Five agents discuss their recent cruising experiences

Conor Campbell, director of Travel Inspired, a Protected Trust Services member, was onboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady

“[The cruise] was a really different experience compared with some of the other cruise lines I’ve been on. A lot of our clients are in their 20s to 40s, and this ship will appeal to them.

“I loved the state rooms, which were chic and modern. We stayed in a sea terrace cabin, which had a balcony with a hammock and an iPad that controlled everything from room service to mood lighting.

“The entertainment was different too – one show was almost like a celebrity chat show, with members of the audience going up on stage.

“The food was to die for, and I loved that all meals were included. They had some fun concepts like Gunbae restaurant, which offered a tepenyaki show cooking experience.

“We get lots of leads through Instagram and Facebook and we got a great reaction when we posted about the trip on social. I’ve already had some clients saying they’re going to enquire once they get back from their upcoming trips.

“I plan on pushing relevant offers out next. I can’t wait to send more clients onboard.”

Ian Weir, homeworker for Swords Travel, was onboard Tradewind Voyages’ Golden Horizon

“I was onboard for four days with my wife and it was an absolutely amazing experience; it’s such a beautiful ship. The service was impeccable. A ship like that is an experience as well as a holiday.

“It’s also great for clients who want to travel more sustainably, as when it’s under sail it’s a lot more fuel-efficient than other ships.

“I’m a keen diver and it’s basically like a five-star luxury liveaboard, so great for dive clients, or those who want to learn to dive, as there’s an instructor onboard and a dive pool.

“I had a new-to-cruise client onboard at the same time as me who is a keen sailor and wanted to experience a tall ship. They loved it, and I plan on converting them to other ships of a similar type. It’s perfect for clients who are put off by larger ships.

“I sell a lot of cruise and it’s gone to the top of the list of cruise ships I give five stars to and can’t wait to sell.”

Travel Counsellor Sarah Bolton was onboard Saga Spirit of Discovery in July

“I was on the first sailing back for Saga since the pandemic. It’s a beautiful new ship and we enjoyed some great shore excursions in the south of England, including Heligan Gardens, Tresco Island and Falmouth.

“The speciality dining, which is included, was a real highlight – the best I’ve experienced on a ship recently.

“I had a standard single balcony cabin, which is only 10% smaller than a standard twin balcony and was spacious and modern.

“I was active on social media while away. I have a lot of cruise bloggers and travellers who follow me and received lots of retweets and comments from my posts, as well as people enquiring and registering interest for travel in 2022 or 2023 or asking about safety protocols.

“I’ve always been a cruise specialist and I’m aClia master but since the pandemic I’ve been selling 100% cruise. People have a lot more confidence in booking cruises because of the flexibility.

“My tip to other agents is to get onboard a ship, as you can’t understand the operational side of things until you experience it for yourself.”