How to be good at selling cruise holidays, 7 tips by CLIA President

How to be good at selling cruise holidays, 7 tips by CLIA President
By Daisy Melwani


There’s no denying cruise sales can lead to big industry bucks, but it’s not necessarily the ‘easy sell’. Here are 7 key strategies for agents to stay ahead of the curve.cindy-daoust

On a visit to attend Cruise360 in Sydney last week, CLIA President and CEO Cindy D’Aoust outlined tips for cruise accredited agents to get ahead in a competitive environment.

  1. Stay Connected

    e27b9435-7dec-4d93-a20c-74daa52555c2_Socialmediascreen

The average age for cruise professionals in the US is 50 years and older, but in Australia it’s much lower, D’Aoust told Cruise360 delegates. “They didn’t grow up with social media, but you are. Be part of the conversation, you need to be engaged and show up in that community.”

  1. Stay one step ahead

    World's Leading Cruise Lines Brand

“Really think about your clients, what their milestones are, and suggest trips for future events,” such as key anniversaries, birthdays and so on, D’Aoust said. “Be creative and help them think forward and help them plan a bigger cruise than they’ve taken in the past.”

  1. Create an itinerary for yourself

    Two girls watching the map and decide where to go

“You’re constantly creating itineraries for your clients, but what about your own business?” D’Aoust said. “Understand where your business is today and where you want it in 5 years time and make a plan to get there.”

  1. Build a brand

Quantum of the Seas, launch photos.

“There’s no industry better at building a brand than the cruise industry,” D’Aoust said. “Do that for yourself. If you invest in yourself, you earn more, if you specialise, you earn more. But your customers need to know what you’re specialist for, river cruising, families and so on.”

  1. Personalise

    silversea-T2C-expeditionTeam-1-702x405

A cruise can be personalised to a single individual,” D’Aoust said. “That is part of your brand and what you will deliver to clients. Match what they are looking for in the experience with the product/cruise.”

  1. Narrow the search

    Silversea-Ships-in-Corfu-LR

Don’t overwhelm clients with the top 10 destinations or cruise lines,” D’Aoust said. “Instead, know them (your clients) and know what they are looking for, and give them a choice of the top 3 from what you know about them. Simplify the process for them.”

  1. Learn to Earn

    Australian CLIA 2015 Cruise Award Winners

    Australian CLIA 2015 Cruise Award Winners

“Invest in yourself. Participate in your community, serve on boards and get accreditations. The more you know, the more value you bring to your customers.”

D’Aoust concluded saying agents should adhere to a “one voice, one industry” focus, as “together our voice is louder and stronger to promote the cruising industry”.

Latest News

  • Appointments
  • Hotels

Kerzner International announce key leadership appointments

Kerzner International has announced two significant leadership appointments as part of a brand-new management structure designed to position the company for continued growth and success. Brand verticals Kerzner is renowned for creating pioneering brands from the larger-than-life Atlantis to the ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts, and recently an industry-first with the launch of SIRO, the ultimate fitness […]

  • Hotels

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour welcomes Santa Clause

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has welcomed Santa Clause to bring early Christmas presents to the children of the Royal Far West Charity. Royal Far West is one of the charities supported by hotel owner, Dr. Jerry Schwartz, who organised for high-rise window cleaning entrepreneur Edvaldo Godoy of Updown Access to “sleigh” down the face of […]

  • Travel Agents

Digital marketer says travel operators are missing out on free cash

Travel operators are missing out on free cash for marketing, says Sam Patton, founder of The Social Spider, Australia’s first digital marketing agency dedicated to the travel sector. Some savvy travel companies are successful in accessing “magical” marketing funds from government and private sources but many were unaware of available cash or unwilling to spend the […]

  • Food & Beverage
  • Hotels

Banyan Tree offers special Christmas dining options

Banyan Tree has announced a host of 5-star gourmet Christmas and New Year dining experiences for each of its restaurants across the festive season. Here’s a selection: Banyan Tree Krabi Gala Dinner The Banyan Tree Krabi is hosting a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at its popular restaurant, The Naga Kitchen. Guests can enjoy an […]