Vacation.com Offers Ship Inspections

cruise shipVacation.com reports it will host its second series of cruise ship inspections for its member agents as part of its Vacation Vignettes program.

The first round of spring ship inspections was held March 23-24 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where the Celebrity Eclipse and Silhouette, along with the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, were docked.

The second round of inspections will take place April 1 in Miami, FL, aboard the Regent Seven Seas Navigator, Vacation.com says.

“These ship inspections are additional ways we provide value and educational opportunities to our members. The turnout and extremely positive feedback proves that they appreciate these opportunities,” said Vacation.com President John Lovell. “To see these great ships on their own accord would be very difficult. Becoming intimately familiar with the ship’s features is very beneficial when counseling clients on the right ship, stateroom and overall experience for their vacations.”

Agents have the opportunity to explore and familiarize themselves with each ship’s unique features, in preparation for future Vacation Vignettes departures. The coordination of these ship inspections by Vacation.com also provides members the opportunity to efficiently earn CLIA credits in a short time period. Over 100 agents registered to participate in the three days of inspections, Vacation.com says.

Member reaction to the program is favorable, Vacation.com says. 

“I am very thankful for Vacation.com’s invitation to tour different ships. These inspections are amazing opportunities to see the ships through the eyes of both a travel agent, and as a guest,” said Vacation.com member Monica Coleman of The Sophisticated Mouse Travel in Davenport, FL. “Thanks to Vacation.com hosting these inspections, I now have a good sense of the feel and amenities each ship has to offer in order to better know what my client needs and how I can accommodate them. It truly is a valuable benefit and I plan to take advantage of more opportunities like these in the future.”

As part of Vacation.com’s Cruise Space program, Vacation Vignettes are exclusive packages that feature the services of a concierge host, access to an exclusive shore event, and an invitation to a private cocktail reception. The 2013 Vacation Vignettes program includes over 200 departures, with 300 hosts having already committed to lead those itineraries.

In addition to the spring ship inspections, agents attending Vacation.com’s 15th International Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, FL, will be offered the opportunity to embark from nearby Port Canaveral on a 3-night cruise onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Enchantment of the Seas.

An inspection of the ship will also be offered for those who choose not to take the cruise. Post-Conference, Vacation.com will offer a free ship inspection of Royal Caribbean International’s newly enhanced Freedom of the Seas.

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