P&O Cruises has unveiled plans for a substantial ship visit programme in 2024 designed for travel agents. This initiative involves over 1,000 agents, offering them first-hand exposure to P&O’s fleet.
- The programme is scheduled in Southampton, spanning from April to October, featuring tours on Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura, Aurora, and Arcadia.
- Agents will explore various facets of the ships, including accommodations, entertainment facilities, dining experiences, and partake in a meal on board.
- Participants will earn 20 Shine points, receive WiFi and refreshments, and have leisure time to explore the ships independently.
- These visits come as P&O Cruises experiences unprecedented sales and booking periods, marking a strong start to the year.
P&O Cruises has launched one of its most ambitious ship visit programmes, accommodating more than 1,000 travel agents in 2024. The initiative is designed to provide agents with a comprehensive understanding of the cruise line’s offerings, by immersing them in the environment they will recommend to potential customers. The tours, which will occur primarily in Southampton from April through October, will include visits to the newest additions to P&O’s fleet, such as Arvia and Iona, as well as established ships like Britannia, Ventura, Aurora, and Arcadia.
Agents participating in these visits will embark on an extensive tour covering various aspects of the ships’ interiors and amenities. This includes a detailed look at cabin arrangements, entertainment venues, and dining facilities. Furthermore, agents will enjoy a three-course meal in one of the onboard restaurants, providing a taste of the culinary experience offered to passengers. Such immersive experiences aim to equip agents with the practical insights needed to enhance their selling techniques.
In a bid to provide additional incentives, P&O Cruises is offering 20 Shine points to participants who complete the full-day programme. Complementary WiFi access, along with a voucher for soft drinks, is also included, further enriching the visit. After concluding the scheduled tours and activities, agents will have time to independently explore the ships, allowing them to delve deeper into areas of personal interest.
Bookings for the programme have already commenced, with available dates featuring tours on Britannia on 26 April, Ventura on 30 April, and Iona on 11 May. Additional dates have also been planned and will be accessible soon through the Shine Rewards Club. The visits include numerous opportunities spread across various ships like Arcadia, Ventura, Britannia, Aurora, Arvia, and Iona, ensuring broad coverage across P&O’s fleet.
P&O Cruises is experiencing a remarkable period of growth, highlighted by a record-breaking start to the year in terms of sales. This extensive programme for travel agents reflects the company’s confidence and commitment to sustaining its positive trajectory. By providing agents with direct exposure to and understanding of its cruise offerings, P&O aims to fortify its market position and continue its upward momentum.
The expansive ship visit programme by P&O Cruises exemplifies a strategic effort to foster a deeper understanding and stronger engagement among travel agents.
