A recent familiarisation trip aboard the Queen Anne cruise ship has proven invaluable for travel agents.
- Simone Lines secured a major booking just days after experiencing the new Cunard vessel.
- Agents explored the 3,000-capacity ship, gaining insights into its offerings.
- First-hand experience equipped agents to better convey the cruise’s appeal to clients.
- Future fam trips are scheduled to expand agents’ knowledge and engagement with Cunard.
The recent familiarisation trip aboard Cunard’s new vessel, the Queen Anne, has been a pivotal experience for participating travel agents. These agents, including Simone Lines from Bailey’s Travel, were able to immerse themselves in the ship’s environment, contributing significantly to their ability to market and secure bookings for future cruises.
Just two days after returning from this educational journey, Simone Lines successfully secured a two-week booking for a cruise to the Canary Islands. This outcome underscores the value of direct experience, as Lines articulates how showcasing images and detailing her onboard experience instilled confidence and enthusiasm in her clients.
The four-night round-trip from Southampton, embarking on 28 August, included 19 agents who sailed to Rotterdam. During this voyage, participants stayed in balcony staterooms and explored various venues and alternative dining options available on the 3,000-passenger ship. Training sessions further enhanced their comprehensive understanding of Cunard’s brand offerings and the unique aspects of the Queen Anne.
The effectiveness of these fam trips is echoed by Sara Burdis of Bolsover Cruise Club, who praised the expansive demographic enjoying the cruise. Such trips are designed not only to familiarize agents with the ship’s facilities but also to enhance their capability to address a broad spectrum of customer queries and preferences.
Cunard plans additional familiarisation trips later this year, which will include visits to Zeebrugge, Hamburg, and Amsterdam aboard the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. Tom Mahoney, director of UK sales at Cunard, highlighted the strategic importance of these trips in strengthening relationships with travel agents and providing them with substantial insights into what distinguishes a Cunard cruise.
Familiarisation trips offer travel agents crucial insights, enabling them to effectively promote and book Cunard cruises.
