Amadeus steps up online cruise capability
Wednesday, 16 Dec, 2009
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A new online cruise booking engine claims to provide real-time access to information on more than 90% of the world’s cruises from 16 providers.
Multimedia content, destination information and cabin availability is part of the Amadeus eCruise offering.
A three-step booking process, clarity on costs and accurate search and comparison tools are included.
eCruise is designed to complement existing desktop application, Amadeus Cruise.
It can compare up to five cruise lines returned in search results on one page including pricing, ship and itinerary information.
Other features include deck plans, cabin descriptions, information on 1,300 ports and 100 itinerary maps presented in graphical format.
Amadeus UK marketing director Elaine Seeto said: “When researching for eCruise it was clear that agents want to be able to capitalise on the growth within this market.
“We have designed a platform that caters for both expert and novice cruisers.
“Expert cruisers can search and complete bookings online with little assistance from the agent.
“Meanwhile, novice cruisers can search and compare different options and when they need help, the agent can then take over, offering further guidance to complete the booking.
“As a result, experts can easily find the cruises they know and trust without any hassle, and travel agents can spend more time offering their expert advice to customers who require it.”
She added: “The benefit for travel agents is that eCruise offers a product customers and agents can access online, which will augment the desktop application currently used by travel agents.
“This will mean travel agents can ultimately provide better customer service across multiple platforms and drive new sales.”
Passenger Shipping Association director Bill Gibbons said: “The ability to give the consumer a real taste of the cruise experience before they book, through pictures, virtual cabin tours, ship itineraries and video clips can only help in matching the right cruise with the customer’s requirements.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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