RCL Cruises Ltd’s AirWaves set to transform the way agents book fly/cruise holidays

RCL Cruises Ltd* today previews a new technology platform to agents ahead of a comprehensive trial with over 350 travel partners. AirWaves is an industry changing booking platform that will allow agents to dynamically book fly/cruise packages with greater ease, flexibility and security than ever before. The technology – a first for RCL Cruises Ltd – applies across Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

Extensive research and development working alongside agent and travel partners has already taken place over the last 12 months, and AirWaves is now ready to undergo wider testing. The preview of AirWaves is the largest ever agent collaboration project conducted by RCL Cruises Ltd in the UK & Ireland ahead of a major launch.

AirWaves will bring a fully integrated packaging solution to the industry which removes the need to use multiple systems or processes when booking cruise holidays. AirWaves will reduce the amount of time required by travel partners to secure each fly cruise booking – a tailor-made itinerary can be researched, refined and booked in just four simple stages.

• There are four key benefits for our agency partners:
• Reduced time and effort when selling a cruise holiday
• Bookings via Airwaves will be eligible for commission
• Ability to tailor cruise holidays to meet customers individual needs
• Bookings are fully protected via ATOL protection or ABTA bonding

The system ensures protection and support for both travel partners and their customers, with RCL Cruises Ltd acting as principal, thereby taking on the responsibility of fulfilling the various elements of their customers’ holidays. All bookings made via AirWaves are fully financially protected.

Addressing the need for more flexibility over departure airport, AirWaves can find flights from up to 30 regional UK & Ireland airports and will have access to published, private and low cost fares.

AirWaves, which rolls out to its next testing phase across a group of 350 agents from 1st August, will allow travel partners to benefit from full commission on the cost of the entire cruise holiday including flights, hotels and transfers.

The new technology has been developed by RCL Cruises Ltd to make the lives of travel partners easier and to remove the stress associated with booking fly/cruise holidays. Feedback following extensive trials amongst agents and trade partners is being used to hone AirWaves still further to ensure it is the most agent-friendly technology tool in the sector and as a platform will transform the cruise industry.

RCL Cruises Ltd. expects to see an increase in fly/cruise sales once AirWaves is on general release later this year and therefore growth across all three brands, largely due to the quicker booking process and giving agents the tools and flexibility they need in order to meet the bespoke requirements of their customers’ needs.

Other key features of AirWaves include:

• Access to over 2,500 hotels near ports to enjoy before or after a cruise
• Ability to book hotels and transfers before or after guests’ cruise
• Choice between shared coach transfers or private cars, minibuses and limousines
• Providing the indicative ‘travel package price’ at the start of the booking journey

Agent feedback on the new booking platform to-date has included that the tool is “life changing”, “raising the bar in the cruise industry” and “something I cannot wait to use every day”’.

For more information, please visit cruisingpower.co.uk.