After entering the UK market last year, the luxury expedition cruise line's international sales lead, Bernie Carter, has declared 2025 "the Year of the Agent," talking exclusively to Travel Bulletin about Atlas Ocean Voyages' expedited plans to bolster its presence among UK agents
Last week saw the cruise line put its Antarctic 2026/27 season on sale, with a choice of six itineraries available to book.
Now, amidst "really strong support" from travel partners, including its UK GSA The Cruise Line, Bernie is looking to expand Atlas Ocean Voyages' footprint in the marketplace.
The UK play
The UK focus for the year ahead has already seen Atlas Ocean Voyages launch a dedicated UK site, which Bernie reported has already welcomed "a surge in visits."
Previously, the brand's digital presence was very much tailored to its strong US customer base, with prices only available in US dollars.
"The one thing we are looking to do as we develop our UK business is to make the UK one of the largest markets outside of North America. The UK market offers up its own challenges: it is a very sophisticated and complex commercial marketplace."
Bernie hopes the UK's "historical seafaring history" will help the brand pave its way into a strong market footprint, with early signs of repeat booking and sailor satisfaction strong.
Atlas Ocean Voyages operates three yacht vessels: World Navigator, World Voyager, and World Traveller.
(Image Credit: Atlas Ocean Voyages)
Fast tracking the trade
While Atlas Ocean Voyages' first-ever TV advert continues to sail onto screens across Sky channels in the UK, bolstered by print campaigns with news publications and lifestyle magazines, Bernie is keen to increase awareness among agents; a plan that was expedited after impressive performance last year.
"As we got through the first half of last year, we could see already that we needed to push ahead with our plans to develop our trade business; it was always in the plan, but we pushed things forward.
"The number of operators that are active in the expedition sector is numerous. It was a busy marketplace to come into, but we have a brand that is seeing a meteoric rise in demand. If you look at where we are sat today compared to two years ago, it is night and day."
The Atlas Ocean Voyages team is not resting on that "meteoric rise" to fuel its trade business; Bernie revealed an incentive whereby agents can sign up to the brand's UK trade Facebook page and earn a £100 Amazon voucher after confirming their first booking. That combines with its ongoing turn-of-year campaign, running until the end of March, which includes an additional £50 voucher for each outside cabin booked, £75 for verandas, and £100 for suites.
The Trade Facebook page sees agents earn an extra £100 after confirming their first booking.
Continuing, Bernie explained the value of the Facebook community beyond the first booking incentive. "Not only does it give agents the chance to earn more money on their first booking, but they will hear all the news first, we will give them inside tips, let them know when we are going to launch a season and what the latest offer is going to be.
"The Facebook group is a great way to communicate both with us and for us to communicate with our trade partners."
Find out more details about Atlas Ocean Voyages' recently launched Antarctic season for 2026/27 and early booking offers here. Agents can join the trade Facebook community here.
