Trade feedback ‘critical’ to 26/27 season, says Regent sales VP
The UK travel trade has been an integral part of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 2026/2027 deployment, according to the line’s vice president of sales UK Paul Beale
Speaking to Cruise Trade News following the launch of the line’s 26/27 season, Beale said the company’s global sales team pushed for more overnight stays after agents reported that customers are seeking more immersive itineraries.
Earlier this year, Regent expanded its Immersive Overnights collection with a new Sunset Over Tuscany Mediterranean sailing, as well as an additional 24 new shore excursions, making a total of 50 for the collection.
To push the new season, which includes 173 new itineraries and 16 ports of call across destinations such as Africa, Asia, Canada and the Caribbean, Regent has launched a trade-focussed Top Picks brochure which can be over-branded.
“We also have toolkits which will feature the new season launch maps, images, logos, and everything [the trade] needs in terms of marketing materials to reach more customers,” Beale explained.
He advised agents to target clients who are likely to purchase premium cabins first, such as the Regent, Master and Grand Suites, as these tend to be the first booked.
“There is a rush at the launch of a new season for those limited capacity suites in the upper end, and that’s because customers know the cruise they want,” he advised.
“We track all of the booking curves so we know when, where and how each geographical area books when a new season launches. For the UK market, the exotics, like Japan and Africa, are booking further forwards.”
Regent benefiting from ‘maturing’ partnerships
A key aspect of 2024 so far Regent has been “maturing” its partnerships with the Aston Martin Formula One Team, the Global Hotels Alliance (GHA) and Faberge, as well as bolstering its trade sales force with the addition of Steve Odell as chief sales officer and Harriet Smith as business development support.
“This year we have seen a maturing of our partnerships from green shoots to fully fledged campaigns that are working together really well,” Beale said.
Following a fam trip onboard Seven Seas Splendor from Reykjavik to Southampton later this week, the line will host additional ship visit events for agents onboard the vessel in the UK throughout the rest of the year.
Regent last month announced that Seven Seas Prestige, arriving in 2026, will be the first of two ships in the new Prestige class.
