Cruise Division was founded by Harry Sommer and Paul Andreassen in 2002. Harry has
held senior positions at several cruise lines and Paul, who began as a college economics
and psychology professor before moving into real-world finance, worked as a cruise
line treasurer. Their experiences have taught them how to work productively with
their cruise line partners. We admire the cruise lines for producing the best travel
product in the world at simply remarkable prices, and unlike many agents, we know
when they can help and when their hands are tied.
Besides our relationships with the
cruise lines, our success is due to two other main factors. First, Cruise Division
has been fortunate to attract and keep excellent associates. We try to treat everyone
as peers: there are no executive perks; good ideas come from everyone; and the door
is always open. As a result, our turnover has been negligible and the depth of experience
runs deep. At the cruise lines, for example, the typical agent has been on the job
for less than six months. Here, our personal cruise consultants average over 13
years of travel experience.
The other key is that we combine the best of both worlds, the clout of a big agency
and the personal service of a neighborhood store. Clout is easy: we are good
partners, we make reasonable requests, and the cruise lines help us whenever they
can. The real issue these days is personal service. At most big agencies, the person
you speak to is decided by an “algorithm” based on who has been off the phone the
longest. You get to explain yourself to a new person every time you call, and, consequently,
you may or may not be able to figure out if anyone is actually taking care of you.
Since we started, every customer gets their own Personal Cruise Consultant. Forever.
There is no “service” department. If one of our PCCs makes a promise when you buy
your cruise, he or she is the one who has to come through. Since you always work
with the same PCC, they get to know you, and you get to know them. Unlike the new
mega call centers and online agencies, if there is a problem, you know right from
the start who to call and who is responsible for fixing it. Your PCCs name and direct
line is on his or her business card, and on every invoice.
In just five years, we have been blessed with over 60,000 great guests. People love
our service, our ability to find great vacations at a great price, and the fact
that our marketing focuses on real information rather than just fluff. Please
call us today.
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