Cruise control - 03/06/2010
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Rebekah Tailor visited the offices of Global Cruising Ltd to find out more about the company that promotes itself as ‘the’ group cruising specialist.
Note: Steve Plummer and Sherina Hale are now heading up Cruise for Groups, a new operator specialising in group cruising. GTOs can contact them on: 01373-228223 or e-mail Cruising has become big business over the past five years, with a record number of UK passengers opting to cruise in 2010, and a steady stream of exciting renovations and innovative new cruise ships joining the UK market. An increasingly popular option for group travellers, cruise operator Global Cruising Ltd, has been quick to jump onboard the growing potential of the groups market, and franchise company, Global Cruising Groups was established. Promoting itself as: “The only specialist cruise business dedicated to group cruising”, Global Cruising Groups is headed up by managing director, Steve Plummer, supported by sales director, Sherina Hale. A well-known face within the groups industry, Steve has in the past worked for tour operator, Collette Worldwide Holidays, and more recently within the groups division of NCL, as regional sales manager for the south west. Between them, Steve and Sherina have years of combined experience, not only within the cruise industry, but also in the groups market. “We understand the difficulties associated with being a GTO, and our main concern is building and maintaining our relationship with the group organiser,” says Sherina. “It’s about really understanding their individual needs and for them to know they can contact us any time to deal with any concerns or queries.” With close contacts at a number of major cruise lines, including MSC and Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Viking River Cruises, Hurtigruten and Royal Caribbean, Global Cruising Groups can not only offer all the benefits of a group booking, but the knowledge and expertise about the cruise line itself. As Steve explains: “It’s all about choice. A cruise is a considered purchase for anybody and if a product’s not right for them, they’re not going to buy it. We’ve got to be specific about which groups we can match to particular products and tick all the right boxes, rather than trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. For example, if you want a traditional cruise, dressing up in tuxedos and ball gowns, I’m not going to put you on an NCL cruise because it’s freestyle.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- Hot cruise destination “I would say, try the Med. For most people who have flown into the Med, it’s not much to look at, but if you cruise you can visit some fantastic ports. Arriving into Malta for example is absolutely beautiful.”
Sherina Hale ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
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