Agent’s dream?

Tuesday, 10 Dec, 2003 0

Agents familiar with traditional cruises may be overlooking a different commissionable voyage: The two SeaDream Yacht Club ships. “Many of our bookings are either from yacht charter experts or through travel agents,” Ernie Beyl told TravelMole. Mr Beyl, director of corporate and marketing communications, added that some segments of the business are 80% travel agent bookings. Normal commission rates are 10%, or higher with groups, according to Mr Beyl. The two, 110-passenger ships based in Coconut Grove, Fl, cruise in the Mediterranean Coast and pass through some classic European cities. But unlike traditional cruises, SeaDream says it offers a “yachting experience.” The boats cater to individuals as well as groups, including corporate meetings, incentive groups and individual families who can book an entire boat for a typical seven-day cruise. Unlike cruises, however, SeaDream’s itinerary is flexible. Sea captains may decide, for example, to make an unscheduled stop at a popular fish market or spend the night at a captain’s favorite snorkeling place. The boats include upscale activities associated with yachting such as free-flowing champagne and caviar, gourmet dining with classic wines, an onboard Golf Simulator enabling guests to play 50 courses, and an open bridge policy where guests can visit the bridge at any time. The boats have 55 “Yacht Club Staterooms,” each of which has marble-clad bathrooms, and offers plush Turkish cotton bathrobes and a stocked bar. Mr Beyl believes the ships are offering a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else. Guests booking the cruises are similar in demographics to regular cruise passengers, he added. They come from all over the US. The venture was started in 2001 by Norwegian entrepreneur Atle Brynestad, who founded Seabourn Cruise Line, and Larry Pimentel, who was CEO of the merged Cunard and Seabourn.

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