ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2024) – Margaritaville at Sea has embarked on a dedicated initiative to create solid strategic alliances within the travel trade industry. Under the direction of newly appointed Sr. Vice President of Sales and Partnerships Frank Belzer, a team of sales managers has begun assisting professional travel advisors in booking voyages with the growing cruise line. In addition to attending trade shows and conducting one-on-one meetings with agents, the Margaritaville at Sea team has begun a series of webinars showcasing various elements of the Islander, the cruise line’s newest ship, which sets sail from Port Tampa Bay in June. Another educational offering includes the hosted “Parlay on Paradise” programming aboard their ship Paradise, where first-hand experiences complement instruction and digital sales tools for agents. To facilitate the on-demand booking process, the cruise line has also allocated significant resources to build a new platform to ensure a quick and efficient reservation process. While the new platform is being built out, Margaritaville at Sea has completely refreshed and enhanced its current booking engine, simplifying the registration process and providing new assets for agents.
“Building relationships, providing proper training, and offering access to our product is critical to establishing productive, long-term partnerships with our friends in the trade industry,” stated Belzer. “The resources we’re allocating to this effort are significant. We appreciate the support we’ve received from travel advisors so far, and feel they recognize our commitment to their community.”
Adding an unconventional element to the initiative, the cruise line will be participating as a sponsor or vendor at select festivals, expos, and other community events throughout Florida. During these events, the Margaritaville at Sea sales team will be joined by a local travel advisor who will be on-site to book reservations for interested travelers directly.
According to Belzer, Margaritaville at Sea has seen a 500% increase in agent registrations since their efforts began. “We’re playing the long game and expect our investment will result in long-term support and success,” he added.
Having just been recognized as the #1 cruise itinerary and #3 best cruise for families by USA Today 10Best, Margaritaville at Sea is preparing to launch its newest ship, the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which will set sail from Port Tampa Bay in June on four- and five-night itineraries with stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso.
In addition to the Readers’ Choice Awards, Margaritaville at Sea has won significant accolades for its “Heroes Sail Free” program it launched in 2023 with GovX, which was just enhanced with new itineraries additional benefits, and unlimited sailings. Margaritaville at Sea is the only cruise line in the world to invite U.S. military service members (active duty and veterans), police, fire, EMS personnel, government healthcare workers and educators to now to sail for free with a paying guest, as many times as they like throughout the year on the both the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, embarking on its maiden voyage in June from Port Tampa Bay, and the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Port of Palm Beach. In addition, all passengers sailing in the hero’s stateroom will receive an Express Pass and other exclusive benefits as part of the enhanced “Heroes Sail Free, Heroes Sail First” program.
Margaritaville at Sea brings the iconic Margaritaville brand to the open ocean for a truly one-of-a-kind cruising experience. The cruise line’s first vessel, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, carries guests from the Port of Palm Beach, Florida, on two- and three-night sailings to the Bahamas. The line’s new Margaritaville at Sea Islander sets sail from Port Tampa Bay (June 2024) on four- and five-night itineraries with stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Progreso. Margaritaville at Sea guests can relax and unwind in casual-luxe comfort, choosing from a range of staterooms and suites, all dressed in nautical details and colors inspired by the sea, sand, and sky. While on board, guests enjoy endless live entertainment across numerous themed shows, dining venues, bars, and lounges. Both ships also feature the signature St. Somewhere Spa, Fins Up fitness center, Pickleball at Sea, Fin City Arcade, Margaritaville Casino, kids clubs and play areas, and more.
Agents interested in registering for the Feb. 21 Webinar, may register HERE. For more information on Margaritaville at Sea, call 1.800.814.7100 or visit MargaritavilleAtSea.com.