In an exciting development, Cunard has announced new ship visit opportunities for travel agents in Southampton.
- Cunard will be hosting 90 additional travel agents on their iconic ships, the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, from September to November.
- Participants will experience a comprehensive tour, enjoy a three-course meal, and have leisure time to explore the ship’s amenities.
- This expansion follows the success of previous visits earlier this year, which saw positive feedback from participating agents.
- Cunard aims to enhance its relationship with agents through these visits, reinforcing its commitment to strengthen sales partnerships.
Cunard, a well-respected name in the cruise industry, has unveiled plans to host additional ship visit opportunities later this year. These visits are meticulously designed to immerse travel agents in the luxurious experience offered aboard Cunard’s renowned vessels. From September through November, 90 additional travel agents will have the privilege of boarding either the Queen Mary 2 or the Queen Victoria at the port of Southampton.
The initiative aims to provide agents with an in-depth understanding of the ships’ unique features, thus equipping them with firsthand knowledge that will assist in promoting Cunard’s voyages. During the visit, agents will partake in a guided tour, exploring the opulent suites and staterooms among other impressive venues. Following the tour, a three-course lunch with wine will be provided, allowing agents to experience the culinary offerings firsthand. Moreover, the visit includes free time for participants to navigate the ship at their leisure, further enhancing their familiarity with the facilities available to guests.
The decision to expand these ship visits arises from the positive reception of four similar events earlier this year, which also accommodated a total of 90 agents in Southampton and Greenock. This initiative forms part of Cunard’s broader strategy to bolster its relationship with travel agents, recognising their pivotal role in the cruise line’s success. As Tom Mahoney, Cunard’s director of UK sales, highlighted, enabling agents to experience the ‘magnificent Queens’ firsthand is crucial to supporting their sales efforts.
Rhys Davies, a travel expert from Iglu cruise, endorsed the value of these visits, recounting his own enriching experience aboard the Queen Victoria. Davies noted the attentive and passionate nature of the Cunard team, which left a lasting impression. The insights gained from the visit significantly aided him in successfully selling the experience to prospective customers.
Additionally, Cunard’s recent reintroduction of a regional sales team underscores its commitment to providing support and resources to field-based managers, enabling more direct interactions with agents. This move, effective from June, marks a return to a pre-2020 operational strategy, reflecting the cruise line’s proactive approach in the evolving travel landscape.
These initiatives underscore Cunard’s strategic commitment to fortifying partnerships with travel agents, enhancing their role in the brand’s continued success.
