Travel Advisory Strategies with Venezia, Wave Season Deals, and AI Tools

Eric Marquette

It's time for this weeks, Too Longl Didn't Read Deep Dive Recap into the In the Know email that just hit your inboxes.

Renee Marquette

Alright, let's jump into the travelsphere—TPI's Partners of the Month! So, we’ve got Sandals & Beaches and Royal Caribbean for January, and I mean, who doesn’t love dreaming of beachside luxury or a high-seas adventure, right? Sandals always screams all-inclusive relaxation, but what really stands out to me this time is how they cater to, like, every type of guest, from romantic couples to families who just need that perfect get-away-from-it-all.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, Sandals isn’t just vacations; it’s...kind of a lifestyle at this point. Every property’s curated for comfort, whether it’s the overwater bungalows or even the food experiences. But let’s take a turn here to Royal Caribbean. Their innovation is what keeps grabbing my attention—you know, adding thrill rides to their ships, private islands like Perfect Day? They’ve turned the cruise game on its head in such a creative way.

Renee Marquette

Right?! And on the Signature side of things, you've got Regent Seven Seas, which is basically a floating five-star hotel tailored for luxury-seekers. They even toss in perks like a free two-category suite upgrade if you book the right sailings. It’s giving me serious "this is the trip of a lifetime" vibes.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. And then there’s the Globus family of brands. What I like about them is how they’re focused on exceptional land and river tours. You get deeply immersive cultural experiences—kind of like walking history lessons mixed with culinary adventures, which is great if you’re someone who loves being grounded.

Renee Marquette

Totally. You know, this Spotlight on Partners thing? It’s not just about deals; it’s like a window into how travel companies are thinking ahead and meeting us where we are. You wanna lounge on perfect beaches? Done. Want thrilling innovation at sea or luxury elegance? Could not be easier to choose.

Renee Marquette

Speaking of travel companies meeting us where we are, Carnival is stepping up with something truly exciting—the Venezia ship tour at Port Canaveral. And with the RSVP deadline just around the corner—January 23rd—it’s the perfect opportunity to see how they’re reimagining the cruising experience, right?

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And what makes Venezia stand out, beyond just being a Carnival ship, is its Italian-inspired design. You’re stepping onto the ship and it's basically like a floating Venice—with gelato stands, gondolas, and some of the most intriguing dining options you’ll see on any cruise today.

Renee Marquette

Gondolas on a cruise ship? Okay, now I need to see this for myself. It’s definitely something that would make anyone rethink what cruising looks like. Alright, pivoting for a sec—what about those of us interested in selling river cruises?

Eric Marquette

Good point. There's this first-ever in-person Learn Market Sell event, all about river cruising. These types of events are invaluable because, I mean, river cruising itself is such a unique niche. You’re not dealing with huge crowds, you’re docking directly in city centers...

Renee Marquette

...Exactly! It’s all about small, intimate experiences. And honestly? Having access to a live, in-depth training can really help someone confidently pitch that to clients who might be a little unfamiliar with it. Now, speaking of iconic experiences—can we talk about Princess Cruises?

Eric Marquette

Oh, definitely. They’re celebrating their 40th anniversary in style with a 14-day Mexican Riviera voyage. It’s happening in December 2025, but what stands out is how Princess consistently blends tradition with something fresh. It’s like nostalgia meets modern elegance.

Renee Marquette

Totally. Plus, I bet the itinerary is already calling up visions of warm beaches, stunning sunsets, and maybe a margarita or two. Iconic indeed.

Renee Marquette

Speaking of iconic experiences, let’s take it up a notch—imagine booking a dream trip and suddenly getting an offer to upgrade your suite for free, plus reduced deposits. That’s Regent Seven Seas for you, and honestly? It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, treat yourself!”

Eric Marquette

Exactly, and they add in that luxury component, making it feel like you’re onboard a high-end boutique hotel. What about G Adventures, though? Their promotions kind of take a different angle, with multiple options—cash bonuses and discounts. Talk about flexibility for travelers.

Renee Marquette

Oh, totally. It’s perfect if you’re that adventurous soul who wants a one-of-a-kind experience but still loves scoring a deal.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And let’s not forget Oceania’s flex fares. Here’s the thing—they’re deeply discounted, but it’s also a bit of a gamble. You have to book fast before the fares disappear, which adds a layer of urgency but also keeps prices competitive for travelers in the know.

Renee Marquette

Right? It’s like a secret club for savvy cruisers. And speaking of deals, you’ve got the Monarch “Grab Go” offers too. They make it sooo easy for you to market deals directly without spending hours creating campaigns. I mean, who doesn’t love that simplification?

