Crystal Cruises hosted its largest-ever UK fam trip, with 42 Travel Counsellors sailing on Crystal Serenity on a seven-night Gold Trip from Venice to Athens.
The sailing gave the agents an introduction to Crystal’s luxury cruise offering, with each Travel Counsellor invited to an individual dine-around programme covering Crystal Serenity’s speciality restaurants.
These include Umi Uma, the only restaurant at sea by Nobu Matsuhisa; Beefbar, created with restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi; and Osteria d’Ovidio, a collaboration with Michelin-starred Alajmo brothers, who also hosted special events during the sailing.
The programme included a private ship tour, group dinner, hosted welcome and closing parties, karaoke and a pickleball tournament.
The sailing also incorporated the Travel Counsellors Gold Conference, with presentations from Crystal, A&K and Travelport, alongside celebrations for new and long-standing members of the Gold programme.
Crystal Vice President of Trade Sales UK & EMEA Luke Smith said: “Hosting 42 Travel Counsellors onboard Crystal Serenity was a real milestone for our UK trade programme and was yet another step on the journey to fulfil my pledge to become the most trade-friendly ultra-luxury cruise line in the market.
“Hosting the Gold Conference onboard also enabled us to combine business, learning and networking with the chance to relax and enjoy the ship.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Travel Counsellors leadership team for joining us and for their continued partnership, and we look forward to seeing the impact this experience has on their clients and their businesses.”
Travel Counsellors Director of TC Engagement Karen Morris added: “Gold Trips are an important way for us to recognise the passion, dedication and commitment of our Travel Counsellors, but the best part is the opportunity they create for our community to come together.
“It was an absolute privilege to spend time with such a special group of people, sharing ideas, learning from one another and building stronger relationships with our valued supplier partners. It is this sense of community that makes us stronger and helps us work better together for our customers.
“Crystal Serenity was the perfect setting for this experience. Our Gold Travel Counsellors were able to discover Crystal’s service first-hand, while enjoying an amazing programme of learning, networking and celebration. We are grateful to Crystal, Abercrombie & Kent and Travelport for making the week so memorable and valuable.”
