Top 5 Myths About Cruising by Gary Pollard, CTC, Ambassador Tours
1. Cruising is too expensive!
The cost of a cruise vacation is far more affordable than many realize. Most people cannot stay at home and eat, pay the bills and have first rate entertainment for less than a cruise vacation! It’s also important to incorporate VALUE when talking about cost. Now, more than ever, families are looking for ways to make the most of the time they get to spend together – doing things together which hold value, without breaking the bank. A family budget spent on a vacation or even a weekend getaway gives a valuable experience to our clients – more valuable than another weekend in front of the television, certainly.
2. Cruising is for old people.
This is not your grandfather’s cruise. Forget shuffleboard and dress-up dinners. The cruise industry has charted a new course, aiming for a younger crowd of adrenaline junkies, singles, and activity-loving families. We need to fully understand what the “NEW” cruiser wants, then find him/her just that. Do not try to sell what you would do, sell them what they tell you they like. There are countless trips that appeal to the young and the young-at-heart while still offering everything that makes cruising so great: You only have to unpack once, someone else does the driving (and they know the route), and each morning you wake up in a new and exciting destination!
3. Being stuck on a ship is boring.
If anyone is ever bored on a ship, then they really should not be on a cruise vacation. With all the new bells and whistles coming out each year on a ship, there is always something for everyone. There are ships that are literal floating cities at sea with rock-climbing walls, waterslides, movie theaters, golf courses, and no shortage of amazing restaurants and shopping delights. And for those who want a little “extra” in their next cruise vacation, then can pick their favorite hobby, interest or passion and choose from hundreds of different Theme Cruises to add a bit more “Woohoo!” to their trip.
4. Cruising is too stuffy and too structured.
With most cruise lines now offering “anytime” dining, a very casual dress code, and countless activities for cruisers of all ages – “stuffy” has been thrown out the window and cruising can be anything a client wishes. There are few things we look forward to more than going on vacation. The anticipation of heading off to a tropical paradise or historical mecca for several days (or, even better, weeks!) is beyond thrilling. Many of us plan our entire social calendars around the limited precious time off we have available, so we want to make it count!
5. Customers Will Book Online
In order to remain competitive in today’s age of do-it-yourself-via-the-Internet mindset and technology, travel agents are more and more becoming not only a resource to simply help clients find a flight or book a cruise, but something much, much more. With your destination savvy and unrivaled access and special connections, often you can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a smoothly orchestrated, extraordinary journey. When clients leaves all the details to you it means less hassle and more time for them to just sit back, relax and ENJOY! Like Clark Kent when he changes into Superman, travel agents should be more like a personal travel concierge (or travel superhero, as we like to think of ourselves) – Here we come to save the day! Okay, well, that’s Mighty Mouse, but you get the idea!
Email Gary Pollard, CTC
