P&O Cruises welcomed 400 agents and their families on board Arvia for its third annual family takeover event

On 21 June, the line hosted agents with their partners and children in Southampton for a day of family-focused activities, including a ship-wide scavenger hunt, high ropes course and submarine simulation, as well as lunch on board.

The day aimed to give agents the opportunity to experience the brand and ship first-hand as well as boost their knowledge to give customers a greater understanding of what they can expect on board.

Ruth Venn, P&O Cruises’ associate vice president of sales and distribution, said: “Nothing compares to seeing a ship through the eyes of our guests for agents to understand what makes a P&O Cruises holiday so special.

“Now in its third year, our family day takeover is a brilliant way to welcome agents and their families on board, giving them a genuine feel for the experience their customers can expect, with first-hand insight helping build confidence in those conversations.”

Gina Hounsome (pictured), from Travel Counsellors, said: “This is such an incredible opportunity to explore the ship and get first-hand experience of what a cruise holiday on Arvia is all about.

“I’m here with my 12-year-old and eight-year-old and we’re having such an amazing day. They’re leading the way today and if they have a great time, I’m sure they’ll tell all their friends at school next week.

“It’s a really nice event that P&O Crusies has laid on for us and it makes such a difference when you can sell a product with confidence because you have experienced it yourself.”

Laura Young, travel consultant at Hays Travel, added: “I’m on board with my husband and two children, aged 12 and nine, and we are having such a brilliant day.

“None of us have been on Arvia before, but after this experience we are definitely thinking about booking our own family holiday.

“There is so much to do on board for the whole family and the crew have been so welcoming. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to get a personal feel for what the ship has to offer, which will really benefit me when it comes to selling to my customers.”