The recent fam trip on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has successfully challenged existing misconceptions surrounding the brand.
- Agents Danny Forsythe and Helen Smith experienced firsthand the welcoming and diverse atmosphere aboard the ship.
- The trip highlighted the availability of both formal and relaxed settings, a balance often misunderstood about Cunard.
- Training exercises and freedom of choice enriched the agents’ understanding of the typical Cunard experience.
- This hands-on experience equips agents with an authentic perspective to effectively offer personalised recommendations to clients.
During a seven-night cruise from Southampton to New York aboard the Queen Mary 2, agents Danny Forsythe and Helen Smith discovered an inviting and varied atmosphere that defied their initial expectations of the Cunard brand. Forsythe noted a widespread misconception; he had anticipated a predominantly traditional and formal setting. However, the reality was a ship buzzing with energy and diversity across different age groups. He was particularly impressed by the quality of the theatre shows and the diversity of the talks and seminars available.
Helen Smith echoed these sentiments, observing that the stereotype of Cunard involving only ‘ballgowns and tiaras’ was far from complete. She described the experience of ‘living and breathing’ the brand, noting that while guests have the opportunity to dress formally, many choose a more casual approach to their holiday. The flexibility of experience allowed her to see beyond any preconceived notions.
As a newcomer to the cruise industry, Forsythe found the practical exposure more enlightening than mere training could offer. He highlighted the interactive learning methods used by the Cunard team, such as treasure hunts, which fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants and facilitated the sharing of insights. Smith, on her first fam trip, praised the trip for its ability to treat them as guests, allowing the freedom to explore independently, and providing deeper insights into guest behaviour and preferences.
The information gained from the trip has proven invaluable in selling the Cunard experience. Forsythe, while not directly in sales, plans to disseminate his newfound knowledge through in-house training, ensuring a genuine understanding of Cunard is passed on. Smith valued having concrete experiences to recall when advising clients, enhancing her ability to provide tailored recommendations. This trip, she remarked, has set a high standard for future fam trips.
Cunard’s Director of UK Sales, Tom Mahoney, reinforced the importance of these trips, indicating their role in immersing agents in the unique Cunard experience. ‘Fam trips are always a fantastic opportunity,’ he stated, looking forward to welcoming more agents aboard in the coming months. Cunard’s commitment to such initiatives is underscored by the doubling of their fam trip programme in 2023, with eight separate voyages scheduled to enhance agent familiarity with the brand.
The Cunard fam trip on Queen Mary 2 has significantly enhanced travel agents’ understanding, allowing them to debunk myths and offer more informed advice to clients.
