Cruise travel agent initiatives
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Ship visits and new e-learning from cruise lines to travel agents.
Major Travel plans Pullmantur ‘Cruise Clinic’
Major Travel is to hold a ‘Cruise Clinic’ and ship visit on Pullmantur’s Empress ship this September for travel agents and their customers. Major’s ‘Dr’ Andrew McKenna will be on the ship in Dover on 19 September to discuss industry related issues and topics as well as offer advice to agents. It has also encouraged agents to bring customers onboard to sample what Pullmantur’s ships are like, with special offers available to book throughout the day. Those on the ship will also take a tour and have lunch onboard. For details on how to book a place, head to www.major4agents.co.uk.
New e-learning from MSC
MSC Cruises has revamped its online training website for travel agents. Modules on the site, at www.msccruisetraining.com, includes ship information; typical customer profile; what the company has to offer; how it differs from other brands and the destinations its ships visit, as well as pre-bookable packages available. Agents will be asked questions throughout and will become an MSC Expert with a certificate once completed. The first 100 travel agents to complete the training will be entered into a draw to win a 2013 Med cruise for two including flights. Agents can also become a MSC Master by attending a ship visit this year, who will receive agent rates and priority fam trip places.
Discount cruise site reaches out to UK
A cruise discount website has reached out to the UK travel industry despite current concerns around pricing in the sector. The website, named CruiseGlobus, encourages travel agents to bid for business after a consumer posts a cruise holiday request on the site, specifying the cruise line and preferred sailing date. The matching service is free and claims its affiliated agencies can offer discounts up to 60%. “We are glad to welcome clients and travel agents from different countries to join our website and see the benefits of it,” said Antoinette Clair, founder of CruiseGlobus. She added the website could offer a similar service for other travel sectors in the future.
