Attack of the "Partner Booking Link"

Agents often have suppliers asking them to use their "Partner Booking Link" websites. These are websites that sell only that supplier's brand - and look and act like the cruise line's or tour operator's website, but have the agent's contact info. While these programs appear to be appealing, they are truly a disservice. I truly think it is not in the best interest of the agent to EVER affiliate in this manner. Here's why...

As an agent, you need the consumer to come directly to you. If in going to you, you immediately direct them to something that looks like the cruise line's site then the message you're sending the consumer is that the cruise line is the expert. The next thing that goes through the consumer's mind is - well why do I need to go through the agent - I'll cut out the middle man and save myself money. Partner Booking links send the wrong message to the consumer, and encourage the wrong behavior. The message you're sending when you use such a link is that you're not the expert, the cruise line is. It encourages direct booking behavior from the consumer in a subtle but effective way. The messaging throughout the site can have your contact info in bold blinking lights, but the consumer gets the branding message to book direct with the cruise line.

The one thing to remember is that consumers typically visit a site 6 times before making a buying decision. In the case of a partner booking link, it's hard to believe that by time #6 the consumer is still typing in your address rather than the supplier's directly.

Imagine for a moment that a cruise line offered to take your phone calls for you and give you a commission on any sales they make - do you think that your consumers would be in better off in their hands? Do you think people would continue to call you? Would your client base grow? Would you make more money? If you think the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it's time to rethink your place in this business.

As cruise specialists we're driven to add value to every transaction through better advice and experience, better insurance, unbiased advice and a commitment to truly act as the advocate for the consumer. You can't do this when unbiased info doesn't appear on the web page and is completely out of the equation. Partner booking links commoditize what agents do, and they're truly your enemy. Treat them that way and thrive.

April Fool's Day Cruise News -The Top 10 Stories That Never Happened...But Could

Thought everyone could use a laugh or two..... see the April Fool's Cruise News below.
Mike Monahan

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April Fool's Day Cruise News
The Top 10 Stories That Never Happened...But Could

NCL introduces the newest concept in alternative dining.

NCL's newest vessel, the Norwegian Epic will introduce PFAST. PFAST is an alternative restaurant that serves no food and encourages fasting. PFAST Guests will be able to make reservations for this exclusive restaurant from their room with a minimum of 24 hours notice. Guests will be served water, learn how to chant as well as more about the fasting lifestyle. A nominal cover charge of $9.95 will be assessed to client¿s onboard charge account. NCL says proceeds will benefit co-operative feeding programs worldwide.

Holland America to introduce Windmill Power aboard their fleet.

Holland America Line has long been an environmentally conscious company, and now Holland America is taking eco-friendly cruising to a whole new level. Holland America will be constructing windmills that will adorn the decks of the Holland America fleet. Holland America's Knut VanDerhoven stated "Windmills have long been a part of Dutch Culture, and we look forward to adding this authentically Dutch feature to Holland America's fleet." The windmills are expected to save the company millions in fuel costs. Experts estimate that up to 25% of shipboard power could be generated from the windmills. Shipyard sources have stated that the windmills will be surrounded by tulips and a 9 hole miniature golf course.

Carnival's Towel Animal Theater Going to Prime Time

Fox television announced Towel Animal Theater as part of it's 2009 Fall Prime Time lineup. Towel Animal Theater has been a hugely popular feature of Carnival's website, and it's cult following has become legendary. The Prime Time Show will feature the lives of these popular towel animals and their antics aboard a Carnival Cruise.move over Love Boat.

Royal Caribbean International Announces Newest Feature on Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International announced Oasis of the Sea's newest feature at the Water-Skiing Hall of Fame today. Company President Richard Fain made the announcement while skiing behind a jet boat stating "Oasis will be the first ship to offer waterskiing behind the ship." It is believed that as many as 10 people can ski simultaneously behind the ship. Water ski enthusiasts are encouraged by this move and look forward to this amazing development. Costs to water-ski behind the ship start at just $49 for a half-hour session or $499 for an unlimited skiing package. Stockholders have expressed enthusiasm for the additional revenue opportunity, and have stated that they expect an increase in travel insurance sales as a result of this new venture.

