The cruise industry knows that the pandemic has taken its toll not just on lines themselves, but on individual travel advisors and the agent community at large. Many cruise companies have already stepped up to assist, but even more help is on the way based on these recent announcements.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is offering additional support in the form of a “From the Funnel” webcast series from the brand’s North American business development managers (BDMs). The BDMs will showcase a new subject every other month including sales and marketing strategies, business development opportunities and inspirational and motivational tools, as well as regional updates and pertinent facts for travel advisors and their clients during this transitional time.
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“‘From the Funnel’ is another example of our commitment to keeping our travel advisors updated and engaged, complementing an extensive roster of educational tools tailored just for them,” said Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing for Carnival, in a press release. “Now more than ever, we need to keep our travel partners informed on the latest industry news and happenings while providing a platform for their business success going forward and ‘From the Funnel’ fits perfectly into that philosophy.”
The From the Funnel event schedule will be posted on www.goccl.com.
www.carnival.com
Emerald Waterways and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Through March 31, Emerald Waterways and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours are upping their commissions by 3% on all new Europe and Southeast Asia river cruise reservations made via ExpressBook, the companies’ booking portal.
With increased demand for 2021 and 2022 voyages, wait times on reservation phone lines have increased. ExpressBook saves time and now adds to agents’ earning potential.
“Even as we train and bring on more reservation staff, the wait times are a concern for us, so we are using this bonus commission to incentivize our travel partners to [turn to] the easy-to-use option of ExpressBook,” said Ann Chamberlin, vice president of sales, USA, for Scenic and Emerald, in a press release. “And any time we can add more to their commissions is always a good thing.”
Advisors must use the following codes during the ExpressBook process: Scenic – STAGENT3; Emerald Cruises – EWAGENT3.
www.emeraldwaterways.com
www.scenicusa.com
Carnival’s From the Funnel webcast series will include topics such as sales and marketing strategies, business development opportunities and inspirational tools.
Credit: 2021 Carnival Cruise LineRegent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled the “Unrivaled Space at Sea” sweepstakes to provide agents with the opportunity to win a free luxury cruise valued at approximately $20,000. To enter, advisors must submit a testimonial on what “Unrivaled Space at Sea” means to them here.
“Our ‘Unrivaled Space at Sea’ campaign reinforces all of our known and loved brand differentiators, such as personalized service, exquisite cuisine, immersive exploration and onboard experiences, highlighting how they are all enhanced through the abundance of personal space found onboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, in a press release.
A campaign toolkit is available to communicate the benefits of space to customers at www.rssc.com/agent including a digital brochure, a customizable flyer, a video, web banners and images.
“The incredible sweepstakes was launched as part of the campaign as we recognize and value the critical role that travel advisors serve in our industry,” Montague said. “Their expertise is essential as we plan for our return to the sea and we are sure that the ‘Unrivaled Space at Sea’ campaign toolkit will help travel advisors secure valuable luxury cruise bookings right now.”
www.rssc.com
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is also boosting travel agent commissions through April 30, 2021, with a $200 bonus offered on new reservations made on any Silversea voyage departing on or after Oct. 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
"During these unprecedented times, we are proud to continue to support our travel partners with special incentives like our bonus commissions offer," said Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea, in a press release.
"We also hope that our valued partners benefit from the flexibility offered to our guests through the extension of our Cruise with Confidence and reduced deposit initiatives. A demonstration of our gratitude for their continued support, these initiatives are our way of recognizing our travel partners’ ongoing contributions. We look forward to strengthening our already strong relationships in the coming years.”
Silversea’s extended Cruise with Confidence program, now good on bookings made by April 30, 2021, offers flexibility on voyages departing before April 30, 2022, such that they may cancel their cruise up to 30 days prior to departure without penalties when selecting a 100% future cruise credit for the amount paid. What’s more, deposits are reduced to only 15% per suite during the same time period.
www.silversea.com
