.
“It has a traditional British appeal but also has an international feel in the restaurants and venues.
“The fact that Nicole and Olly are here reflects how they are widening their demographic.”
Tracy Clenshaw, Cruise1st commercial director, agreed: “It appeals to a younger demographic and a wider market, I am really impressed.
“There are lots of intimate spaces and getting on board it felt very quiet.
“I’ve had very good feedback from people I have talked to on board.”
Exchange rate value
Simone Clark, Iglu’s global supply senior vice-president, said families with kids would particularly like the activities such as the Altitude outdoors fun zone with P&O Cruises’ first high-ropes experience.
“It is a very good value Caribbean holiday. With pounds being the currency on board, you don’t have to worry about the exchange rate,” she said.
“And it’s a package holiday so it is a protected way to explore.
“It’s really good for solo travellers or multigenerational groups.”
Also on board during the Caribbean cruise were Hays Travel staff Jane Drake, manager at Bristol Kingswood branch, and Nicola Degnan, learning and development manager, who were accompanying the agency’s charter programme.
About 300 customers had flown with them from Bristol, while a further 450 clients flew from other regional departures.
Degnan said: “It’s such an amazing opportunity; we have loved working on Arvia, she is such a beautiful ship.
“P&O Cruises staff onboard have been amazing to work alongside and have really supported us with any requests we have made and any assistance our customers need.
“Arvia caters for all ages: we have families with young children and customers who are celebrating 50 years of marriage.
“It is such a beautiful ship, the range of bars and restaurants is outstanding, every meal we have had has been delicious.
“The infinity pools are fabulous: you can swim right up to the edge and overlook the ship out to sea.
“Entertainment on board has been great, we’ve seen shows that are West End standards and some amazing singers.”
Main picture by Sam Pelly shows agents with P&O Cruises’ sales bosses at the naming ceremony of Arvia. From left: Ruth Venn (P&O Cruises), Becky Williams (Imagine Cruising), Katie Wilson (Bolsover Cruise Club), Rob Scott (P&O Cruises), Dame Irene Hays (Hays Travel), Nick Watts (cruise.co.uk), Simone Clark (iglu), Tracy Clenshaw (Cruise1st), Julie Taylor (Barrhead Travel) and Sally White (Cruise118).
More: Nicole Scherzinger officially names P&O Cruises’ Arvia
Arvia is ‘step change’ for P&O Cruises brand, says sales boss