Royal Caribbean International had lots to celebrate as the brand’s 50th birthday coincided with the 5th birthday of its award-winning trade agent incentive scheme, Club Rewards. The team honoured these landmarks alongside 30 of the brand’s top agency partners and Club Rewards members from across Ireland at an exclusive event at the luxury 5* Cliff House Hotel in Co. Waterford. With twice as much to celebrate, the event was undoubtedly a highlight in the travel trade calendar.
Hot on the heels of Royal Caribbean’s annual road trip which saw Team Ireland visit 126 agency partners, the event recognised the extraordinary achievements of ‘Ireland’s Favourite Cruise Brand’ and the support from its committed trade partners.
Since its launch, Club Rewards has become the industry’s leading agent reward programme, offering incredible incentives and competitions, with over with over 3,500 agents having attended an event, such as once-in-a-lifetime trips to South Africa and inaugural sailings. A testament to the scheme’s popularity, over 70% of Royal Caribbean bookings are claimed via Club Rewards.
The exclusive celebratory event offered a fun and action-packed agenda, beginning with sea kayaking to thrill guests in typical Royal Caribbean style, followed by a more relaxed afternoon of champagne tasting and dinner at Cliff House’s award-winning Michelin starred Irish restaurant.
The event culminated in the prestigious annual Trade Awards, which recognised trade partners across Ireland for their contribution, commitment and performance during 2018, followed by a spectacular firework display over the sea and an exclusive performance from Irish Dance music band, Scannal.
The award winners included:
Best Cruise Performance Europe 2018, Worldchoice Ireland
Best Cruise Performance Caribbean 2018, Tour America
Best Cruise Performance ROW 2018, Click & Go
Best Retail Outlet 2018, Cassidy Travel – The Pavillions
Outstanding Contribution Award 2018 Southern Ireland, Sunway
Outstanding Contribution Award 2018 Northern Ireland, Oasis Travel
Martin McKinnon, Sales Director UK and Ireland for Royal Caribbean commented, “Since its launch five years ago, Club Rewards has grown to become the industry-leading trade reward programme and it is only through the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible agency partners and outstanding team on the ground that we have been able to achieve such success, both with the programme and our brand.
Martin continued, “Our 5th Birthday celebration is the perfect time to announce and celebrate the winners of our annual Trade Awards. I would like to congratulate each of our worthy winners for their ongoing support and for always going that extra mile. We are incredibly lucky that we have so many fantastic partners across the island of Ireland who help us deliver the ultimate family holiday and promote the many benefits of a cruise holiday with Royal Caribbean. I am delighted that this truly memorable event has offered me the opportunity to meet our great partners and thank them first-hand for their commitment and I hope everyone enjoyed the event as much as I did.”
Royal Caribbean has built an incredible legacy, pioneering innovation and new technology, consistently raising the bar with spectacular entertainment at sea. That’s why 50 years later, Royal Caribbean is still pushing limits, leaving boundaries behind. From building the biggest ships in the world with surfing, skydiving and the tallest slides at sea, to redefining what you can imagine on land. Here’s to another year bolder.
