Cunard has hosted its first fam trip dedicated exclusively to homeworkers as it pledges to strengthen its engagement with the homeworking sector

A total of 21 agents took a five-night sailing on Queen Mary 2 from Southampton on 5 June, calling at Le Havre and Cherbourg.

While on board, agents enjoyed entertainment, a gala evening, afternoon tea and training sessions led by Cunard’s business development managers, with a particular focus on the line’s Grill Suites, Queen Anne’s Norwegian Fjords programme and and tips on how agents can grow their businesses.

Cunard said the trip forms part of a broader programme of activities for homeworkers, including “exclusive experiences”, regional networking events and tailored training initiatives, as it aims to boost homeworkers’ brand knowledge and enable them to confidently sell sailings.

David Jones, vice president global marketing and EMEA sales for Cunard (who is due to leave the business in September), said: “Homeworkers are vital in helping more guests discover the Cunard experience.

“This dedicated fam trip was designed to give agents a genuine insight into what makes Cunard so distinctive. By experiencing Queen Mary 2 first hand – from our white star service and signature experiences to the unique atmosphere on board – agents can speak with authenticity and confidence when recommending Cunard to their customers.

“Our ambition is to build a community of passionate Cunard advocates who not only champion our brand but also feel empowered to grow their businesses alongside us.”

Michelle Tolton, from Personal Travel Agents, part of Your Co-op, said: “I found the fam trip to be an incredibly valuable experience, both personally and professionally. Being able to experience Cunard first hand really brought the product to life in a way that training alone simply can’t replicate.

“What stood our most was the attention to detail and the sense of heritage and luxury throughout the journey. Experiencing elements such as the dining, entertainment and enrichment programme allowed me to speak with far greater confidence and authenticity when recommending Cunard to clients.

“As a homeworker, opportunities like this are especially beneficial. They enable me to build genuine, experience-led knowledge that I can translate directly into more meaningful conversations with customers. I now feel much better equipped to match the right clients to the Cunard experience and to communicate what truly sets the brand apart.”