Cunard Enhances Travel Agent Training with Expanded Ship Visits and Familiarization Opportunities for 2026

Cunard is embarking on an exciting expansion of its ship visit program for 2026, offering travel agents an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their understanding of the brand and its offerings. This year, Cunard is nearly doubling the number of opportunities for travel partners, inviting over 900 travel agents to experience exclusive ship tours, onboard lunches, and a comprehensive look at the company’s iconic fleet. The expanded program aims to strengthen the brand’s relationship with agents by giving them a unique chance to fully immerse themselves in the Cunard experience.

Empowering Travel Agents with Authentic Brand Knowledge

Cunard’s decision to scale up its ship visit program reflects its dedication to providing travel agents with the tools they need to confidently sell its luxurious cruises. By expanding these immersive opportunities, Cunard allows agents to gain first-hand insights into the high-end services, luxurious accommodations, and stunning destinations that make Cunard a standout name in the cruise industry. The initiative goes beyond simply providing ship tours — it’s about offering agents a deeper connection with the brand, allowing them to feel the essence of Cunard’s traditions and values.

Travel agents play a crucial role in the decision-making process of potential travelers. Cunard recognizes this and understands that agents who are well-versed in the Cunard experience can bring its story to life for their clients in a way that resonates with authenticity and passion. By providing these expanded learning opportunities, Cunard aims to ensure agents feel well-equipped to guide customers toward choosing Cunard for their next cruise vacation.

A Closer Look at Cunard’s Iconic Fleet

The expanded ship visit program for 2026 offers travel agents the chance to tour Cunard’s prestigious fleet, including the legendary Queen Mary 2 and the newly launched Queen Anne. These visits will take place in Southampton and Liverpool between May and July, giving agents an exclusive peek at what makes each of Cunard’s ships unique.

The first round of ship visits will feature Queen Mary 2 in Southampton on May 15, June 26, and July 17. In addition, Queen Anne, which launched its 110-day world cruise earlier this year, will be available for visits in Liverpool on June 17. During these visits, agents will have the chance to explore the luxurious facilities and learn about the experiences Cunard offers on each ship, from world-class dining options to impeccable customer service. These ship tours are not just about seeing the ships but also about understanding the distinct qualities of Cunard cruises, such as its famous sense of occasion, exceptional entertainment, and unparalleled luxury.

Familiarization Trips for a Deeper Connection

Along with the ship visits, Cunard will host several familiarization trips throughout 2026. These trips will offer agents the opportunity to sail with Cunard on a variety of itineraries, experiencing the cruise line’s exceptional service while exploring some of the most stunning destinations in the world. Three familiarization trips will run between May and November 2026, and over 100 trade partners are expected to join each one. These trips will offer agents a deeper understanding of Cunard’s diverse destinations and onboard services, allowing them to confidently recommend Cunard to their clients.

The confirmed familiarization trips include:

• May 15 – 22: Queen Mary 2, Norwegian Fjords
• November 7 – 11: Queen Victoria, Zeebrugge and Cherbourg
• November 25 – 29: Queen Anne, Rotterdam

These trips will enable agents to experience Cunard’s iconic itineraries firsthand, providing them with valuable insights into what makes a Cunard cruise so special. The familiarization trips are a fantastic way for agents to become more familiar with the cruise line’s offerings, ensuring that they can share their knowledge with potential customers in a way that highlights the luxury, elegance, and excitement of sailing with Cunard.

Shine Rewards Club: Exclusive Access for Travel Agents

To facilitate participation in this enhanced ship visit program, Cunard has streamlined the registration process through its Shine Rewards Club, a loyalty program designed to reward travel agents for their dedication to the brand. Agents can register for ship visits and familiarization trips through the program, gaining access to exclusive benefits and incentives.

The Shine Rewards Club allows travel agents to earn rewards for their engagement with Cunard, making it easier to stay connected with the brand while enjoying the benefits of participating in exclusive events and promotions. By offering these rewards, Cunard ensures that agents are not only informed about the brand’s offerings but also motivated to engage with its services more deeply.

Long-Term Commitment to Travel Agent Partnerships

The expansion of Cunard’s ship visit program for 2026 is a clear sign of the company’s long-term commitment to its travel agent partners. By offering these immersive opportunities, Cunard is ensuring that its partners are not only knowledgeable about the fleet and its services but also genuinely passionate about promoting the Cunard experience to their clients. This strategic move strengthens Cunard’s position in the competitive cruise market, making it easier for agents to confidently sell its luxurious cruises.

Cunard’s investment in travel agents is more than just an effort to increase sales; it’s a long-term strategy to build a network of agents who understand the brand’s legacy and values. Through these ship visits, familiarization trips, and rewards programs, Cunard is laying the foundation for lasting relationships that will benefit both the company and its travel partners.

Conclusion: Strengthening the Brand with Knowledgeable Travel Agents

Cunard’s expanded ship visit program for 2026 is a significant investment in its travel agent partnerships, offering agents the opportunity to experience the Cunard brand in an authentic, immersive way. By providing agents with firsthand access to its iconic fleet and luxurious offerings, Cunard ensures that its travel partners are well-equipped to share the Cunard story with their clients. With a continued focus on rewards, incentives, and education, Cunard is reinforcing its position as a leader in the luxury cruise market, empowering its travel agent partners to succeed and thrive.

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