On Location: TravelBrands’ 10th SeaU brings training and connections aboard Scarlet Lady

BY SANDRA SIROIS

What began as a small FAM trip has grown into TravelBrands’ SeaU, a conference at sea now marking its 10th edition.

This week, roughly 265 Canadian travel advisors are aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady for the five-night event, hosted by TravelBrands’ Encore Cruises.

The conference brings together advisors from across Canada for supplier presentations, hands-on workshops and one-on-one meetings with industry partners, alongside a firsthand look at life on board.

“We are so proud and excited to be celebrating our 10th edition,” said Nathalie Tanious, president and CEO of TravelBrands.

The conference opened Monday evening (Nov. 9) after the ship departed Miami, Florida. 

The Nov. 9–14 itinerary includes George Town, Grand Cayman, and a visit to Virgin Voyages’ The Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas before returning to Miami.

Joining the advisors are representatives from 10 ocean and river cruise brands: Virgin Voyages, AmaWaterways, Azamara, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Silversea.

Between sessions, advisors have opportunities to explore the adults-only ship and get to know the experience they can recommend to clients.

Training and supplier connections

Tuesday’s program included a series of 45-minute seminars focused on Encore Cruises’ products. 

Afternoon one-on-one meetings offered opportunities to connect with representatives of their choice, with time to explore the ship between sessions.

Throughout the week, seminars hosted by participating cruise lines give advisors access to a range of products and the people who can help them sell those experiences.

For TravelBrands, the event also provides an opportunity to reinforce its role in supporting advisors’ businesses.

“We are there to take back the paper work, the admin work away from the travel agents, so travel agents can focus on what they do best: selling,” said Bruce Lidberg, senior director of sales at TravelBrands.

That message was part of the welcome reception, where TravelBrands representatives introduced themselves and thanked advisors for participating in the event’s 10th edition.

Experiencing Virgin Voyages

Alongside learning about Encore Cruises’ products, advisors have the opportunity to get to know Virgin Voyages through a sailing aboard Scarlet Lady.

For Sean Russo, Virgin Voyages’ director of sales for Canada, the partnership gives Canadian travel professionals a chance to experience the brand and better understand its clientele.

“It’s one of the first partnership that we organized here in Canada. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase not only our ship but also the amazing service that TravelBrands and Encore Cruises have," he said. 

"I love it because it gives the opportunity for travel professionals to experience our products first hand and understand who our clients are and most importantly our award winning hospitality.”

The adults-only cruise line includes restaurant dining and Wi-Fi in its fares, although select premium menu items and dining experiences carry an additional charge. 

For advisors unfamiliar with the brand, time aboard also offers a closer look at its approach to entertainment and onboard atmosphere.

Advisors got a sense of that atmosphere during the sail-away party, where Virgin Voyages offered complimentary champagne as electronic music, dancers and an introduction to the ship’s Queen accompanied the departure from Miami.

The evening continued with a welcome cocktail reception at The Dock, a lounge serving Mediterranean-inspired small bites. 

Advisors gathered with TravelBrands representatives over drinks and food, with a prize draw rounding out the reception.

The presentation was delivered in both French and English for the Canadian advisors participating in SeaU.

With supplier sessions, meetings and port visits on the itinerary, the milestone sailing combines professional development with time to experience the cruise they may recommend to clients.

Follow PAX’s Facebook page for more coverage from SeaU throughout the week.

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