This week's MAC Chat features our interview with Mitch Schlesinger, Director of Sales and Marketing, Voyages to Antiquity. 

 
Mitch Schlesinger, Director of Sales and Marketing
www.voyagestoantiquity.com

Who is Voyages to Antiquity and what makes you different?
Voyages to Antiquity is a new cruise line introduced by Gerry Herrod, the founder of Pearl Cruises and Orient Lines. It is unique in its singular focus of providing “Cruises to Classical Civilizations” of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Aegean and Red Seas. The 9 itineraries (16 sailings) in 2010 visit ports even the most experienced traveler has never seen on an itinerary an d combines these fascinating destinations with the most extensive guest lecture program in the cruise industry.

What are the key selling features?
1. The 14 day itineraries visit anywhere from 14-20 ports per voyage
2. Fares INCLUDE shore excursions, gratuities, wine with dinner, roundtrip transfers and porterage and airfare from FREE-$199 including air taxes.
3. Most itineraries are one way allowing for more port calls and more time in each port
4. Overnight stays in many ports provide ample time to experience destinations without rushing
5. Open seating dining also provides a relaxed approach to port calls

Tell us about the Aegean Odyssey
1. The ship is being extensively renovated to reduce capacity from 570 to 380. This includes creating 82 BRAND NEW staterooms and suites (42 with balconies) in categories G-A providing Concierge Class services and amenities
2. There are also 12 designated single cabins.
3. Extensive enhancements are also being made to the Spa and Terrace dining venues.
4. All staterooms and public areas will be completely redecorated as well.
5. Dining features continental cuisine enhanced by regional foods and wines obtained during each voyage to further the destination immersion
6. As a reflection of the extensive onboard enrichment program, there is no casino, big ship entertainment or formal nights.

Are there any special savings for the inaugural season?
For sailings from 5/17-8/23, we are offering:
1. $1,000 savings per stateroom (double occupancy)
2. FREE Air from over 70 N. American gateways.
3. NO Single Supplement (all sailings except 5/4, 9/7 & 11/12 and excludes cats A, B, & E)
4. ONE category upgrade within ranges N-I and G-D
5. FREE 2 night pre-cruise hotel stay with purchase of cat G and above
All above offers are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

Who are the best target customers for travel agents?
1. Experienced international travelers over the age of 55
2. Clients with a history of traveling 12+ days and spending $3,500 + pp
3. Particularly strong for clients previously purchasing river cruises or any other small ship experience
4. We are seeing a very pronounced crossover from clients with 12+ day land tour experience
5. Clients with affinity affiliations including alumni, history, art history, archaeology, religious travel
6. Luxury and ultra luxury guests who will not find these itineraries anywhere else and will find the Concierge Class in cats G-A very accommodating.


Thank you Mitch for that great interview!