When the team at Bicton Travel sat down to plan this year’s Christmas party, we bet they never thought they’d end up on a two-night cruise with 600 of their clients.
That’s exactly what happened over the weekend, and the agency’s Founder, Carole Smethurst, couldn’t be happier about it.
The multi-award winning agency said it received several requests after hosting a similar, but shorter trip back in 2014. Smethurst said guests had so much fun that they kept asking for a follow up and an extra night.
So, the multi-award winning agency used its contacts at Cruise and Maritime Voyages to reserve the line’s 650-passenger ship, Astor, for a festive two-night sailing.
The cruise line said yes and Bicton Travel managed to secure 600 RSVPs (aka bookings).
Guests embarked the vessel on Friday afternoon last week and spent the next two nights taking part in Christmas-themed entertainment and activities.
All types of travellers joined the sailing from young adults:
To young children:
And even Bicton Travel staff:
Kids were particularly excited to meet Father Christmas who visited the ship and delivered gifts from the Bicton team.
There was also a seven-course festive dinner on Saturday evening, during which guests danced and enjoyed the onboard atmosphere on the aft deck until 3.00am.
But for Smethurst there was no prouder moment than meeting guests at the gangway after the cruise and receiving requests for next year’s sign up list.
“I would like to thank my team from Bicton Travel, the officers and crew of Astor and of course our great partners at CMV Australia.”
Carole Smethurst, Bicton Travel Founder