Regent Seven Seas Makes Pledge to Environmental Group.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises were being protested by the group Save The Trees. Save the Trees is a group of environmentalists who were upset by their ship's "excessive use of teak". In an effort to be more eco-friendly Regent has pledged to use more artificial materials in the construction of their ships.

MSC Introduces Fun New Theme Night To All Cruises

MSC Cruises has test marketed their new theme night "Fig Leaf Night" and it's a hit. Not to be outdone by Costa Cruise's toga night, MSC Cruises has experimented with the new Fig Leaf Night for several weeks in Europe to rave reviews. Fig Leaf Night consists of cabin stewards giving Fig Leaves to guests in their staterooms, and client¿s wearing these fig leaves (and little else) to the various evening events aboard the vessel. MSC¿s Activities Directory Pablo Capenelli, stated "Fig Leaf Night fits MSC to a tee. Our company's roots in Italian culture are supported by this theme night. Our company's slogan of Beautiful, Passionate, Italian is made a reality by the execution of this theme." Fig Leaf night will be held the last night of each MSC cruise.

Disney To Tap 2 Ex Mouseketeers as Godmothers of New Ships.

Disney Dream And Disney Fantasy will soon be leaving the shipyard and Disney has decided to announce the ships' Godmothers. In a move that has Disney-philes everywhere talking, Disney Cruise Line has named ex-Mouseketeer Britney Spears as Godmother of the new Disney Dream and ex-Mouseketeer Christina Aguilera as Godmother of the Disney Fantasy.

Silversea to Add Luxury Amenities to Lifeboats

In an effort to further separate themselves from others in the Luxury Cruise Industry, Silversea has added luxury furnishings including flat screen televisions, an open bar and butler service to lifeboats aboard Silversea's fleet. Stephan Alport, the designer of these new luxury appointed lifeboats quipped that "Silversea will treat distressed guests better than most cruise lines treat their guests." Thurston Howell III, eat your heart out.

Celebrity Cruises Offers Homeless Celebrities A New Home

In a move to help during the current housing crisis, Celebrity Cruises has offered to give homeless Celebrities a new home onboard Celebrity's fleet. It's rumored that an ex-Tonight Show co host heads the list of celebrities taking up Celebrity Cruises on their generous offer.

Cunard's New Queen Elizabeth to Host Two American TV Favorites onboard

In an effort to broaden the American appeal of Cunard's onboard experience, Cunard has sought the expertice of two popular Brits that are American TV Favorites. Chef Gordon Ramsey, from Fox TV's "Hell's Kitchen" and Hugh Laurie the infamous doctor from Fox TV's "House" will be featured onboard the newest Cunarder Queen Elizabeth. Guests aboard Queen Elizabeth can participate in the "Gordon Ramsey Dining Experience". Guests can either cook, serve or be served while being insulted by the famous Chef Gordon Ramsey. Guests needing medical attention onboard can expect a similarly brash style of care from a virtual "House-call". Guests who feel ill will be able to interact with their stateroom television using their television's remote control. House will diagnose your illness and insult your intelligence at the same time giving you the genuine "House treatment". Should greater medical care be needed, medical staff onboard will be summoned.

Right Here - Right Now

At a time of global expansion for the cruise industry, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on this video. Think of the global possiblities.

Facebook - It's everywhere

If you haven't joined facebook yet, you should. Facebook is at the heart of the convergence between the online and offline worlds of millions of people worldwide. I'm amazed how many people are using Facebook now - and it's not just 20 somethings using this technology. I'm 40 and 27% of my high school's graduating class is in now in there (and that number is growing rapidly). I've recently found about a half dozen friends that I haven't heard from in 20 plus years.

Why is Facebook such a phenomenon? Well, in short it allows you to share your daily activities, thoughts and photos with friends. It integrates email, chat, video, photos and applications in an atmosphere that's both friendly and open. It allows you to share your online life with people you would normally share your offline life with anyway.

Facebook is a vendor friendly environment where the few ads that are shown are targeted to you based upon your demographic profile, and vendors attempt to entertain you with interesting Facebook Applications that help you interact with their brands.

Share events like cruise nights, share photos from ship inspections, share articles on the cruise industry, post deals to your "wall", and you'll find you're going to get more referrals from friends beacuse they remember that you're in the business.

Get Out There....Network Now.

Are you networking online to build your business? If you're not then now is the time to re-evaluate.

