“Ships, innovation, product, support, relationships,” says Tracey Codd, co- franchise owner at Expedia CruiseShipCenters when describing what draws her clients to choosing Royal Caribbean International. Adding that, “Destinations can be somewhat universal across all cruise companies. How cruise passengers arrive at such destinations, and the experience while on board, is where Royal Caribbean distinguishes itself within the industry as a natural leader. Royal Caribbean has dominated the cruise market, making their ships the actual desired ‘destination’ and the ports of call have become shadowed by the desire for passengers to immerse themselves in experiencing the ships themselves.”
Though the cruise line’s current offerings are varied and provide guests with plenty to enjoy, there’s still much more to come. Vicki Freed, senior v.p. of sales, trade support and service for Royal Caribbean International, notes that, “There are incredible itineraries on board 24 Royal Caribbean ships that visit more than 240 destinations around the world. “Adding to the adventure, Symphony of the Seas—what will be the world’s largest cruise ship—is set to make her first stateside appearance on Nov. 9, 2018 in our new PortMiami cruise terminal. As the fourth installment in our groundbreaking Oasis class of ships, Symphony will strike a chord in the industry with more enhancements, reimagined venues and the return of our popular experiences and innovations: imaginative and sophisticated dining, our Bionic Bar manned by robot bartenders; Broadway-style entertainment; The Perfect Storm trio of water slides; our 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide and more. There’s plenty more where that came from for Royal Caribbean; everyone will need to stay tuned!”
Royal Caribbean has always stayed true to the travel agent community. We are known for our unwavering support based on the understanding of and appreciation for the value they bring to our brand. Together, we have been
able to foster an unbeatable relationship, where our success and their
success go hand in hand.– Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service,
Royal Caribbean International
Codd notes that, “With such amazing and innovative designs, Royal Caribbean is able to uphold pricing levels and margins that prosper both RCI and its travel partners. Customers are willing to pay a premium price for a premium experience aboard these ships.”
What’s in store for the future? “We will continue to lead the industry,” says Freed, with the best, most innovative ships and experiences in the cruise industry—it’s in our DNA. Five years from now, we will stand out as the best vacation value in travel, and travel agents will still be a major contributor to our bookings and bringing Royal Caribbean vacations to life.”
The Personal Agent Relationship
“Royal Caribbean International has always stayed true to the travel agent community,” points out Freed. “We are known for our unwavering support based on the understanding of and appreciation for the value they bring to our brand. Together, we have been able to foster an unbeatable relationship, where our success and their success go hand in hand.”
David Fredericks, senior v.p. of sales and marketing for Luxury Cruise Connections, attests to this relationship, referring to it more like a family. He says, “I have never seen a company that supports the trade as well as Royal Caribbean. It starts at the top with Richard Fain, Michael Bayley, and Vicki Freed, all the way down to the sales management that orchestrates our sales strategies. The team is always there when we need them. Royal Caribbean’s team are not just partners; they are our family that works relentlessly to create opportunities to grow our joint business. There is never a day that goes by that a majority of our reservations are not Royal’s.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Royal Caribbean International
Vicki Freed
E-mail: vickilovestravelagents@rccl.com
Website: loyaltoyoualways.com
