Cruise Baltic hosts fam trip targeting US-based cruise lines

Revenue and deployment representatives from Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises visited the Baltic region from April 18-23. As well as exploring Stockholm, Visby, Tallinn, Helsinki, Aarhus and Copenhagen, the majority of participants extended their trip to include Rostock for the Cruise Baltic Summit, where the network’s new strategy was revealed. Some participants also broadened their trip with a journey to Gothenburg. 

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Klaus Bondam, director, Cruise Baltic described fam trips as a vital tool for the Baltic Sea region and securing the region’s position as a cruise destination among major US-based cruise lines. ‘It is also an opportunity to gain insights into the cruise lines’ requirements, enabling us to assist them better in their operations,’ he added. ‘Without St. Petersburg, we need the decision-making cruise line executives to experience our destinations and the diversity our region has to offer.’

The next fam trip will take place in October. 

Direction on elevating Baltic itineraries

‘It was a fantastic opportunity to re-discover the region’s gems first-hand…,’ said Olga Makarenko, director – revenue optimisation & analysis, Norwegian Cruise Line. 

‘Having the opportunity to make new connections and foster the important relationships between cruise lines, ports, and destinations allow all in attendance to communicate our needs and share our best practices. I believe that education should never stop, and all the knowledge gained has given us a better understanding of how to elevate our Baltic region itineraries…’ 

Hein Erasmus, senior manager, port adventures & recreations, Disney Cruise Line described the trip as invaluable for making new connections and reinforcing existing partnerships in the region.