Regent Seven Seas Cruises UK MD Graham Sadler tells Cruise Trade News that the luxury cruise line is seeing evidence of a boom in bookings and outlines plans to get agents back on board Seven Seas Splendor in 2022.

How do you envisage your relationship with agents evolving now that you are back sailing and operations are ramping up?

We have been communicating with our agents and guests throughout the pandemic and this has been greatly appreciated. In recent months we have pivoted these conversations to booking future cruises and our strategies are now being played out. For example, we are now hosting live events with our travel partners once again and enjoying that all important face-to-face contact with prospective guests.

The trade is absolutely key to our future success and we are committed to working with them and this is reflected by what we believe is the highest average commission of £1,500 per booking in the industry. Now more than ever, commission values are very important.

Earlier this year, you told CTN: “Business is ramping up now and it will explode in the coming months.” Do you think we’re seeing that prediction come to fruition now?

Yes, I do, and we have the evidence. In August, we celebrated our fourth record-breaking launch day within a year with the launch of our 2023/2024 collection and in July our 2024 World Cruise sold out in under three hours.

It all demonstrates that the appetite for luxury travel continues to grow. As we move into the autumn, we see little easing of demand for our unrivalled space and luxury.

What do you want agents to take away from their experience on board Seven Seas Splendor?

In the first instance, many wonderful memories and sheer happiness that we are back cruising. I also want them to have the joy of our crew in their mind when they are talking to their customers. I hope that they have had a taste of the true value that the unrivalled Regent experience can offer.

I also hope they enjoyed the amazing entertainment and facilities on board. These are just a few of the incredible amenities that come as part of a cruise with Regent Seven Seas, as well as free flights, transfers and of course personalised service. Plus, the most beautifully designed and among the most spacious suites and public rooms at sea.

Seven Seas Splendor will be back in the UK in May 2022. Do you hope to get agents back on then, or do you have plans for any immediate fam trips?

Though we do not have any immediate plans to host more trips, with our entire fleet back in the water by February 2022, we hope to be able to share our product with travel agents as soon as possible.

In the meantime, we have many other ways our agent community can familiarise themselves with the Regent Seven Seas offering. These include online ship tours, suite guides and many brand, ship and destination videos. Our sales team can also help in this regard.

Now, more than ever, our guests are booking further out, to ensure that they book their chosen itinerary in their chosen suite. Instead of focusing on deals I would recommend travel agents highlight the incredible value that comes with luxury cruising and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in particular.