The cruise industry is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of Cruisen, a groundbreaking cruise-planning platform tailored specifically for travel advisors. Scheduled to launch at CruiseWorld in Fort Lauderdale from November 6 to 8, this innovative tool promises to enhance the way travel agents communicate and collaborate with their clients in real time. With its unique features and functionalities, Cruisen is poised to change the landscape of cruise bookings, offering a more streamlined approach to travel planning.
Cruisen is designed as a free, user-friendly platform that equips travel advisors with the tools they need to manage trips effectively, suggest suitable cruise options, and foster collaboration with their clients. While advisors will still need to navigate away from the platform to finalize bookings, Cruisen Enterprise, a premium variant for larger agencies, includes booking capabilities directly within the platform. Reid Williams, the entrepreneur behind the platform, identified a gap in the market for effective cruise planning solutions and sought to create a tool that bridges this gap.
Williams, who previously founded TravelBank—a travel and expense management solution that was acquired by U.S. Bancorp—recognized the complexities inherent in the cruise booking process. His passion for cruising and the frustrations he experienced during booking inspired him to develop Cruisen about a year ago. Initially envisioned as a consumer-based app designed for travelers to collaborate with their groups, the concept evolved when Williams realized the significant value travel advisors bring to the process.
At the heart of Cruisen’s design are two interconnected applications: one for travel advisors and a companion app for consumers. This dual-approach not only streamlines the communication process but also enhances the overall planning experience. Travel advisors start by logging into Cruisen, where they can view and manage a list of current trips they are coordinating with clients. Meanwhile, clients can utilize the companion app to provide their profiles, explore available cruises, and review various room allotments and assignments.
The platform includes a revolutionary feature powered by artificial intelligence, enabling clients to ask questions and receive immediate insights. This accessibility aims to alleviate some of the burdens on travel advisors, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business. Williams believes that with the aid of such technology, advisors can enhance their operational efficiency, which in turn promotes growth within their agencies.
What sets Cruisen apart is its emphasis on community engagement. Michael Catlow, an enthusiastic travel advisor and owner of I Love Travel Company, champions this feature. Working with nearly 100 independent contractors, Catlow has found that collaboration through Cruisen significantly elevates the client-booking experience. He appreciates the platform’s ability to facilitate conversations with clients, minimizing the extensive back-and-forth that typically characterizes the travel planning process.
In a world where communication happens across various platforms—ranging from social media to direct messages—Cruisen streamlines this dialogue, enabling agents to communicate not only with clients but also with potential travelers in the group. Catlow estimates that the platform could reduce the labor-intensive nature of planning by approximately 75%, granting advisors more time to engage meaningfully with their clients rather than managing logistics.
Weighing in on the development of Cruisen, Reid Williams has collaborated closely with a council of travel agents, including Catlow, to refine the platform and its offerings. This inclusive approach ensures that the app meets the real needs of travel advisors who interface directly with clients on a day-to-day basis. Through this iterative process, advisors can provide feedback and insight, ensuring that the platform evolves in line with industry demands.
The growing excitement surrounding Cruisen underscores a crucial industry trend: the recognition that technology can help simplify complex processes. As the platform gears up for its official launch, the anticipation is palpable, with travel advisors looking for solutions that will ultimately drive their effectiveness and profitability.
As Cruisen makes its grand entrance in November, its potential to reshape how travel advisors operate becomes evident. By merging technology with the personalized service travel advisors offer, Cruisen stands at the forefront of a new era in cruise planning. With the promise of reducing the cumbersome aspects of booking while fostering a collaborative environment, both agents and clients can look forward to a more enjoyable and efficient planning experience. The cruise industry, already known for its charm and allure, is set to become even more accessible and enjoyable for travelers with the advent of innovative platforms like Cruisen.