SeaDream Yacht Club’s new UK sales director Natalie Read analyses her first few weeks in the job and explains how she intends to work with the trade.

What a year it has been. I will be glad to see the back of 2020.

However, I’m an optimist and I can certainly see hope on the horizon, especially with the latest news of Covid-19 vaccine.

Undoubtedly cruise has been hit hard, with far too much negative attention. However, I’ve never been prouder of the industry and the future looks positive. Cruise lines and travel agents are announcing record-breaking days with the launch of itineraries for 2022 and beyond, and this really is something to celebrate.

Get ready for 2021

I started representing Seadream in the UK just a few weeks ago and my feet have not touched the ground. Seadream, a family-owned company, is unique in the fact that it is a yachting experience.

We can cater for very small numbers of guests, in fact just 112, which means we can operate under the CDC guidance. This is great news given the latest positive news that vaccines are on their way.

My focus is now on working with our agent partners to drive new opportunities and introduce new clients to Seadream. I believe that small ships will be popular next year and we can tap into the experience we have gained in 2020 so that we can start operating as soon as clients feel confident to travel.

My advice to agents is to be ready, as there is demand out there. It will be about selling on what’s available, not selling on price.

Savvy customers have tuned into this and with Seadream they can make use of our confidence policy, which allows those travelling up to 15 December 2021 to change their booking for whatever reason they deem necessary, up to 15 days before departure.

This is one of the best booking assurances in the industry and as a result means clients can travel and not miss out because they could not find any availability.

Clients might consider travelling in groups next year, and this is another area where SeaDream could be ideal for them, whether that be through creating special moments for families and friends, or a request for a charter.

For all UK travel agents out there, please do get in touch, as we have big plans for the brand.