Royal Caribbean releases 2009 ‘on sale’ dates

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has announced the ‘on sale’ dates for 2009 cruises in advance for the first time following feedback from agents.

Royal Caribbean International cruises will be available from March 18, Azamara Cruises from March 19 and Celebrity Cruises from March 20.

The promotional push is in response to feedback from agents who are part of the cruise line’s Travel Advisory Panel who highlighted that more notice around when future seasons first go on sale would help in boosting early booking sales performance.

The campaign, focusing on new European and the Mediterranean preview brochures for the Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands, includes booking incentives of up to £400 saving per cabin booked before May 31.

The line confirmed the return of the world’s largest cruise ship, Independence of the Seas, to Southampton in summer 2009 (see previous TravelMole story).

It will also deploy of the two newest, yet to be delivered, Celebrity Cruises ships – Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox – to Europe. 

Both the Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises 2009 Europe and the Mediterranean preview brochures are being printed digitally in order to ensure that they are with agents in time for the date that cruises go on sale.

This is the first time that Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has made this investment in order to give agents a range selling tools to maximise early bookings.

UK and Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska said: “Listening to the feedback of agents, and responding with solutions that make it simpler to sell such as the new On Sale Now campaign is a demonstration of how we are determined to enhance agent relationships in all areas of our business.”

As part of the ‘On Sale Now’ campaign agents are receiving letters to highlight the new 2009 options on sale, a trade information pack outlining early booking offers and selling tips, window posters promoting new itineraries and ships, a sales incentive with the chance to win Virgin vouchers for Royal Caribbean International bookings and Tiffany gifts for Celebrity Cruises bookings.

Agent training information online at www.cruisingpower.co.uk is also being updated to carry the latest information on the campaign.

Meanwhile, the line has unveiled a dedicated website for agents at www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/independence.

The site features movies to bring to life the facilities on board Independence of the Seas, such as surfing demonstrations, rock climbing sessions and the H20 waterpark.

The films are supported by downloadable deck plans and further video content regarding the making of the ship. 

The ship is due to arrive in the UK on April 25 in Southampton.

Brand manager Jo Briody said: “New ships from Royal Caribbean International have traditionally generated a huge amount of interest from cruising fans and inquisitive travellers with our call volume from agents wanting as much news as possible increasing significantly in the weeks preceding the launch.

“The new royalcaribbean.co.uk/independence site gives a one-stop destination where the highlights of holidaying at sea come to life.”

by Phil Davies