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What is a Cruise Consultant?

Cruise Advice
By

The prestigious American travel association ASTA (their equivalent of our ABTA) has changed their name from the American Society of Travel Agents to the American Society of Travel Advisors. They decided that their new title Travel Advisor reflected the role they played more closely than travel agent.

Here at Mundy we call our team members Cruise Consultants. The other day, we were talking it through, and trying to identify exactly what it is we do… What we bring to the party, to be precise, that you wouldn't get by going online, or talking direct to the cruise line. We reviewed 'a day in the life' of each team member, just to be sure we didn't miss anything. And we ended up with a list of our key roles.

Listener

More than anything, we listen hard to what you say. If we don't know you yet, that helps us understand more about you and your tastes and preferences. Even if we do know you, listening is the most important thing - we need to fully understand your needs, concerns and issues in order to act upon them promptly and effectively. We can't be that advisor that you need until we have listened and understood.

Troubleshooter

Interestingly, this is what takes up most of our time. Remember, we work for you, not for the cruise line. So if you have a problem, a worry or an issue, our job is to sort it out for you. We know the people to go to when we need something to happen - we can bypass the jobsworths, and get things done. Our status with the cruise lines we work with helps us to resolve issues swiftly and to everyone's satisfaction.

Mundy cruise specialist Cathy Ellis

Networker

Our careers are built on knowing things, places and people that you don't know. So whether you need advice on your destination, a birthday cake for your partner, or access to somewhere closed to the public, we can help you sort it out.

Organiser

Quite apart from putting together all the details of your trip, with lots of added extras and new ideas, we will also give you a heads up when things come into range: time to book your flights or shore excursions, sort out your dining options, get your paperwork sorted, or add your personal details online.

Champion

If something went wrong on your trip, or something is worrying you during the planning process, we are your champion. We will 'go into bat' for you, representing your needs and interests, and ensuring you are not taken advantage of.

Mundy cruise consultant Sharon

Therapist

We know that booking a holiday can be quite a lonely process! You can get lumbered with making all the arrangements, and also be the fall guy if anything goes wrong. Our job is to help you make the right choice, and then think through all the details, whilst acting as your cheerleader throughout the booking process.

Friend

We recognise your voice, remember your sister is poorly, worry about your bad knee. To us, you are not just a client: we believe we should look after your interests just as we would if you were a member of our family. And as a good friend would, we'll tell you when we think you're making a mistake. If you have your eye on a product we know you won't enjoy, we'll say so. If you have a great plan to save the expense of an overnight stay, for example, we'll tell you if you're making a choice you'll regret.

Meet the author

Edwina Lonsdale is Managing Director and together with husband Matthew, owner of Mundy Cruising. Most recently she's cruised on Windstar and has also sailed with Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, SeaDream, Ponant, AmaWaterways and Aqua Expeditions. Her favourite destination is the Galapagos however she's also enjoyed cruises in the Mediterranean, Danube, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, Brahmaputra, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, the Mekong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Caribbean and the Arctic. When she’s not travelling she loves reading, food and wine.

More about Edwina

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