“It’s going to be a great year,” said Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International’s senior vice president of sales, trade support and service during her latest Coffee Talk with travel advisors.
Joining her were Jason Liberty, the new president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Charles Sylvia, ECC, vice president of industry and trade relations for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
During the talk, both offered their insight on the industry’s latest challenges.
In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent warning to avoid cruise travel regardless of vaccination status, Sylvia called the decision “perplexing.”
“We are not going backward,” he said. “We’ve got this figured out. What we need from you is confidence and empathy.”
If clients are looking to cancel sailings, Sylvia suggests agents ask them to reconsider while reiterating how truly safe cruising is and how effective the industry’s health and safety protocols are. His advice is to quickly reference statistics such as the over two million guests who have sailed safely since cruising has resumed.
We are not going backward. We’ve got this figured out. What we need from you is confidence and empathy.
When introduced, Liberty — who first joined the company in 2005 and most recently served as chief financial officer — added that his priority is the continuation of service. He indicated that about 80% of the corporate fleet, also encompassing Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, is currently in operation.
"There’s no doubt people want to travel,” he said. “There is tremendous momentum.”
Demand and booking activity are strong, and Liberty said his objectives during his first 100 days as CEO include learning from and listening to Royal Caribbean employees, customers and travel partners.
He also expressed great admiration for agents’ diligence in educating themselves on the product and “bringing customers on that journey.”
When asked if he would continue the video messages that his predecessor, Richard Fain (who remains chairman), has been presenting during the pandemic, he said he will definitely communicate with the trade, and is evaluating the best channel to do so.
In the meantime, Royal Caribbean is still marketing and investing, and Liberty stressed the importance of supporting the ecosystem that generates quality demand with a focus on “advocacy.”
"We can accomplish anything together,” he said.
Looking toward the future, Freed and her team highlighted an expansive 2023 European season. A total of nine ships will be deployed throughout the region including the Odyssey of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.
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