The visit forms part of a series of trade events around the launch of Eclipse, with cinema screenings and a VIP sailing following the vessel’s naming.
Ahead of Eclipse’s inaugural sailing from Reykjavik, the vessel – which features 114 suites, two six-passenger helicopters and one six-guest submarine – will call in Rotterdam to resupply on 10 August, giving Scenic the chance to bring agents onboard.
Joseph Grimley, Scenic director of trade sales, told TTG guests comprised cruise specialist agents, consortia partners and independents, calling the trip “an opportunity we couldn’t miss”.
“Having her so close, we wanted UK agents to be some of the first to get onboard, and we’ve chosen a mix of those who’ve really supported us with Eclipse,” he said.
On 15 August, the day of Eclipse’s maiden voyage, Scenic will host events at private screening rooms with 20 agents in Manchester and 30 media and trade partners in London.
Grimley said the evenings would be “a chance to celebrate a massive milestone” for Scenic and watch a new film shot onboard showcasing the ship’s interiors and facilities.
Agents will be equipped with “a huge amount” of tools to help support sales, including a new online training module, media library and social media assets.
“We want to make sure they have everything they need to maximise the potential Eclipse has to earn big,” said Grimley, who acknowledged there had been some initial “nervousness” about the ship after it was delayed by a year, but stressed closer to launch Scenic had taken some “incredibly large” bookings.
Scenic will also fly five agents out to New York next month where Eclipse will be christened by Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren followed by a four-night cruise.