Eric Marquette

It’s genius. Especially when you’re juggling multiple clients—having curated emails ready to go is such a time-saver. Not to mention, it lets you focus more on the personal connections than technical tasks, which is really what's most important in this industry.

Renee Marquette

Exactly. These deals are tailored so perfectly—whether you’re chasing luxury, adventure, or just trying to make life easier for clients. I love that there’s something for everyone.

Renee Marquette

And speaking of making life easier for you, let me tell you about one of my favorite new highlights from our emails—Innovation Station. It’s all about adopting fresh tools and ideas to help advisors work smarter, not harder. These innovations aren’t just cool features; they’re genuine game-changers that elevate the entire travel planning experience.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And right at the forefront of innovation is AI, which—let’s face it—is becoming impossible to ignore in any industry. For travel advisors? The potential is huge. Imagine being able to create hyper-personalized vacation itineraries or even automate some of the more time-consuming tasks like pricing comparisons.

Renee Marquette

And you know what? It’s not just about making things faster—it’s about making them better. It’s the difference between, like, a vacation that’s okay and one that’s unforgettable. These tools are raising the stakes for how we define great service.

Eric Marquette

This week we are focusing at the beginning. ChatGPT. Some tips, why it's a game changers, and some new videos. So check those out!

Renee Marquette

So, speaking of tools that elevate the industry, imagine this—you’re a travel advisor looking for that next big strategy, and here come these super immersive TPI livestreams. Picture getting insider tips from pros who’ve mastered private group charters. That’s exactly what Dave Meihoefer and Suzy Schreiner are bringing to the table on January 13th at 4 PM Eastern. It’s all about charters and groups—and trust me, the potential for massive commissions is just the beginning.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And the appeal with charters is the exclusivity. It’s not just a vacation—it’s an event tailored to the group that books it. Advisors who master this niche can really differentiate themselves.

Renee Marquette

Right? And then on the 14th, there’s Calvin Rodriguez from Carnival Cruise Line coming on. He’s gonna talk all things Celebration Key, their Learn Earn program—it’s like they’re handing over the keys to leveling up!

Eric Marquette

And it gets even better. By the 15th, you have all these back-to-back opportunities. First, there’s our first Partner of the Month, Royal Caribbean’s Pura Aguilar, live at 11:30 AM Eastern. If you’re into big ships, short cruises, or even discovering hidden gems in their partner offers, this one’s not to miss. Plus, our Business Development Sales Coach, Kalista, is covering sales tips, which are always worth their weight in gold.

Renee Marquette

Oh, for sure. And then later that afternoon, at 2:30 PM, it’s Sandals' turn. Our next Partner of the Month spotlight! I mean, who wouldn’t wanna hear about their latest developments? It’s like pulling back the curtain on one of the most recognizable names in the industry.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. These livestreams? They’re not just updates—they're game-changers. You can take this information and immediately weave it into your client strategies. It’s like having a cheat sheet for success.

Renee Marquette

Totally. And what I love is how these events break down everything you need to know and make it so accessible. Honestly, if I were in the field, I’d jump on every single one of these opportunities.

Renee Marquette

And speaking of opportunities for advisors to grow, let’s shine a spotlight on someone who’s doing just that—Clark Reber from Riviera River Cruises. Not only is he a regional sales director, but he’s also a storyteller in his own right with deep roots in travel. Having started as an advisor himself, he now guides others through unlocking incredible river cruise experiences. It’s like another masterclass, but with a personal, full-circle touch. Don’t you think, Eric?

Eric Marquette

Absolutely, and that firsthand experience as a travel advisor? You can’t underestimate how valuable that is. Clark isn’t just, you know, selling an idea—he understands the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that advisors face, and Riviera reflects that through their offerings.

Renee Marquette

So true. And you know what? Clark’s experience isn’t just about understanding advisors—it’s about creating this sense of trust. He’s there, ready to assist, and it’s such a strong message to you that your not doing this alone.

Eric Marquette

Right. And Riviera’s really positioned as a partner that can elevate your business. It’s not just about offering a trip; it’s about delivering those wow moments that turn clients into lifelong fans. That’s where Clark comes in as the ultimate resource.

Renee Marquette

And, honestly, talking about all this? It reminds me how travel is such a blend of heart and innovation. Any final thoughts before we close up shop?

Eric Marquette

Just that this has been a fantastic discussion. For advisors out there, the key takeaway is this—whether it’s leveraging AI, diving into new deals, or building relationships with partners like Riviera, the resources are all here for the taking. It’s just about making the most of it.

Renee Marquette

Couldn’t agree more. Don't forget to check the In the Know email for all the extensive information and links.

Eric Marquette

And that’s all for today, folks. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time on TL;DR Deep Dive Recap. Happy travels!