Cruise Baltic organizes FAM trip to target American cruise lines

Thursday, May 4, 2023

To secure the global position of the Baltic Sea region as a cruise destination, Cruise Baltic invites Revenue & Deployment representatives from American cruise lines to explore the region on a FAM trip.

New challenges demand new solutions. The global position of the Baltic Sea region as a cruise destination has been challenged due to the geopolitical situation. To face this challenge, Cruise Baltic has strengthened the concept of its FAM trips to target Revenue & Deployment representatives this spring.

The new and more targeted FAM trip aims to attract American cruise lines to the Baltic Sea region and increase turnaround calls at the Baltic cruise destinations.

“FAM trips are a vital tool for us when it comes to promoting the Baltic Sea region and securing the region’s position as a cruise destination among the big American cruise lines. It is also an opportunity to gain insights into the cruise lines’ requirements, enabling us to assist them better in their operations. Without St. Petersburg, we need the decision-making cruise line executives to experience our destinations and the diversity our region has to offer,” says Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise Baltic.

Cruise Baltic has a long-standing tradition of inviting shore excursions and itinerary planners on FAM trips. For the first time, the network has dedicated a FAM trip primarily to Revenue & Deployment representatives.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to re-discover the region’s gems first-hand, allowing each unique story to come alive. Having the opportunity to make new connections and foster the important relationships between cruise lines, ports, and destinations allow all in attendance to communicate our needs and share our best practices. I believe that education should never stop, and all the knowledge gained has given us a better understanding of how to elevate our Baltic region itineraries. This region has a rich story to tell – of culture, history, sustainability, and well-being – and we are excited to bring this experience to our guests,“ says Olga Makarenko, Director – Revenue Optimization & Analysis, Norwegian Cruise Line.

The FAM trip took place from April 18 to April 23, 2023. The executives visited Stockholm, Visby, Tallinn, Helsinki, Aarhus, and Copenhagen. Most cruise line executives continued the trip to Rostock for the Cruise Baltic Summit, where the network’s new strategy was revealed. Some executives even extended their trip with a visit to Gothenburg. 

Hein Erasmus, Senior Manager, Port Adventures & Recreations, Disney Cruise Line, added: “It was invaluable making new connections and reinforcing existing partnerships in the Region. These trips are a great way for us to engage with the various stakeholders. I greatly enjoyed immersing myself in the unique culture and intimate offerings in the Baltic Destinations.”

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