blog post

It was a great surprise to be visited by Royal Caribbean International’s CEO and Chairman, Richard Fain; Laura Hodges, Director of National Accounts; and Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief of Travel Weekly for an impromptu sales call at Cruise Planners’ headquarters in Coral Springs, Florida. 

We were thrilled and honored to have been selected by Mr. Fain to be on his list of sales calls as part of Royal Caribbean’s "World's Largest Travel Agent Appreciation Event" which all took place on one day, June 6, 2012.  To celebrate the momentous occasion, Cruise Planners – American Express Travel executives, and 12 local Cruise Planners travel advisors, had the opportunity to join Mr. Fain and Laura to an intimate lunch where he spoke candidly and shared his vision and support of the travel agency community.  He also thanked Cruise Planners for their loyalty and partnership. 

In addition, Mr. Fain announced an appreciation incentive offer and discussed an upcoming 3-day WOW sale which typically lasts for only for 2 days – a very special deal for our travel advisors to sell and consumers to buy!

Although this was a global initiative for Royal Caribbean, Cruise Planners had the privilege to chat personally with Mr. Fain as he shared some insights and experiences as only he could do. Cruise Planners travel advisors applauded Royal Caribbean for their great service, support, and overall consistent brand. He was open to any conversation topic and encouraged more questions.  The group spent some time talking about the “rejuvenation” of the cruise line’s fleet to bring some of the incredible experiences from the Oasis Class to the rest of the fleet. 

The afternoon was simply amazing and unforgettable.

But the fun didn’t stop there. Mr. Fain was very complimentary of Cruise Planners too. Vicky Garcia, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Cruise Planners, mentioned that the Home Office team does all the creative and marketing, which helps the skilled and dedicated travel advisors do what they do best – sell memorable Royal Caribbean cruise vacations to their clients!  It’s a perfect combination for success!  She also explained that Cruise Planners is “nimble”, and Mr. Fain not only acknowledged it, but also complimented the fact that for an organization of this size, it is impressive that Cruise Planners is able to respond and react in the speed that is out of the norm.

To end this monumental visit, it was Royal Caribbean’s goal to say-

“We cannot thank you enough for all you do to support our brand. We simply would not do it without you!”

However, it was Cruise Planners who was grateful.  The team personally thanked Royal Caribbean for their continued support of the Royal Carribbean travel agent community, of Cruise Planners, and for the great partnership.   For five years running, Cruise Planners has carried the title of Royal Caribbean International’s Home-Based Partner of the Year, and after the intimate luncheon with Mr. Fain and Laura, the recognition means more than ever to the Cruise Planners team.