Seabourn looks to “vacation revenge”

NEW Seabourn President Josh Leibowitz (CW 26 Jun) believes his cruise line is in a unique position to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leibowitz, who described Seabourn as in “a class of its own”, said conversations he’s had with the trade indicated small ship luxury possesses the qualities of an industry with bounceback-ability.

“[Seabourn has] a wonderful position in the market to offer product to consumers when the time is right which can hopefully bring people back onto the water,” he said.

“Just through the operational pause you’re talking six-to-eight months of unrealised vacation experience, and that’s a dramatic reduction in supply, capacity and availability.

“What that means is for guests there is the sense of wanting to make up for lost time.”

Describing the pent-up demand as “vacation revenge”, Leibowitz was confident his guests were the type to ensure they indulged on their first trip post-COVID.

However, he noted the “very deliberate” process taken by Seabourn in its restart plans, and how largely that would affect consumer confidence.

“First and foremost we underscore our highest priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health and safety of the guests and crews and the places we visit, nothing will compromise that,” he said.

“Our approach is two-pronged: engaging with the world’s leading experts on the disease, detection, management and treatment, & on practical and adaptable risk management; and secondly, we’re watching and learning from other sectors of travel that are open... what’s happening, what are the patterns, what’s working, what’s not working?

“The answer to those questions is this is an unprecedented process and we’re following a very disciplined process to watch, observe, learn and plan based on that,” Leibowitz said.

“We’re cognisant of the fact the science is adapting... we’ll have the ability to learn from all those who came before us.”

Leibowitz also recognised how challenging the COVID-19 pandemic had been for the trade, with Seabourn committed to supporting travel agents through a new early savings bonus.

Guests who pay their booking in full by 30 Sep will receive an additional 10% saving off the base cruise fare, offering the travel agent the chance to receive their commission sooner.

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