"Social Networking" is the hottest growing trend on the Internet, and it's addictive. It's easy to do and it's a powerful and non-intrusive way to keep in touch with your business and personal contacts. Various social networking sites differ in their design, but generally share in the following characteristics -

• You can create a profile, and link your profile to other people's profiles.
• You can share comments, photos, videos and news articles with others in your network. You can post a link to a slide show of your latest vacation, which will inform your network of your posting and allow others comment on it.
• You will have a dashboard showing you updates and will be able to get a report sent to you via email on a weekly basis informing you of the actions (profile changes) of people in your network. So if your cousin in Indiana, joins the Michael Bolton Fan Club on Facebook you'll know. You can also be notified if a friend posts a recommendation of a particular restaurant, movie or posts a written recommendation of a person's services.

To some it may seem like a waste of time, but what social networking really does is it shapes your own personal social landscape. It gives you deeper insight into the lives of those you know. Most important - it's viral and communicates in real time. The average user of LinkedIn visits their profile more than twice a week. Many Facebook users use the service 2-3 times a day. In short it's these type of social networking services have become part of the lives of the users and it is changing the way these people interact and BUY.

How do you take advantage of these trends? Join several of these networks - it's free. Create a profile and keep it up to date. Search for people you know by name and if you find their profile, click to add them as a connection. Network and become part of the conversation with both other business people and clients. Keep your profile and activities professional. When meeting people in person, ask clients if they have a Facebook or Linked in account and link to (or "Friend") these contacts.

How do you know which social network to join? There are literally hundreds of social networking sites, but I suggest you focus on these three. You probably should join more than one, here's where to start :

1. LinkedIn - this is a professional social networking community, and it's growing by leaps and bounds. Chances are that half your chamber of commerce members have profiles. This is the first network I'd join. Don't forget to join the CruiseOne or Cruises Inc Group.
2. FaceBook - this social networking community that perfectly mixes business and pleasure. It's a great place to share slide shows, videos and even polls. Clients can tag themselves as fans of products and it's easy to start up discussion groups. The audience isn't quite as young as MySpace and tends to be a bit more wholesome than MySpace. It's generally described as "the social network you can tell your mom about."
3. MySpace - MySpace has the largest user base, but many of those users are teens and young adults. MySpace has gotten some fairly negative press, and it's somewhat undeserved. If you're choosing an additional social network to add to the mix this one's good, but it wouldn't be my only social network.

Once you join, connect to me and you'll have your first connection! You can even request to join the CruiseOne or Cruises Inc LinkedIn groups. Search for (and add) other people you know to your network and before you know it you'll have a following of loyal clients and friends reccomending your services to their friends. And in today's market these referrals are priceless!

Europe is Now A Better Buy for Americans

Good news fellow Americans - the Euro and Great British Pound is weakening in comparison to the US Dollar. This means that going ashore on a European cruise has just gotten much more affordable. To be exact, the US dollar has improved 14% versus the Euro, and the Dollar has seen a 12% improvement versus the British Pound in the last 90 days. $1 US is now worth .78 Euros, while just 90 days ago it was worth .62 Euros. And one US Dollar now buys .62 British Pounds when 90 days ago it was worth just .50 British Pounds. These exchange rates are amongst the best in the last 2 years.

Cruises and Britney Spears

Google has introduced a great new tool called Google Insights for Search. Using this tool you can find out exactly how popular a given search is as compared with other search terms. Insights assigns an index value to each term searched and graphically depicts the relative number of searches over a period of time. Google Insights for Search also maps out how popular a term is regionally, showing where the greatest number of searches for a given term are coming from. This is a great new marketing research tool from Google.

For example I did a search comparing the following terms : Cruises, Chocolate, Britney Spears and Toast. Interestingly, cruises get three times more searches than toast, so you can say that cruises are literally three times more popular than the warm sliced bread. And surprisingly Cruises and Britney Spears had a relatively equal number of searches over the last 12 months (both index at a value of 24). Cruising is pretty popular considering that "cruises" don't have any nude pictures on the Internet, didn't make the cover of any tabloid, and "cruises" didn't shave their head and enter rehab. But cruises can keep their ego in check - Chocolate is indexing at 52 making it a more frequently searched term than than Britney Spears (24 index) and Cruises (24 index) combined. Now I know why NCL has the Chocoholic Buffet.