Good advice shared at convention sessions can sometimes fade weeks or even a few days later, but agents attending Cruise Planners' annual conference in Atlantic City, N.J., from Nov. 12 to 15, commented that the tools and programs unveiled at the conference would see lasting use.
For example, a marketing tool designed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises to upsell premium clients and those who have experienced other cruise segments was one that received positive feedback.
During the luxury sales session, Ina Vainio, manager of key accounts for Regent, gave tips on selling the extremely inclusive brand with the help of detailed comparison charts. The charts, which are accessible via Regent's agent website, break down the dollar value of the cruise line's inclusions, such as room size, airfare, shore excursions, port taxes, bar drinks and gratuities. She affirmed that the actual spend per day on a Regent cruise is roughly equal or less than the premium product's. The premium product is also less than the competing luxury lines' rates, Vainio added.
Agents praised the charts as an effective tool to give clients a better understanding of the Regent products' value, as well as the true total costs. Those who upsell premium clients will receive a commission on all the elements of the all-inclusive fare.
Comparison charts with river cruise lines are also available.
