'My unbeatable tip for getting a world cruise sale over the line'

LIFE ONBOARD

Obviously, as an employee onboard there was always something to do, but even in my downtime I was never bored.

One of the biggest reservations people have is the fear of cabin fever, but they need to understand that the cruise lines want them out eating, drinking, exploring and having fun.

As well as musical shows, there are so many presentations from incredible people sharing what they’ve done with their lives. I often find that world voyage clients are looking for culture, so having historians, astronauts and artists onboard as part of the daily offering is ideal. 

It’s good to explain to potential guests there is a concierge team dedicated to keeping passengers entertained, so whether it’s choir practice, art classes, quizzes or the renowned bridge playing on Cunard, there is something for everyone. 

Personally, I enjoy the relaxation of being at sea. I love looking out for flying fish from the top deck or simply reading a book in the library.

SALES TOOLS

Knowledge of the destinations is key. The world cruiser is going onboard to encounter different cultures and to tick off places they wouldn’t normally be able to get to, so you need to be clued up on the itinerary.

You will always get asked about entertainment – it’s the biggest stumbling block when it comes to people booking – so be armed with information. Cunard lays on such a variety: the theatre shows are fresh, they bring on guest entertainers, and on each leg there’s something completely different.

If price is a consideration, it’s worth noting that while balconies are hugely popular for obvious reasons, inside cabins are great too. You’ll spend such little time in your cabin, the price difference can help sway potential clients who are more budget-conscious. 

PACKING TIPS

Making sure you can mix and match pieces to create new outfits is great advice from none other than cruise queen Jane McDonald. Blacks, whites and reds are essential – as part of their gala evenings, Cunard have a very popular “Black and White” night alongside a “Roaring 20s Red and Gold” evening, offering guests the chance to dress up in their glad rags. There are also plenty of casual dining options available, so guests need to ensure they have an assortment of evening clothes to choose from.

I love to pack binoculars too. It’s always a highlight to spot another ship, so it’s good to have them to hand.

There is not a doubt in my mind that world cruises will be around for ever. I find that guests on shorter expedition cruises have a higher net worth, less time and are slightly younger than your classic world cruiser, but more often than not, people migrate from expedition cruises to a world cruise when they have more disposable time – it’s a natural progression.

It is quite rare to have someone book a full world voyage. When I was working onboard we would have up to 200 guests who were doing the full itinerary, although the segments available are wonderful too. 

When it comes down to which Cunard ship to choose, it depends on the client – with Cunard you’ll get people who opt for Queen Mary 2 as the flagship; she’s a true transatlantic ocean liner and people love her seaworthiness. Others prefer smaller vessels such as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, with a more intimate feel onboard. Queen Anne will be a game changer for Cunard, and I for one can’t wait to see her. At the same time, QM2 will forever be an iconic vessel – they will be a perfect match for each other.