As the travel industry continues to evolve, there is a growing need to rethink how luxury cruises are promoted to a younger audience. Many newer travel advisors often overlook cruises in favor of promoting more bespoke experiences, but a recent sailing aboard the Silver Nova sought to challenge these perceptions. By inviting a select group of top-selling Embark advisors, including those with little experience selling cruises, the trip aimed to showcase the unique offerings of luxury cruises to a new generation of travelers and travel advisors alike.
One of the advisors, Amy Warren, who had previously not sold cruises, was immediately drawn to the appeal of luxury cruising for her clients after experiencing the Silversea sailing firsthand. She recognized the value of a cruise as an opportunity for clients to have a luxurious hotel experience while exploring multiple destinations without the need to pack and unpack multiple times. This firsthand experience not only changed her perspective but also inspired her to lead with cruise offerings when promoting expedition travel to her clients.
Another advisor, Shinny Bickoff, initially had reservations about selling cruises due to concerns about environmental impact and overtourism. However, her experience onboard the Silver Nova exposed her to the world of small ship cruising, which offers more sustainable travel options and enables deeper cultural interactions. Bickoff was particularly impressed by Silversea’s focus on sustainability, such as the locally sourced produce in the S.A.L.T. Kitchen and Salt Bar, which minimized the carbon footprint and supported local businesses. This shift in perspective highlights the importance of offering clients unique and responsible travel experiences.
Victoria Page, a travel advisor with a background in five-star hotels and resorts, had minimal experience selling cruises before the trip. However, she quickly recognized the loyalty and elegance of luxury cruises, likening the onboard experience to that of a luxury hotel. She observed the dedicated, personalized service provided by Silversea and saw the potential for cultivating long-term relationships with clients who value high-quality experiences over price. This emphasis on customer loyalty and personalized service is crucial for advisors looking to expand their luxury cruise offerings.
Even seasoned advisors found value in exploring the expedition cruise market through an Alaska sailing. The variety of activities and amenities onboard the Silver Nova, from helicopter rides to spa treatments, exemplified the range of experiences available to upscale clients. By positioning luxury cruising as a gateway to unique and enriching travel experiences, advisors can tap into a lucrative market of clients seeking upscale and adventurous vacations. This shift towards promoting luxury cruises as an integral part of the travel advisor’s portfolio opens up new opportunities for advisors to cater to diverse client preferences.
The journey aboard the Silver Nova not only challenged existing perceptions of luxury cruises but also highlighted the importance of personal experiences in shaping travel recommendations. By exposing travel advisors to the world of luxury cruising and the unique offerings of small ships, the trip inspired a new generation of advisors to rethink their approach to selling cruises. Through a focus on sustainability, personalized service, and unique experiences, advisors can cultivate long-lasting relationships with clients seeking upscale and adventurous travel options. Overall, the experience aboard the Silver Nova served as a catalyst for change in the way travel advisors promote luxury cruises to a new generation of travelers.
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