MEMBERS of the Cruiseco consortium will be able to custom-design fly-cruise itineraries for their clients in real-time, with CEO Amanda McClelland unveiling the enhancement to the group’s new CruisePro platform today. Speaking at the Cruiseco conference in Auckland, McClelland demonstrated the system which allows agents to start with a cruise...
MEMBERS of the Cruiseco consortium will be able to custom-design fly-cruise itineraries for their clients in real-time, with CEO Amanda McClelland unveiling the enhancement to the group’s new CruisePro platform today.
Speaking at the Cruiseco conference in Auckland, McClelland demonstrated the system which allows agents to start with a cruise and then opt to add air to the booking.
“You simply select your arrival and departure points and then the flight options best suited to your clients,” she said.
The CruisePro API connects in real time to reservation systems, checking fare options, baggage allowances and rules, she said.
“You don’t need to be an air expert…you won’t be able to add air that does not tie into your selected cruise, so your guest won’t arrive after the ship has departed,” McClelland added.
Consultants can select cabin preferences, and also add in pre and post hotels to book a complete cruise holiday itinerary.
She noted that Cruiseco pays 10% commission on air and land, and the functionality is also available via the company’s white-label sites for members, allowing clients to “search and create the perfect cruise holiday at any time”.
McClelland highlighted other features of the technology project, which is enabling Cruiseco to create custom cruise packages on a member-by-member basis.
Custom packages can leverage either existing Cruiseco group allocations or reflect exclusive arrangements, and they will only show on the individual members’ white-label sites.
Laying out the potential of the enhancements, McClelland asked for patience from members as they adapt to the new platform, stressing that feedback from agents was key to driving decisions about future investments in the system.
She said Cruiseco was committed to supporting its members, who are recognised as the leaders in the sector.
“We are the cruise specialists – we are a network of experts with an amazing heritage – this makes us a force to be reckoned with.”
Pictured at the conference this morning are, from left; Cruiseco CEO Amanda McClelland; Karen Christensen, Crystal Cruises; Steve Odell, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; Stuart Allison, Princess Cruises; Adam Armstrong, Silversea Cruises; Sture Myrmell, Carnival Corporation; and Susan Bonner, Royal Caribbean.
