Explora I welcomes Travel Counsellors for special itinerary

This trip was organised to reward and recognise the communities’ recent successes, having been incentivised as part of a new reward scheme on their personal, digital platform, Phenix.

Twenty-two Travel Counsellors, each accompanied with their own guests, spent the week onboard the exclusive, brand new Explora I ship from 8 August with the stunning backdrop of Iceland as they set sail and the beauty of Copenhagen as they docked for the final time. The group were treated to exclusive dinners and the ability to view all that this ultra luxury ship had to offer to help them sell cruise packages to their customers, with a first-hand experience. In addition, thanks to DMC partner, Obeo Travel, the party also got to enjoy several excursions including whale watching and a visit to the volcanic lake Myvatn.

Janet Whittingham, head of cruise at Travel Counsellors, said: “This trip was an amazing experience for all involved and we were extremely lucky to be one of the first groups to experience this new concept and ship - it was truly luxury at sea. Whilst this was primarily an opportunity to reward some of our community for their recent efforts, the trip also provided some invaluable training, enabling our entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in the experience and come away inspired by what luxury and exclusive cruise holidays they could offer to their customers who are perhaps looking for something a bit different. We can’t thank our valued supplier partner, Explora Journeys, enough for providing us with this incredible opportunity.”

Sarah Holstead, Travel Counsellor, commented on her experience: “I was excited to see Explora I and can safely say it exceeded all my expectations. It had beautiful luxury hotel style interiors, genuinely fantastic food and impeccable service. There are clear points of difference to other luxury cruise lines so having the opportunity to experience the ship first hand was invaluable. The highlights for me were the stunning and varied outdoor pool areas, and the fantastic dining opportunities.”

Following the trip, two TCs have even booked their own holiday at sea, while another four have secured bookings for their customers with Explora Journeys.

Cruise has continued to be in high demand with holiday goers, as Travel Counsellors has seen that sales were up 57% during July to August compared to the same period last year.