Those of you who follow Advantage Senior Commercial Manager Cruise Jonny Peat on social media will no doubt have been drooling over the out-of-this-world photos of his recent trip to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions.
Travel Gossip caught up with Jonny to find out what the highlights were, what he wished he’d known before he left home, and what tips he has for agents selling Antarctica cruises.
“Our 14-night cruise package started in Argentina and included one night in Buenos Aires, but we decided to extend our stay to four nights on friends’ recommendations, and we’re glad we did. What a place! The food, the architecture, the locals all lived up to the hype.
“From here, we flew to Ushuaia, where we had just 24 hours, but it’s so close to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park that we hired a car so we could explore the dramatic landscape.
“Once on the Ocean Explorer, I don’t know where to even begin describing the highlights. Humpback whales within touching distance stopped everyone in their tracks, it’s not just the sight but the sound and the smell also, I don’t think I’ve ever been so transfixed, so in awe, observing these creatures glide through their icy habitat was dreamlike, one pinch me moment after another.
“Every evening we were informed of plans for the following day, but often mother nature had her own ideas. Seeing the expedition leader and ship captain navigate the changes, minute by minute was incredible.
“Ultimately, we were at the mercy of the weather, one of a handful of passenger vessels heading into vast and remote icy waters, and they maximised our time with the wildlife, delivering one incredible experience after another…oh and crossing the Antarctic Circle, life felt great that day.
“The level of knowledge and expertise of the expedition leaders was completely mind-blowing. Experts in marine biology, history, ornithology, glaciology, and geology…with time and patience to feed our curiosity. Every day there were multiple lectures, and we attended every single one, soaking up the knowledge as we sailed. Some of these guys have worked on BBC’s Frozen Planet, or been featured in the Guinness Book of Records, and their passion, skill and enthusiasm were infectious. Who knew I’d be so excited about rocks and glaciers?!
“I wish I’d known beforehand that I didn’t need to take so many photos! Sound advice from our Quark Rep was not to get hung up on the photography, which we should have listened to. The excitement took over from the moment we spotted our first iceberg, so add in penguins, whales, albatross, what are you going to do? We readdressed the balance quickly after reassurance that our professional onboard photographer was tasked with capturing what we might not, allowing us the chance to view the majesty through our own eyes rather than an iPhone (other cameras are available!).
“I’d go again in a heartbeat. The number of our fellow guests who had travelled multiple times with Quark was surprising and reassuring. This is not necessarily a once-in-a-lifetime trip for clients, quite the opposite, and I can understand the obsession.”
Here are Jonny’s tips to help you sell similar expedition cruises:
· Reach out to Business Development Managers to start the ball rolling, they’ll fast track your knowledge and help you build confidence.
· Ask your clients, is a trip to Antarctica on the cards at any point, show them you’re ready to assist.
· Sign up to events where BDM’s representing Polar cruising will be in attendance so you can deepen those connections.
· Don’t get hung up on the cost, this is a considered purchase, and trends tell us the intent to expedition cruise is on the rise.
· Don’t rule out selling an Antarctica cruise to someone with reduced mobility. While it is an active trip, you only need a basic level of fitness.
· Consider selling expedition cruises to clients who love touring and adventure, tapping their interests such as wildlife, photography, or their will to venture off the beaten track.
· Shamelessly share the experience of others. I’m happy to help any agent, by sharing my own experience to get help secure a booking.
