Fraser Ellacot interview

[Grez]

Poorly researched, and not that informative, but there are a couple of bits in this interview that are interesting.

http://www.traveldailymedia.com/143789/on-the-deck-fraser-ellacot-managing-director-of-thomson-cruises

[Rebel Rouser]

Grez...you mean these 2 bits ??

 

You also operate the Island Cruise brand. Where does that brand fit in and is that brand targeting a different market segment?

Island Cruises is the sister brand to Thomson Cruises, and it’s a very laid back product. It’s fully all inclusive, which makes it great value for money. It has buffet service as standard, there’s no dress code on board and there’s no formal night.

 

Why did you take the brand all-inclusive and are there plans for the Thomson brand to follow?

There were a number of reasons behind the move to all inclusive, firstly the majority of our customers were choosing to travel all inclusive anyway, secondly the move offers a unique selling point to stand out from the crowd and finally Island Cruises is an entry-level product which means value for money and we know that this is very important to our customers. We have always offered it on most of our Thomson ships as an early booking incentive as well.

 

 

With thanks to Travel D Media for the information.

[Grez]

Hi RR,

Yes that was one bit - the other bit I thought people may pick up on is "We are consistently seeing an increase in our selling prices":p

[davecttr]

Hi RR,

Yes that was one bit - the other bit I thought people may pick up on is "We are consistently seeing an increase in our selling prices":p

Indeed, i get a sort of sinking feeling about all this 'upgrade' and 'platinum' business. Is it just a quick tart up to give the impression of a superior product whilst pursuing the 'that airline' business model to rip off the customers.

 

a real cruisline would not

1) charge for safes

2) charge for cabin reservations

3) not publish bar and restaurant menus

4) house solo passengers in cement mixers :mad:

5) refuse to publish or say what the single supplement for occupancy of a double cabin is.

6) not have fridges in all cabins

7) not have tea making facilities in all cabins

 

all this for ALL their ships.

 

take safes - many insurance policies require that you make use of a safe if one is available in your room. risk not using it, something goes missing and the insurance company WILL NOT pay.

 

take single supplements - i know what they are on P&O, for each cruise, in advance, they publish them, they range between 40% and 70% for single occupany of a double cabin, including balcony grades.

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the link!