Travelbiz E-Zine
24
November
2023

Cruise Holidays host Cruise Partners in exclusive event

#Traveltradetogether

Jacinta from Travelbiz joined the great and the good of cruise personnel to celebrate an exclusive cruise partner event held in the Devlin Hotel in Ranelagh on November 23rd. The Who’s Who of cruising, was invited by Mary Mc Kenna (MD Tour America) to hear the remarkable story of her stellar career.

Mary outlined her road (often bumpy!) to success; her vision and determination; her resilience in the face of adversity (9/11, Ash Cloud, Recession, sinking of the Costa and Covid) and her ultimate faith in her incredible staff and her business ethos. Mary’s refusal to give up, her drive to continue offering superb customer service and offer her clients the best possible holiday experience has earned huge respect and countless awards, both personally and professionally. Mary offered huge thanks to her staff and Ambassadors and showed her gratitude also by apprising us of the communities and charities she supports locally. She steers her ship on a steady course. By the way, Captain Mary also has a pilot’s licence!

On the busy run up to Christmas, this cruise event was buzzing and sparkled with brilliant cruise news and plans for 2024 and beyond. Doubtless, the attraction of cruise holidays has seen exponential growth with more and more clients opting for this exciting and innovative way to holiday. Experts consistently come up with more incredible ships and we see iconic vessels like floating hotels sailing the seas of the world and luxurious riverboats plying Europe’s waterways on fabulous itineraries with high-end and sophisticated amenities on board. This is sailing on the grandest scale and every budget is catered and considered.

An introduction and presentation from Cruise Holidays and a discussion panel considered the growth of luxury cruising – Stuart Byron (Royal Caribbean Director of Sales), Brian Hynes (Uniworld River Cruises Head of Sales Ireland) and Suzanne Rowe (MSC Head of Sales Ireland) spoke to us of their amazing products. It’s all very exciting for 2024! Polly Bond (Commercial Manager Tour America) showcased plans and developments in a great presentation and Lorraine Quinn (MD The Travel Suite) almost had us boarding at the nearest dock!

It was a stellar cast in the Stella Cinema and the naval and nautical cognoscenti enjoyed a delicious lunch at the trendy Devlin afterwards. Ahoy ye landlubbers – cruising is the holiday you’ve not yet experienced. Personally, I am sailing (and Rod Stewart can take a back seat!).

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