CRUISE PLUS EXPAND THEIR SALES TEAM IN LINE WITH EXCEPTIONAL TRADING PERFORMANCE
10/07/2025
dnata Travel Group UK have shared that colleague development within their Cruise Plus team and across the B2B brands remains a huge focus. The operator has over 45 colleagues registered for the CLIA Masters programme, with 8 colleagues having achieved the cruise Master status and 12 who are Ambassadors. The brand is continuing this focus on internal education, to remain the best possible team to support their agent partners.
CLIA offers the only cruise industry certification scheme in Europe, with every individual having the ability to follow their own e-learning path and gain a cruise certification. The programme requires commitment and dedication, with individuals required to visit a number of cruise ships, along with having to complete nights onboard, experiencing the product.
Additionally, in response to continued demand and business growth, Cruise Plus are, once again expanding their sales team - taking them to a team of 25, an increase from 66% in the last three years. Despite recruitment still being underway, Cruise Plus’ answer rate remains high at 90%, something that is set to only improve when more colleagues are introduced.
Cruise Plus already boast an existing ring-fenced team of experts who have many years of experience in the sector, working with the most reputable cruise lines, airlines, hotels and touring companies to create bespoke cruise and stay packages, specifically to the clients’ requirements. They have the ability to package cruise holidays with the products available within their sister brands of Pure Luxury, Incredible Journeys and Gold Medal, securing a comprehensive holiday experience for the client.
The cruising sector has been growing in popularity over recent years, and Cruise Plus have had a true focus on the continuing development of the skills of their sales and product teams, ensuring the most advanced support for their agents.
Simon Applebaum, Managing Director dnata Travel Group UK, shared, “Cruise Plus has seen a sales growth of 48% year on year, with bookings increasing 43% year on year. We have also found that the number of agents booking with us has grown by 14% in the last 365 days, demonstrating agents are seeing the value in working with Cruise Plus.”
Applebaum continued, “We have seen dramatic growth across all cruise types year on year, including growth in Luxury by Cruise Plus (+70%) as well as in river cruising (+66%) and expedition cruising (+53%). Cruise Plus covers all sectors of the cruise market and is constantly seeking new products, it is only correct that we support our experts’ education to remain a market-leading operator and expand our team accordingly, in line with this demand.”