Cartwright Travel, Cardiff

Cartwright Travel, Cardiff
One of TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2020

Crowned Wales’s Top Agency in 2016 and 2017, this family-run business has created a niche for itself by specialising in cruises for solo travellers through its Passion for Cruises arm.

Customers are in very good hands indeed, as in the past year alone the team has been onboard more than 80 ships between them. Regularly completing online training modules by different suppliers keeps the consultants’ knowledge up to date, while attending cruise conferences further cements their expertise on the latest trends and ships making waves.

The nine-strong outfit also holds customer service close to its heart – “if our clients feel pain, we feel pain”, according to co-directors Steve Cartwright and Steve Philippou. It’s no surprise then that the team is on hand 24/7 and passers-by are welcomed inside not just for help with booking their holiday, but also a little chat!

Meanwhile, a regular client of seven years enjoyed a dream experience onboard MSC Bellissima when the ship launched in Southampton in March last year, even meeting the UK boss of MSC Cruises, Antonio Paradiso.

A website refresh in the past year has ensured the agency comes out top for solo cruise deals in search engines, while the Solo Cruise Forum by Passion For Cruises Facebook page is a standout success, providing a platform for its 7,000 members to share their experiences with like-minded travellers. Consultant Flora’s savvy idea to give out special blue wristbands to booked clients means customer engagement is also reaching new heights, while a new MSC TV showcasing cruise deals from the cruise line’s HQ piques many locals’ curiosities.

The agency is also rooted in the local community, sponsoring the Cambrian & Clydach Vale under-12s football team, the Christmas lights in the village and donating holidays vouchers and bottles of wine to fairs.

cartwrighttravelcardiff.co.uk