Wave season was born out of the recognition that a large percentage of clients book their sailings in the early months of the year.
The combination of a new year with an empty calendar and, for most of us, chilly winter weather gets travelers thinking about sunny island getaways and the vacations to come. So, bookings take off.
To capitalize on this cruise-booking state of mind, cruise lines and travel agents offer extra incentives — typically free perks and reduced cruise fares — in the hopes that the promotions will be the final push travelers need to book those cruises.
Nexion Tips for You!
Wave Season not only offers hot fares, but extra perks such as: onboard credits, prepaid gratuities, special dining packages, shore excursions.
The cruise industry’s Wave Season, which is happening now through March, is generally when cruise lines offer up many enticing promotions to consumers to help fill the ships. This is also when many cruise lines release new deployments, making this prime booking time for groups as well.
Wave Season is also a busy booking period, as your customers take this time to look at future travel plans and fill up their vacation calendars. And of course, the cold, winter months bring thoughts of warm and sunny locations! So, you want to make sure you jump on these opportunities – it’s a great time for you go out there and grab new bookings or perhaps work on landing a first-time cruiser booking.
So, how can YOU make the most of this Wave Season?
1. Know what your go-to suppliers are offering. Know the promotions and offers that are in place for Nexion Travel Group’s preferred supplier partners by checking myNexion>Inventory>Search Promotions daily and checking the Supplier Offers email sent on Tuesdays. In addition, watch for the Wave Season microsite/toolkit that we’ll be releasing very soon. These are your tools to offer your customers reduced deposits, upgrades, and in some cases, onboard credits. NOTE: Pay close attention to booking windows and terms and conditions of these promotions.
2. Book groups! This is also the perfect time to start working on groups. Many itineraries are already announced for 2020, and the early bird gets the worm. Use your network to go after your repeat or new group business. Don’t forget to explore pre- or post-packaging with our preferred shore excursion vendors.
3. Tap into the thousands of cruise groups through Nexion and Travel Leaders Network. For your “onesie/twosie” customers, do not forget about Nexion Cruise Block Space (access through myNexion>Inventory>Search All Cruise Inventory) or the groups offered through Travel Leaders Network. Our groups, which offer guaranteed amenities or specialized events, are here for YOU to use and market to your clients.
4. Get paid for your bookings. You’ve worked hard for your commissions, so always post your bookings into the Create Reservation tool. This helps ensure you get your supplier confirmations in a timely manner.
5. Tap into your Nexion network. Need to bounce an idea? Use your fellow Nexion Travel Group colleagues through NexionTown, contact the Nexion Cruise department or (if possible) set up some time with your local Business Development Manager with your top cruise vendors and have a brainstorming session.
OFFERS:
Avalon Suite Sales Event $299 Air PLUS $1,000 Off Per Couple
Save $1,250 Per Person on Select Active Discovery Cruises
Prepaid Gratuities – Select 2019 Avalon Waterways river cruises – 1/1- 12/31/2019
OFFERS:
Share & Save 50% OFF Second Guest & FREE WIFI
Set Sale $500 OBC + Half Off Second Guest + Free WIFI
OFFERS:
Exclusive TA Incentive: Win up to $150 Visa Gift Card
EXCLUSIVE Offer: Upgrade Your Fun Sale: 3-CAT Sale + Up to $150 OBC*
OFFERS:
Go Best on the BEST New Ship The EDGE
Select Partner Bonus Commission – Celebrity Eclipse Alaska & South America
Sail Beyond Event – Two Free Perks + Savings + 50% OFF 3rd/4th
OFFERS:
EXTENDED – $50 Deposits per person Fleetwide: Limited Time Offer
Best Booking Incentive EVER: Earn up to $2,000 – Book 02/04-02/22/19
OFFERS:
OLife Choice: Enjoy Roundtrip Airfare* Plus Choose One Additional Amenity
$249 Premium Economy Air Upgrade* on Select Sailings
Pre-Cruise Savings Program
OFFERS:
Time to Explore: Wave Season Offer – UP to $500 SBC per suite
Limited Time Alaska Savings + $200 Gift Card for Travel Advisors
$500 SBC on Alaska, Med, N. Europe, Panama Canal
OFFERS:
February WAVE offer 60% OFF Second Guest & Kids Sail FREE!
50 Cruise Giveaway!
OFFER:
Signature Savings Event : Up to $500 SBC, Complimentary Upgrade, Reduced Deposits & More
OFFERS:
Travel Advisors: Win a 2019 River Cruise – Book 02/01-02/28/19
EXTENDED Platinum Circle: Earn $50 for Any 2019-2020 Sailing, Any Itinerary – Book 02/01-02/28
Sometimes it’s challenging to sell cruises when negative news surrounding ocean cruising (like Noro Virus) happens, and you’re likely to have a few clients who are reluctant to cruise. As an industry, it’s important to all of us to educate our clients so they can make informed decisions. The cruise lines rely on us to deliver first-time cruisers – and the better we do on this, the less suppliers will rely on direct sales to consumers.
Here are just a few reasons you can give non-cruisers to catch the wave:
• Value. Look at everything included in your cruise – transportation, accommodation, meals (galore!), onboard activities and most entertainment. On some luxury lines, alcohol, tips and shore excursions are included.
• Togetherness – or not. It’s your choice if your group wants to hang out together or pursue individual interests. Cruises have special programs and activities for little ones to adults, so there’s something for everyone.
• Convenience. You unpack once; the ship carries you to your destinations.
• Get paid for your bookings. There’s plenty to do – or not. Cruises offer tons of activities – from wine tastings to cooking classes, rock climbing to speaker series. Or, you can lounge on a deck chair or hang out in the pool, without a worry in the world.