P&O Cruises invites 250 agents to Take That show on Arvia

P&O Cruises has invited 250 agents to the premiere of Greatest Days – the Take That musical – on its latest ship Arvia in Southampton on April 30.

The Greatest Days show is one of the new shows on the ship, performed in the Headliners Theatre.

Other venues on the 5,200-passenger ship include the 710 Club, created in partnership with Take That singer Gary Barlow (pictured), who is also the cruise line’s music director.

Barlow was one of several celebrities and brand ambassadors who filmed messages for the cruise ship’s naming ceremony in Barbados on March 16.

Singer Nicole Scherzinger became the godmother of Arvia when she pressed a lever to smash a special 15-litre bottle of Mount Gay rum on the ship.

She also sang to guests at the event in the SkyDome, after singer Olly Murs had performed at a nearby beach ceremony.

The celebrations at both venues were broadcast live on YouTube, with many cruise agents holding special parties in the UK during the event.

Agents watching the event were also encouraged to enter a competition to win an Arvia cruise; 1,000 Shine points; or tickets to the Arvia event on April 30.

Rob Scott, sales, marketing and brand vice-president, said celebrities associated with the brand, such as Gary Barlow, attract a new clientele, and having singer Scherzinger as godmother is “disruptive” in the industry.

“Travel agents are key to bringing in newcomers,” he added.

“The travel agents are on this cruise can see product for themselves and take back the information to their teams.

“We invest in our training platforms to help agents, and ship visits are returning this year to help them understand cruising’s great value for money – and higher repeat guests so agents likely to see them return.

“Post-pandemic, we want as many agents on ship visits as possible.

“Arvia will host the final day of the Clia UK & Ireland conference in May.”

As part of an entertainment partnership, Scherzinger will create music and dance “extravaganzas” for P&O Cruises’ Arvia and Iona.