EVER wondered how cruise lines are able to showcase literally thousands of shore excursions all over the world at one time? What appears to be very easy on the surface is in fact a complex supply chain with several layers of involvement to ensure maximum enjoyment for the cruise passenger....
EVER wondered how cruise lines are able
to showcase literally thousands of shore
excursions all over the world at one time?
What appears to be very easy on the
surface is in fact a complex supply chain
with several layers of involvement to
ensure maximum enjoyment for the cruise
passenger.
In each cruise region, cruise lines appoint
an Inbound Tour Operator (ITO) to put
together a series of shore excursions that
can appeal to a wide audience.
Walking tours, wilderness and wildlife,
sport and recreation, entertainment and
culture, wine and food and soft adventure
tours are all examples of the sort of
shore excursions cruise lines look to offer
passengers in each port.
It is the role of the ITO to then effectively
act as the cruise lines travel agent by
working with local suppliers. They are the
destination experts in putting together
shore excursion options that are designed
to appeal and deliver good value.
For a supplier to be included in a shore
excursion program, consideration is given
to accessibility, distance from port, capacity
to cater for groups, uniqueness, duration
of the stop and above all the ability to be
flexible on timing and numbers.
The cruise lines on board shore excursion
manager who appears to know everything
about everything (and often does) is
actually liaising with the appointed ITO
behind the scenes to ensure all ground
operations run smoothly.
Passenger feedback from shore
excursions is closely monitored by cruise
lines to ensure future visits to particular
ports continue to achieve a high level of
guest satisfaction.
