5 MINUTES WITH DANIELLE GALLOWAY
Travel Associates Cruise Boutique stores are a new personalised ‘purple ribbon’ service. These 14 specialist Cruise Boutiques offer uncompromising service quality, combined with the unrivalled cruise knowledge of experienced advisers.
With the growth in cruising ,where do you see Travel Associates Cruise Boutique stores positioned in the marketplace?
Rather than a new company, this is a niche and specialist division of our existing Travel Associates brand, designed to create even more value and expertise for clients. We intend to lead the way with luxury, high-end cruising; particularly long-haul and unusual or hard-to-get itineraries.
Why should consumers use your services rather than going direct to the cruise operators?
Our advisers are trusted partners to both our clients and our cruise suppliers, and this gives us an edge in how we can coordinate a client experience. It’s also a compelling offer to book through one of our advisers, because clients benefit from our experience, service and support (not to mention exclusively curated products). We’re not just experts in the cruising segment, either, but in all travel sectors – so we can create the whole itinerary with ease and with style. We have hundreds of years of collective travel experience; and we recommend what we know our clients will enjoy, based on our relationships with them and with the various cruise companies – we don’t just book a well-priced cruise. We can source excellent value, hard-to-get itineraries and we can add value to our client experience.
What emerging cruise markets will be strong in 2020?
Polar and expedition cruising will lead the way in growth this next year. Clients are wanting real experiences – and being active or getting back to nature can be achieved in polar cruising. I also think cruising to Scandinavia and Russia will continue to perform strongly.
What’s on your bucket list for travel?
I am absolutely looking forward to my upcoming voyage on the brand-new Seven Seas Splendor in February. I am so honoured to be invited on the inaugural sailing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises!
With all the new ships launching, what key new features are you seeing for consumers?
Spaces to relax, read and meditate are becoming important to our clients – these treat the soul and give back wellness, time and mindfulness; all important trends for clients. Notech zones and (optional) spaces free from mobile service are also attractive – they can add to the mindfulness story where busy people can detox from technology. Wellness and food and wine appreciation are growing in importance, as well as freshness and designed menus. Experiences are also critical – both onboard and on shore – so the really unusual and bespoke shore excursions are attractive. Additionally, environmental, wildlife and social responsibility play a far greater role in cruise selection than ever before. travelassociates.com