The peak ‘wave’ booking period is about to receive a major boost as Royal Caribbean International launches a new campaign offering 10,000 free flights on selected cruise bookings from now until 29 February 2012. In addition to selected free European flights, agents will also have the added option of offering extras such as free car parking or coach transfer on all UK departures.
Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, head of trade sales, Royal Caribbean International, explains:“With the peak wave booking period now firmly upon us we’re working hard to ensure both agents and consumers choose Royal Caribbean International. While 10,000 free flights may seem like a lot, they won’t be around for long so I encourage agents to take advantage of all the trade materials on offer and the fantastic incentives that we’ve included as part of this campaign.”
In addition to fun perks like mugs and t-shirts, agents who book any cruise that is part of the February campaign will be entered into a weekly prize draw to win a selection of exciting Red Letter adventure days for two such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting or snowboarding. Royal Caribbean International is also holding an exclusive agent incentive draw at the end of the month for one ‘ultimate cruise’ package - the details of which are being kept tightly under wraps until later in the month to further build hype in the campaign. With each new booking of selected Royal Caribbean International cruises upping agents chances of winning this ‘ultimate cruise’ package, agents are encouraged act fast if they want a piece of the action.
To drive bookings, the trade campaign will be supported by consumer advertising on TV, radio and in print press. Logos and artwork for cooperative consumer advertising have also been produced.
Itineraries that make up the Royal Caribbean International’s 10,000 free flights February wave period campaign include:
· Seven-night Western Mediterranean fly/cruise onboard Liberty of the Seas from £749 per person including free flights. Cruise departs Barcelona and calls at destinations such as Provence, Florence (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia) and Capri (Naples). Departures in October 2012 with free flights available from Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Heathrow and Gatwick
· 11-Night Spain & Canary Islands cruise onboard Independence of the Seas from £799 per person departing Southampton and calling at destinations such as Lisbon, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Tenerife (Canary Islands) and La Coruña (Spain). Departures in November 2012
· Seven-night Greek Isles fly/cruise onboard newly refurbished Splendour of the Seas from £799 per person including free flights to join the ship in Venice and a cruise calling at destinations such as Bari, Corfu, Mykonos and Dubrovnik. Departures in October 2012
Trade marketing packs featuring details of the 10,000 free flights offer and selling tips for the campaign are being distributed to agents. The marketing packs also include comprehensive information on safety procedures, and the extensive investment in training and technology that ensures Royal Caribbean International remains ahead of the levels required by regulatory bodies.
Further support for trade partners includes new flyers promoting the 10,000 free flights February campaign and enhanced information online at cruisingpower.co.uk – the trade dedicated website for agents – detailing recent and pending ship revitalisations and the new features and facilities this delivers for cruise travellers. Agents can quickly and easily stay up to date with details of which ships offer iPads in every stateroom, new nursery facilities for babies and toddlers, and new entertainment options.
