A first-time cruise experience can significantly alter perceptions and future travel plans, as exemplified by a recent event.
- Ben Knowles, a cruise consultant, took his inaugural voyage with Cunard aboard the Queen Elizabeth, sparking an interest in a family holiday at sea.
- The trip was part of a familiarisation programme, aiming to provide agents with first-hand knowledge and experience of cruise holidays.
- Agents engaged in various onboard and ashore activities, including workshops, dining experiences, and guided tours of historical sites.
- Cunard has expanded its familiarisation efforts, doubling the number of trips offered to agents in 2023, with plans for more in 2024.
Ben Knowles, a cruise consultant at ROL Cruise, embarked on his first-ever cruise journey aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, a four-night excursion from Rome to Barcelona. This experience not only marked his introduction to cruising but also the beginning of a new personal travel goal: to book a family trip with Cunard. His firsthand account highlighted the valuable introduction to holidays at sea that the cruise provided.
Accompanied by 17 other agents from various UK agencies, Knowles was part of a strategic familiarisation trip organised by Cunard. The journey was meticulously designed to equip these agents with the first-hand experience necessary for better understanding and selling of cruise packages. Knowles described the cruise as a chance to immerse in the life onboard and savour the culinary offerings, remarking on the timeless touch of Cunard’s service and dining excellence.
The fam trip also included an immersive series of activities meant to showcase the luxury and engagement that a Cunard cruise offers. Participants attended training workshops, experienced an exclusive cocktail masterclass, and dined at the specialty Steakhouse at The Verandah. These experiences were aimed at highlighting the unique selling propositions of Cunard cruise holidays.
While at shore, agents explored renowned sites like Pompeii during a stop in Naples and the Caves of Drach in Majorca. Such excursions intertwined cultural exploration with the holistic cruising experience, further reinforcing the appeal of destination-rich itineraries Cunard provides.
This initiative by Cunard was part of a broader effort to expand their familiarisation trip programme, doubling the trips in 2023 compared to 2022. The decision underscores Cunard’s commitment to engaging with and educating travel agents about the comprehensive nature of their offerings. Looking ahead, Cunard plans to host up to 500 agents on the new Queen Anne, fostering deeper integration with their most committed partners.
The strategic familiarisation efforts by Cunard showcase the brand’s dedication to providing enriching experiences for both travel agents and future customers.
