On The Deck: Allan Alderson
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We are getting mixed messages with some agents doing great and some agents no so good. How has business been for you so far this year and are you upbeat about the short term future?
As a Cruise Holidays franchisee I am in the positive position being able to plan my own approach to attracting business. I do not spend a large amount on advertising in the press to gain customers but with the help of head office my contacts are ‘target marketed’ to offer the cruise holiday best suited to them. I also spend a great deal of my time planning theme cruises. The time I invest is rewarded with being able to reserve a significant amount of cabins to offer to people who want to share their love of a specific pastime with other like minded passengers. I am upbeat about the short term future as many Cruise Lines are becoming more flexible and accommodating to attract groups on board their ships.
Has the Concordia accident mid-January had any impact on your business and if so to what extent?
The Concordia accident was a terrible tragedy and one that made everyone more aware of the need to ensure the safety of passengers on all cruise lines. It is natural for people to feel nervous and more cautious about cruising but the overall safety record for cruising over the past two decades has been very good.
I had planned to take a group of 30 people on a ship visit but interest waned following the Concordia accident so I chose to cancel the event. I am sure full confidence in the Cruise Industry will return as it is still one of the safest ways to enjoy a fabulous holiday.
There has been a lot of talk about the popularity of cruising ex UK ports. Have you found in your business the same trend?
I am encouraged that more ships from more cruise lines are sailing from the UK. There is a large demand for cruises from UK ports with many people preferring not to fly but to start their holidays immediately they board from their home port. Passengers also love to be able to take extra luggage on board so they can have choice of what to wear without having to pay baggage surcharges.
What cruise destinations are the best sellers in your business?
The Mediterranean and Fjords remain very popular with my customers for 7 – 14 nights with increasing demand for sampler cruises from UK.
As a cruise retailer what are your greatest challenges or threats?
One of the greatest challenges is encouraging people who are new to cruise to consider choosing a cruise over a land based holiday. Most people who have cruised will say how much they enjoy the experience but there is still some apprehension with many people in the UK who have yet to cruise. Ship visits prove to be a great way to introduce cruising to first timers but of course this option is limited by the number of places offered.
Has the commission reduction for 2012 by the Complete Cruise Solution brands had any major impact on your business going forward and how have you responded?
I think many cruises retailers have been disappointed by CCSs reduction in commission. Margins are tight in the travel business and I believe CCS may have to rethink their commission structure to ensure they fill their ships with the aid of travel agents. I know the CCS brands have a great many loyal customers but travel agents are in a good position to attract new-to-cruise customers and customer who have cruised on other cruise lines and for this work they should receive a realistic commission in line with the amount offered by other brands in the Cruise Industry.
Is there anything cruise line could do better to help you improve cruise sales?
Cruise lines are generally very helpful in encouraging cruise sales. I am trying to approach improving my business by working with organisations to offer special packages for customers so they can be assured they will be travelling with like- minded people to enhance their experience and to encourage future bookings. I would like to feel the cruise lines will continue to back such ventures.
What is your favourite cruise line and why?
I can’t say I have a favourite cruise line. I like different cruise lines for different reasons. Maybe I am like many people I am always looking for a great experience but I like variety as well. Let’s just say I love being on a cruise.
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