Major cruise lines have thrown out a challenge to small independent agents to prove their enthusiasm for building business if they want to win support from the industry’s main players.
Speaking during a panel debate at the 2010 UK Cruise Convention in Southampton, which has attracted around 400 retailers, P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow threw down the gauntlet.
“We are very keen to work with small agents and grow them,†she said. “If they are keen and have the focus, then they should talk to us.â€
She said P&O already worked with larger cruise agencies, but stressed there was an opportunity for smaller independents with focus, enthusiasm and commitment – a position backed by other panel members including Thomson and Island Cruises chief David Selby.
Norwegian Cruise Lines chief executive Kevin Sheehan declared that the cruise industry was “still the Wild West†in the US, UK and Europe because it was under-penetrated and had yet to reach its full potential.
However, he warned that cruise companies could not sit on their laurels and expect to do the same thing year after year.
“We need to grow the industry,†he said. “By launching ships such as Oasis of the Seas and Norwegian Epic it brings a buzz that attracts interest from first-time cruisers.â€
Industry chiefs predicted the next three years would see growing interest in this market segment; continuing innovation; and rising prices that would help to bring a return to greater profitability.
