WILLIAM MELDRUM EARNS TOP HONORS AT NCL UNIVERSITY
Award-winning cruise line presents its new class of
Freestyle Certified agents
Award-winning cruise line presents its new class of
Freestyle Certified agents
Ottawa, May 7, 2010
Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to announce that William Meldrum has earned the necessary credits to graduate from its online travel agent university, NCL University. This progressive, state-of-the art online school is geared to deliver an enhanced level of knowledge and insight into Norwegian Cruise Line’s unique Freestyle Cruising philosophy, their cruising destinations, ship programs and operations, and many other “behind-the-scenes” elements not available anywhere else. Each graduate is required, within one year, to earn a minimum number of credits through a choice of accredited courses and electives. The rigorous curriculum includes testing at every level in order to move forward.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s online university opened its virtual doors in 2008 and is one of the most innovative and award-winning programs available to travel agents today. With thousands of registered students and growing, NCL U has expanded its training from the interactive experience of its online program to a continuing, first-hand educational experience that includes a PhD@ Sea program aboard its ships.
“At Norwegian Cruise Line, we highly recommend the use of a travel professional when booking one of our cruises,” says Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services. “We have invested in NCL U’s offerings to insure our travel partners have a thorough knowledge of our Freestyle Cruising product as well as an expertise in marketing and sales skills. In this way, we can be sure our guests will know they are relying on an expert who knows our product inside and out."
AND:
Local Travel Professional Becomes Cunard Voyage Expert by Earning Prestigious Top Rank in Cunard Academy
Ottawa, ON (19 April, 2010) – An Ottawa travel professional has achieved prestigious Commodore status in the Cunard Academy training program, certifying him as a Cunard Line expert for booking travel on the company’s flagship Queen Mary 2, iconic QE2 and newest liner, Queen Victoria. As a Commodore, Bill Meldrum of Expedia Cruiseshipcenters joins an exclusive group of travel professionals who are now recognized by Cunard at the Academy's highest level for their unique qualifications and knowledge as a voyage planning professional. William earned this distinction after completing the minimum 25 courses necessary to graduate from the programe.
“We at Cunard are very proud of Bill’s dedication, as he has put in extra effort to offer his clients exceptional knowledge regarding the legendary ocean liners of Cunard,” said Jan Swartz, Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Sales for Cunard. “Travel professionals who reach this top level in our Academy program have completed hours of course work to become an expert on the company’s legacy, traditions and unique voyage experience and can provide their clients the opportunity to be a part of an iconic Cunard travel adventure.”
Cunard Academy is the cruise industry’s most comprehensive online training program available to travel professionals in the U.S. and Canada. Travel professionals who complete the extensive coursework become experts on a wide range of topics, offering travelers full knowledge of important details about a Cunard voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria. Courses educate travel professionals on such areas as the line’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings and World Cruises, exclusive Grill accommodations, compelling enrichment programes (Cunard Insights), world-class dining and renowned White Star ServiceSM .
“I'm thrilled to be a Cunard Commodore and to expand my expertise about these iconic ships. The knowledge I've gained makes me a more valuable resource for my clients, and helps me to match a Cunard voyage to sophisticated travelers who seek the quintessential ocean liner experience,” said Mr. Meldrum.
To become a Commodore, travel professionals must fulfill 25 required and elective classes, representing approximately 25 hours of total course work covering worldwide destinations, onboard programs, and customer service skills. As they complete courses, travel professionals earn their “stripes” through four levels: First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain and finally Commodore, and can continue to take elective courses to expand their knowledge and keep their Commodore status current.
