Today's featured interview is with Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President of Sales for Royal Caribbean International.
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Vicki Freed
SVP Sales
Royal Caribbean International
For more information visit:
RoyalCaribbean.com
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Jessica: Hi Vicki, Royal Caribbean is nominated for 4 MailPound Agents' Choice (MAC) awards. Congratulations!
Vicki: We are extremely honored to be among the top MailPound choices in the cruise industry and to be nominated in so many categories, especially being that they come directly from MailPound Agents themselves. It is not only rewarding but also very inspiring. We will use this inspiration to continue our quest to be the best.
Jessica: Let's begin with "Best Cruise Line for Families" which is a big category. We currently have 6 cruise lines nominated. What do you think makes Royal Caribbean stand out as an ideal cruise line for families?
Vicki: Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean® is one of the most interactive, educational and entertaining youth programs available at sea. Every member of our Adventure Ocean staff holds a four year degree in education, recreation or a related field and provides hands-on activities developed for various age groups. Our Royal BabiesSM and Royal TotsSM programs provide learning and enjoyment to our youngest cruisers through exciting partnerships with Fisher-Price®, Crayola®, Mattel® and more. From Sitters at Sea to My Family Time DiningSM we want every family member to enjoy their vacation to the fullest.
Jessica: You were also nominated for "Best Large Cruise Ship Fleet." I can't wait to see the new Oasis of the Seas! Can you tell me a little bit about it:
Vicki: I think Oasis of the SeasSM is the most exciting thing to happen to the cruising industry in decades. She’ll be the most revolutionary cruise ship in the world, spanning 16 decks, 2,700 staterooms (including loft-style suites), carrying 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and featuring seven themed neighborhoods including Central ParkSM, BoardwalkSM, Royal Promenade, Entertainment Place, the Youth Zone and more.
Plus, for the adventure-seeker, Oasis has not one but two rock climbing walls, a thrilling zip-line suspended across the BoardwalkSM and a two-story, adults-only retractable-roof solarium! There’s only one word to describe this ship – incredible!
Jessica: "Best Supplier Specialist Program" is another category you were nominated for. Which aspect of your "University of Wow" supplier specialist program do you think appeals most to travel agents?
Vicki: Supplier Specialist Programs should not only be informative but also entertaining, because when you enjoy the experience you'll retain more knowledge. This is exactly the model we built upon when we designed the "University of Wow" program. Through interactive modules that include audio cues, video clips and a friendly and engaging tone, we have seen a substantial increase in not only the sales successes of our Travel Partners but also in their own confidence levels.
Jessica: Do you have any current promotions you would like to share with our travel agents?
Vicki: We have been working diligently to develop new ways to increase group business and therefore profitability for our Travel Partners, while making the group sales process more streamlined. We are confident that our new Groups Your Way program will inspire agents who are hesitant about working on groups to give it a show. In fact, planning and promoting group cruises an easy, turn-key process. From complimentary collateral to dedicated shoreside and shipboard group representatives and event coordinators, we've proven that things really are better in groups - especially cruises!
You can find eTools to help plan and promote your group, special offers, new policies, incentives and more information on Groups Your Way at: creative.rccl.com/e-lite/RCI/2009/Sales/09014059-2009_Groups_Mini_Kit/home/index.html
Thank you Vicki for sharing all of this great information about Royal Caribbean with us!
Please feel free to submit comments below. Have an excellent day!
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