Royal Caribbean Launches Travel Agent Month

Royal Caribbean declared April as Travel Agent Appreciation Month
to recognize the commitment and enthusiasm our travel partners take in helping us promote our brand," said Lisa Bauer, senior vice president of sales, for Royal Caribbean International.

"However, we didn't feel that one month was enough time to show our gratitude and therefore have decided that April will merely kick off year-round promotions and incentives communicating our appreciation for our agents each and every day of the year."

The line will use the tagline "Royal Caribbean recommends using a travel agent" in its newspaper and web advertising and in all collateral. The cruise line is even hanging a giant banner on the building of its office headquarters in Miami.

In April, the company's sales reps will promote Caribbean cruises and will give agents gifts such as buttons, posters and a three-ring binder for organizing Royal Caribbean communications. Also, agents who book certain fall cruises between April 1 and April 30 will be eligible to win prizes, with more contest entries per booking.

The sailings must be a new FIT or group booking with full deposits on any Royal Caribbean ship between Aug. 1 and Dec. 31. Prizes include four "Ultimate Bedroom Makeovers" by a professional interior design team using the cruise line's new bedding including a duvet cover, sheets, shams and decorative pillows.

Other prizes include bedding sets, sporting apparel or equipment, T-shirts, hats and more. Royal Caribbean also will award up to 20 $100 American Express Gift Cheques for any travel partner booking through any automation, not the line's own CruiseMatch. For more information, call 800-327-6700 or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.