The cruise line announced on Thursday (13 July) the one-day visits will comprise a guided tour of the vessel – including suites and staterooms – as well as a three-course lunch with wine. Agents need to register through Cunard’s Shine Rewards Club to participate.
According to director of UK sales Tom Mahoney, ship visits are “one of the best ways” for agents to sell the company’s portfolio of ships and destinations.
“Travel agents are central to our success, which is why we have focused on increasing both our ship visit and fam trip programmes throughout 2023,” Mahoney said.
“This year’s initial round of ship visits received exceptional feedback from the trade, and we can’t wait to welcome more agents onboard, to give them a taste of the Cunard sailing experience.”
Cunard kick-started the 2023 visiting season on 18 May, when members of the trade sales team welcomed 15 trade partners onboard Queen Mary 2. Over the past two months 90 agents have come onboard, the line added.
"I had a fantastic time onboard Queen Victoria, and not only was it an incredibly valuable experience, but the Cunard team were very attentive, knowledgeable and passionate about the brand,” said Rhys Davies, cruise travel expert at Iglu, about a recent ship visit.
“I later sold a Queen Victoria sailing and found the ship visit helped hugely in being able to sell the Cunard experience.”
Cunard is not the only cruise line taking agents onboard its vessels as sister company Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) is set to host dozens of agents onboard newly refurbished Carnival Pride between July and September.
