As I meet and speak with so many agents I continue to hear your challenges with multigenerational travel. How do you satisfy such a diverse group with different ages, likes and dislikes?
Great agents go beyond consulting with the primary point of contact and insist on speaking to all travelers involved to get a good understanding of what they would like to experience on this family gathering. Those who have done this before realize that expectations are all over the place and a sense of “WOW” comes over you that it is going to be impossible to make everyone happy.
I recently cruised on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas out of Cape Liberty, NJ, to Bermuda. The most difficult part was navigating the traffic in Staten Island on the way to the cruise terminal. (Those of you who live or have lived in New York will understand the humor in that statement.)
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Being summertime, I would say the majority of the passengers were on a multigenerational holiday. I for one was WOWed for many reasons beyond the usual towel sculptures every night. My young children were kept extremely busy with their cousins running from activity to activity. Meanwhile, I was able to connect with my mother and two sisters who I don’t get to see as much anymore. And it all took place in a setting that had something for everyone.
I generally ask other guests what they think of their trip as I tend to be spoiled or jaded from too much travel. In this case, no one offered a bad comment. I dubbed the Explorer of the Seas the “Happy Ship” and now understand the Royal Caribbean WOW advertising campaign that supports your sales efforts. Many thanks to Vicki Freed and the entire Royal Caribbean International staff who WOWed me from start to finish.