In an unprecedented move, Cunard is set to host more travel agents than ever before on its fleet of four ships in 2024.
- Cunard’s programme includes nine ship visit events in Greenock, Southampton, and Liverpool, and it starts in July and runs till December.
- Agents can explore Cunard’s new ship Queen Anne and its flagships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.
- 185 agents will participate in the CLIA Conference in Southampton, with details on fam trips forthcoming.
- Cunard’s initiative reflects the growing interest in luxury cruising and aims to inspire agents firsthand.
Cunard is preparing to welcome a record number of travel agents aboard its fleet in 2024, marking a significant expansion in its agent engagement strategy. Combined with the annual CLIA Conference and newly launched familiarisation trips, this initiative showcases Cunard’s commitment to offering immersive experiences for travel professionals. The increase in hosted agents underscores Cunard’s strategic efforts to strengthen its influence within the travel industry and enhance its business partnerships.
Cunard’s luxurious fleet, including the soon-to-join Queen Anne along with the iconic Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will be the centrepieces of the programme. Starting from 26 July and concluding on 5 December, nine ship visit events across Greenock, Southampton, and Liverpool will facilitate deep dives into the unique offerings of these majestic vessels. Such events are crafted not only to educate but also to elevate the cruising experience for participating agents, allowing them to better serve their clientele with firsthand knowledge.
Agents eager to participate can secure one of the 420 available spots via Cunard’s Shine Rewards platform, an innovative agent loyalty programme that underscores the importance of agent support in Cunard’s business model. The itinerary for the visits includes prominent dates such as 26 July in Greenock for Queen Anne and various September and October dates for Queen Mary and Queen Victoria, offering a comprehensive overview of the fleet’s capabilities and luxurious features.
The CLIA Conference in May presents another opportunity where 185 agents will be onboard Queen Anne in Southampton. This conference is a hallmark event in the cruising calendar, reinforcing the educational and networking opportunities available to agents who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Cunard’s luxury offerings. Further details of Cunard’s 2024 familiarisation trip programme are anticipated, promising even more touchpoints for agent engagement.
A noteworthy success story from Cunard’s past initiatives includes an agent, unfamiliar with cruising, who was inspired to choose Cunard for his future family holidays after experiencing a cruise on Queen Elizabeth. This anecdote highlights the tangible impact of Cunard’s strategic engagement initiatives, as agents who experience the product are more likely to recommend it to their clients.
Cunard’s forward-thinking initiative is poised to redefine luxury cruise experiences for travel agents, fostering deeper industry ties.
