Rosie Cairns, joint MD, ROL Cruise
How was 2022 for you?
We have always been acutely aware of the importance of wellbeing, and Covid really brought this to the fore. We set up a number of schemes to offer support: our Employee Assistance Programme is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides counselling for colleagues and their family members. This can be for any issue – from help with financial advice, to mental health concerns and managing grief. We also launched weekly yoga classes plus wellbeing walks – we walk around the Essex countryside and woodlands, and it is escapism!
What are your plans for 2023?
Investing in our team remains a central focus; this includes more wellbeing initiatives, training and continued recognition programmes. Having introduced a number of schemes already, over the next 12 months we intend to extend access to include more physical activities as well as offer nutrition advice, for example, following feedback from our staff.
Employee wellbeing will be a key focus at ROL. Image: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
Ian Buckeridge, Commercial Director, The Cruise Line Ltd
How was 2022 for you?
We made no redundancies during Covid, and having the team back together in the office was key to kick-starting a healthy rebound last year. Highly qualified personal communication and tactical advertising has helped deliver a strong blend of both new and repeat business.
What are your plans for 2023?
With the public’s confidence to travel increasing, the prospects for 2023 are very healthy. Interest in experiential itineraries is attracting new to cruise as well as new to-brand interest, while product and destination focus is core to our development plans which will be supported by increased investment in social media and advertising.
Experiential itineraries are attracting new-to-cruise. Image: Luca Bravo/Unsplash
Edwina Lonsdale, MD, Mundy Cruising
How was 2022 for you?
2022 was an extraordinary year, with sales at full throttle right from the start. But challenges have continued and alongside new bookings, our team have been working flat out on rebookings, alterations, flight cancellations and unusual Covid regulations.
What are your plans for 2023?
2023 is set to be even more exciting with the launch of so many new ships, especially luxury and expedition. Our focus will be on understanding our sector inside out to give high quality advice to sophisticated buyers planning extraordinary trips away from the crowds. Our clients are interested in sustainability and getting great value when spending top dollar for their travel.
New luxury ships will satisfy the demand for unforgettable experiences. Image: Reynier Carl/Unsplash
James Cole, founder and MD, Panache Cruises
How was 2022 for you?
We saw many challenges but also many opportunities. One challenge was the removal of St. Petersburg as a destination port – itineraries from the UK to the Baltic states have typically reduced in duration by four days as a result and this has caused significant disappointment. Even though many new cities have been added to cruises in the region such as Riga, Visby and Ronne, demand softened. However, with the introduction of overnight stays for 2023 and 2024, I think interest will return strongly.
What are your plans for 2023?
We invested heavily in our sales team last year, with some of the highest salaries found in the sector. We will continue our search for talented sales people and further our investment in training and knowledge transfer. Our collective opportunity as agents will be to encourage people to book early to avoid any price increases due to the rising cost of fuel. I think this is going to affect every sector, whether the focus be flights, hotels, car hire or packaged holidays.
Riga has been added to Baltic cruise itineraries in 2023. Image: Tori Lesh/Unsplash
Stuart Milan, channel director, Riviera Travel
How was 2022 for you?
What are your plans for 2023?
Make it your new year’s resolution to sell river cruises… Image: Riviera Travel
The Kornati Islands are within reach of small ship lovers. Image: Airmens/Pixabay
Evelin Vegi, cruise specialist, Cruise Croatia
How was 2022 for you?
What are your plans for 2023?