Azamara Cruises is set to enhance its UK operations by launching a new dedicated call centre, aiming to boost support for travel agents and improve service efficiency.
- The call centre will officially open on 3 June, with full operations commencing on 1 July.
- Staffed by a comprehensive team, the centre will operate Monday to Saturday, offering extended support into the evenings for North American agents.
- Azamara’s initiative is part of a broader strategy underlining their commitment to the UK market, which has seen impressive growth under current leadership.
- Additional support initiatives include training sessions, a loyalty platform, and incentive programmes to further aid travel agents.
Azamara Cruises is poised to significantly bolster its service to UK travel agents through the establishment of a new, dedicated call centre, signalling a strategic enhancement in its support capabilities. The call centre, set to officially open on 3 June and become fully operational by 1 July, is designed to offer targeted, in-market assistance. This move is reflective of Azamara’s commitment to improving efficiency and elevating both agent and guest satisfaction, directly responding to the growing demands of the UK market.
Staffing the new centre will be a robust team comprising 15 customer-facing agents, alongside a cadre of five internal agents, all led by a team leader and managed by a designated manager. This well-structured team will provide service from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Furthermore, to accommodate international requirements, additional support from North American agents will be available during evening hours, extending from 6 pm to 8 pm, and continuing operations from 10 am to 6.30 pm on Saturdays.
David Duff, Managing Director UK at Azamara Cruises, articulated the strategic nature of this development, stating, “This is another really exciting step for the company. As a UK Sales team, we are now reaching more agents than ever before, so it was vital that we introduced a service that would offer greater support to our growing network of travel partners.” His emphasis on understanding the nuances of the UK market underscores the tailored approach Azamara is taking to ensure sustained growth.
Newly appointed CEO, Dondra Ritzenthaler, added her perspective on the venture, highlighting the UK’s importance to Azamara’s operations. She remarked, “The UK has long been a leading market for Azamara, but its growth in recent years under David’s leadership has been extremely impressive.” Ritzenthaler’s commitment to continuing investment in international markets reinforces Azamara’s ongoing dedication to refining their services and support structures.
Beyond the call centre, Azamara is investing in a variety of initiatives to empower travel agents further. These efforts include comprehensive virtual and face-to-face training sessions, an annual ship visit programme, and the introduction of a new loyalty platform designed to reward travel partners who book with Azamara. Regularly scheduled incentives, ranging from competitions to strategic uplifts, further illustrate the breadth of Azamara’s support strategy.
Azamara Cruises’ latest initiatives mark a significant expansion of their commitment to supporting the growing UK market for cruise travel.
