MSC & SUNQUEST HOST WORKSHOPS ONBOARD THE SPLENDIDA

Monday, 22 October 2012

MSC & SUNQUEST HOST WORKSHOPS ONBOARD THE SPLENDIDA

New itineraries, promotions, selling tips, plus ship and plane launch

Jovana Arnaut

Jennifer Matthews, supervisor, inside sales and training, Thomas Cook; Phyllis Fragiorgi, regional sales manager, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc. & Aggie Stoduto, product manager, Sunquest and ALBATours

What’s better than learning about new products to sell to your clients? Learning about them onboard the MSC Splendida.

For the past few days, the Ultimate FAM has switched gears and focused on the informative aspect of the trip. Two workshops were held for the group of agents outlining the newest promotions offered by MSC Cruises, Sunquest and ALBATours.

Phyllis Fragiorgi, regional sales manager, MSC Cruises (USA) Inc., dug into the details of the new itineraries and product launches, starting with the MSC Divina.

“Right now, the Divina sails from Fort Lauderdale…[and] Sunquest and Encore are already selling it,” Fragiorgi said. “[It] will officially debut in Miami for winter 2013-2014.”

Fragiorgi also described some differences between the MSC Divina and its sister ships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, including increased capacity; the addition of the Infinity Garden Pool and “beach zone;” and technological changes.

The Divina will continue to offer MSC Yacht Club privileges; the Aurea Spa; and a selection of restaurants and entertainment venues.

Fragiorgi also introduced a new Red Sea itinerary for the winter which will travel to Jordan, Egypt and Israel. In addition, she gave tips on selling luxury travel and announced that MSC will be launching another ship, MSC Preziosa, in March 2013.

!!!MSC & SUNQUEST CRUISES HOST WORKSHOPS ONBOARD MSC SPLENDIDA

Aggie Stoduto, product manager, Sunquest and ALBATours, went through the company’s cruise program expansion which will include the Divine Mediterranean Odyssey from January to March in 2013; Transatlantic Crossings in April 2013; and the Summer Mediterranean from March to October 2013. All programs include long duration options as well as discounts for couples.

Stoduto also outlined the new ALBATours destinations in Northern and Southern Italy including Tuscany, Calabria and Sicily; and the Summer Land Program which will run from April to October 2013 and offer seven escorted coach tours with six- to 15-night durations.

Also announced was the Oct. 28 debut of the Alitalia Airbus A330 in Toronto. The new airplane will offer three classes of service including the business class; the economy class and the new premium economy class. It will offer Toronto departures to 17 destinations in Italy, with daily flights to Rome.

Of course it wasn't all just information gatherings as the group had the opportunity to tour Barcelona, Spain. Sights included the Sagrada Familia; the Cathedral of the Holy Cross; the village of Poble Espanyol; and Montjuich Hill.

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