To celebrate Royal Caribbean’s 80 million dollar makeover of MV Voyager of the Seas Sydney based personal travel managers were recently invited to experience an overnight at sea aboard Australia’s largest and most modern ship.
Having experienced the MV Voyager of the Seas during TravelManagers’ national conference in November 2013, the personal travel managers could first hand appreciate the extensive upgrades which include the addition of a FlowRider surfing machine, inside cabins with virtual, real-time ‘balconies’, a 3D movie theatre and new dining venues including a sushi restaurant.
Personal travel managers Diane Craig representative for Balgowlah, Julianne Gazal-Rizk representative for Willoughby, Lyn Tyson representative for Pymble, Tanya Tyler representative for Riverview, Matt Halloran representative for Mount Annan, John Gartner representative for Bathurst and Sarena Taylor representative for Green Point on the Central Coast enjoyed a one night overnight cruise ‘to nowhere’ sailing around Sydney Harbour, experiencing an extensive inspection of the 11 cabin types and facilities including on-board entertainment, activities and the many restaurants and bars.
“It was fantastic to firsthand experience the incredible upgrades and renovations to MV Voyager of the Seas before starting her summer sailings. With 1557 staterooms, the ship is absolutely huge and I was incredibly impressed with the addition of the new Panoramic Ocean View, Family Panoramic Ocean View and Inside Virtual Balcony Cabins – all are great options for clients. The cabins and ship itself is much lighter, brighter and looks incredibly modern now,” says Tyson.
With an ice-skating rink, 1350-seat theatre, three pools, a rock-climbing wall and full-sized basketball court there was plenty to keep everybody aboard entertained.
“Guests were treated to the most spectacular Ice Show and X Factor favourite Reigan Derry and singer Nathaniel Willemse performed a special show for us in the La Scala Theatre. With complimentary cocktails during the evening, the firework display in front of the Sydney Opera House certainly topped off an incredible night of celebration,” says Tyler.
The personal travel managers were certainly spoilt with dining choice.
“We were lucky enough to experience tastings at all the specialty restaurants on board. The food was simply superb. The Windjammer Café is looking very swish after its makeover and had the most incredibly crispy bacon, just ideal after a night of celebration!” laughs Halloran.
Inspired by her own experience, Craig knows there are plenty of her clients that will love a cruising holiday aboard the new look MV Voyager of the Seas.
“Having the ability to experience the ship first-hand makes all the difference. The crew were outstanding and I can now talk about the facilities and on-board amenities with confidence.”
Travel Managers’ recognize the significant contribution home-based consultants make to the cruise sector and the need for ongoing education.
“TravelManagers is taking very positive steps to educate personal travel managers and promote the value of cruising and developing strategies and techniques in converting cruise enquiries. CruiseManagers, TravelManagers’ specialist cruise division, is a growing success. We encourage any opportunity for personal travel managers to experience products for themselves as we know the benefits of increased sales and product knowledge is key,” says Michael Gazal, TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager.
SOURCE Travel Managers