CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES EXPANDS TRAVEL AGENT FAM PROGRAM, EXPECTS RECORD PARTICIPATION IN 2007
MIAMI (January 12, 2007) – Looking to surpass last year’s record 23,000 travel agents who participated in Carnival Cruise Lines’ travel agent familiarization program, the line is expanding the program to include a greater variety of ships and embarkation ports in 2007.
The program encompasses ship inspections and luncheons aboard all of Carnival’s 21 "Fun Ships" in 18 homeports across North America.
"The ‘Fun Ship’ vacation experience has undergone dramatic change in recent years and our familiarization program has proven to be extremely valuable in providing travel agents with a comprehensive overview of our product," said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. "We’ve received excellent feedback on this program, which allows agents to see for themselves what ‘Today’s Carnival’ is all about, all in a very timely and efficient manner," she added.
While most of the fams encompass a full day and include a tour of a Carnival "Fun Ship" while in port, many travel agents opt to overnight in a homeport city and visit up to five ships over the course of two or three days.
During the fams, travel agents visit the ships’ public rooms and areas, spa facilities, and children’s and teen facilities, including the line’s new "Club O2" teen clubs, and meet with shipboard personnel.
Additionally, participants enjoy a multi-course luncheon where they can sample the line’s George Blanc Signature Selections menu items created by the world-renowned chef, and tour staterooms which feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system.
Ship tours are typically hosted by Carnival’s business development managers who also conduct sales seminars offering a variety of proven selling and closing techniques.
Agents also tour cruise terminal facilities where they can observe the embarkation process. Visits to area hotels and attractions – included in pre- and post-cruise land stays – are also available.
There is also an executive fam program affiliated with Miami- and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based ships that includes a visit to Carnival’s Miami headquarters. The program is designed for travel agency owners, managers and experienced cruise sellers who want to strengthen their understanding of the Carnival product and the company’s shoreside operations.
Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world with 21 "Fun Ships" operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Isles.
The company currently has four new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011. The first of those, Carnival Freedom, is slated to debut in Europe March 5, 2007.
Travel agents wishing to obtain additional information or participate in Carnival’s travel agent familiarization program should contact the line’s business development services department at 1-800-327-7276.
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Carnival Cruise Lines is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.