No guys, their laughter is definitely NOT alcohol-related, that was actually the first drink of the night. FYI it was a frosty glass of Carnival’s Thirsty Frog Summer Ale.
In case you don’t recognise them, the ladies above are Carnival Cruise Line top guns – Vice President and GM of Australia, Jennifer Vandekreeke and CEO Christine Duffy.
They were both hanging out at the Lord Nelson Hotel – Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel and the makers of the Thirsty Frog Summer Ale – yesterday with media when the photo was taken.
They’re laughing because they’re both in the ‘inner circle’.
Aside from updating journalists on the cruise line’s newest and ‘funnest’ ship, Carnival Vista, and the growing trend of divorce groups on ships (find out more on KarryOn next week), the pair launched a new social media group exclusive to Aussie and Kiwi consultants.
Separate from the Carnival Cruise Line Facebook page, the Carnival Fun Zone group is designed to cater to agents by sharing fun famil pics, incentives, deals and any urgent notifications.
It’s so well catered to consultants that KarryOn wasn’t sure they’d be accepted as a member, we thought we’d get a response like this:
What’s funny or amazing, is that in less than two days over 1,200 agents have joined the group.
Speaking at the media gathering yesterday, Vandekreeke, said she was excited to offer another avenue to communicate with agents – one she can use to post as herself.
She added that the privacy of the group also means agents will be able to speak to the cruise line without any risk of their clients spotting their post.
“It can only be seen as people in the group – you can’t have one of your clients go in and click on something.”
Jennifer Vandekreeke, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President and GM of Australia
Carnival Cruise Line Director of Sales Anton Loeb added that the creation of the new Facebook page recognised the crucial role travel agents played in Carnival’s business.
“Agents understand the importance of social media and use it regularly so we should be where they are,” he said.
“Facebook is casual and fun, just like our brand, so it’s the ideal way for us to engage with our travel partners and hear from them too.
“When it comes to cruising with Carnival, we know agents have a huge amount of knowledge and tips to share, plus a couple of entertaining stories, so we look forward to some free-spirited conversations in this group.
Travel agents who join go in the running to WIN a trip on Carnival Vista.
To mark the launch, Carnival is also sharing the chance to win a cabin for two on its newest ship, Carnival Vista, which debuts in Europe in May.
Every agent who joins the new Facebook group and enters the competition will be eligible to win a twin cabin on Carnival Vista’s 10-night Mediterranean cruise, departing 21 June, 2016.
Travel agents will receive an invitation from Carnival to join the page this week.