Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

MSC Cruises USA execs hit the road

a634552f1d6769c01b9a249b49de1b4e_XL
Ken Muskat - 'Extremely positive news, including the launch of MSC Book, to share with the trade community'
MSC Cruises USA began its summer series of educational seminars for travel agents in 19 cities in a road show focused on training for the new Book Now booking engine. Plus, for the next two weeks, MSC executives will be visiting major call centers to support the 'All In' summer sale.

The sale, through July 17, has agent incentives—a flat-screen television give-away—plus a promotion for travelers that includes up to $600 shipboard credit, a free beverage package, dinner for two in a specialty restaurant and a 'kids sail free' offer.

Scheduled to visit major call centers are Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA; Ken Muskat, evp sales, public relations and guest services; and Bonnie Levengood, svp marketing.

The goal is to get agents excited about the sale and the opportunity for agents at each center to win a 50-inch flat-screen TV. Plus, the MSC executives will meet with top management at the call centers for their feedback.

Meanwhile, the 19-city road show will provide training in MSC Book and information on earning commission of up to 20%. Agents are asked to bring a laptop, tablet or mobile device to participate in the booking engine demonstrations.

'We’ve received extremely positive feedback from travel agents and guests this past year on MSC Cruises’ offerings and we have a significant amount of extremely positive news, including the launch of MSC Book, to share with the trade community,' Muskat said.

To stress the educational element of the road show, MSC has scheduled several of the events at universities such as Hofstra, Rutgers and John Hopkins.

Travel agents working toward their ACC or MCC certification with Cruise Lines International Association can earn two CLIA credits for attending.

The road show begins in Houston July 7 and wraps in Miami on Sept. 24.