TravelBrands Encore Cruises concluded its 9th SeaU cruise event, held from 03-10NOV 2024, aboard the Carnival Celebration.
This fully booked, weeklong journey hosted 240 Canadian travel agents and united industry leaders, agents, and suppliers for immersive training, unforgettable Caribbean experiences, and the latest insights on travel and cruise trends.
SeaU 2024 offered an empowering program designed to elevate agents' cruise sales expertise, keep them on the forefront of emerging cruise technologies powered by TravelBrands, and strengthen connections with leading cruise suppliers - vital assets for a competitive edge in the upcoming wave season and beyond.
“SeaU has once again highlighted the incredible power of connection in a truly inspiring setting,” said Nathalie Tanious, President & CEO of H.I.S. Canada Travel Inc., the parent company of TravelBrands. “This event reaffirms our commitment to equipping travel agents with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the cruise industry. Sharing this journey at sea and witnessing each attendee’s growth is truly rewarding. We look forward to many more successful SeaU events!”
From start to finish, SeaU delivered unforgettable moments. Here are a few standout highlights that made this year’s event exceptional:
- Impressive Venue on Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration provided an outstanding venue for this year’s SeaU, offering attendees a truly immersive experience. For many travel agents, it was a refreshing opportunity to discover
– or rediscover – the evolution of Carnival Cruises’ offerings. Positive feedback was consistent throughout the event, with particular praise for the high quality of accommodations, dining, and evening entertainment. TravelBrands Encore Cruises extends its heartfelt thanks to Carnival for partnering on this successful event and providing such a remarkable setting.
· Valuable Connections with Supplier Partners
The opportunity to connect with numerous supplier partners in one location was invaluable. Regardless of how many times travel agents attend SeaU, there’s always something new to learn, along with practical tools and insights to help drive business growth. By the end of the event, participants truly felt like part of one unified SeaU family, whether it was the mix of English and French speakers or the blend of new advisors and seasoned professionals – everyone was made to feel welcome and included.
· Memorable Excursions and Fun
At SeaU, there’s always time for fun, with unique excursions offering a memorable break from the learning sessions. In San Juan, attendees had the chance to visit the Bacardi Rum Factory and take part in the Mixology Tour. Led by the knowledgeable guide, Will, participants explored the history behind some of the world’s most iconic cocktails. Afterwards, a Bacardi specialist guided them through a hands-on lesson in cocktail mixing, where they created and tested their own drinks. This enjoyable and flavorful experience added a fun touch to the event.
· Immediate Action and Group Bookings
A standout moment at SeaU was the immediate action taken by the travel agents, who began booking cruise groups directly from the ship. This initiative was supported by Sybille Sabras from TravelBrands' Cruise Group Department, who was on hand to offer expert guidance. The action followed insightful presentations from the cruise partners, who emphasized the significant financial advantages of organizing group bookings for cruises, equipping agents with valuable tools to grow their business.
TravelBrands Encore Cruises thanks all team members, supplier partners, travel agents, and other participants who contributed to the success of this year’s SeaU event. Their passion and contributions were instrumental in making the event a success, and TravelBrands looks forward to welcoming everyone again next year for another exceptional experience at sea.
