The last few years have seen the exponential development of cruise line innovations in hardware design and in the onboard experience, so it’s hard not to focus on these exciting improvements when we are promoting cruising in the retail sector. But I do want to take this opportunity to point...
The last few years have seen the
exponential development of cruise line
innovations in hardware design and in the
onboard experience, so it’s hard not to
focus on these exciting improvements when
we are promoting cruising in the retail
sector.
But I do want to take this opportunity to
point out the other side of the coin in
cruising, the shore-side experience,
something that is often neglected in sales
dialogues.
A typical Mediterranean itinerary of 10
ports in a 12 night cruise has 193 hours of
“awake” time (7am to midnight).
Of this, 116 hours or 60% is spent in port.
This figure is even greater when you
consider boutique cruise ships and river
cruise holidays which are even more port
focused.
Highlighting this in your sales dialogue to
your clients is just as important as
describing the cruise experience itself.
When you are promoting a cruise make
sure that you become familiar with the land
component of the itinerary as not only is it a
main aspect of the experience, it is a key
component of the emotional hook that
entices customers.
Pick a couple of the ports of call and really
research them, learn about the shore tours
on offer as well as how your clients can
explore on their own.
Remember that it’s important to “paint
the picture” for the client so that they can
see themselves in it.
The ICCA regularly runs Cruise Geography
modules.
Not only is this a mandatory component of
ICCA Accreditation, but a great way to
brush up on your knowledge.
