Customized experiences on the menu to meet diverse demands of travellers
Walk into an Expedia CruiseShip Center, and it’s easy to understand why MSN Money is calling the full service agency one of the fastest growing franchises in North America. Evolving out of the online travel booking site boom is an increasing demand for customized services in travel, and CruiseShipCenters are responding not by selling destinations and excursions, but focusing on travellers’ desires and delivering experiences that meet their aspirations.
On Saturday, Arrif Meghji celebrates the grand opening of his Expedia CruiseShipCenters at 4562 Hastings St. in Burnaby. Already with a location in Point Grey, Meghji is excited to expand the combination of expert advice and exceptional value to travellers in the Lower Mainland. “Personalization is at the core of what we do, whether it’s online or face to face”, says Meghji.
At the CruiseShipCenters, it’s customary for agents to get a comprehensive picture of your travelling lifestyle, history, adventure quotient, must- haves and wish lists. Meghji says it’s important to note that despite its name, Expedia CruiseShipCenters offer full service expertise on not just cruise vacations, but land excursions, full vacation packages, flights and insurance. “We offer safaris, adventures in the Australian Outback, backpacking trips and luxury vacations,” he adds.
As for cruises, whether it’s an increasingly popular river cruise or an exotic voyage on the Black Sea, thanks to technology, Meghji adds, “the ships are a destination in themselves.” On- board offerings are endless: from golf stimulators, surfing, wall- climbing and ziplines to ice- skating, Broadway shows, casinos and comedians.
Gone is the stereotype that cruises are reserved for the senior set. With the industry’s annual growth rate of seven per cent and 22 brand new ships making their debut in the next two years, cruising is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry.
That means there’s now something for everyone — singles, couples, families, group parties and multi- generational families that can get particular about destinations, activities and what kind of entertainment and cuisine they’re looking for.
Meghji says because there’s so many choices and moving parts to a sea and/ or land vacation, there’s even more of an urgent demand to have an established, credible and dependable provider like an Expedia CruiseShip Center to put a dream trip together for exceptional value without a cookie- cutter feel.
At Saturday’s grand opening, the public is being welcomed to the new location to take part in exclusive promotions, prizes and special information sessions that showcase the many diverse offerings and operators such as Viking River Cruises and Carnival, Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Norwegian cruise lines.
Visitors can introduce their inner- foodies, luxury mavens, adrenalin junkies or super leisure lovers to an Expedia CruiseShipCenters agent and discover what might be in store for their future holidays.
The Grand Opening of the Expedia CruiseShipCenters runs from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Mayor Derek Corrigan, MP Kennedy Stewart and MLA Richard T. Lee will be on hand for the ribbon- cutting ceremony at 10 a. m.
Exclusive promotions and information sessions available on a continuous basis, throughout the year.