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Frequently Asked
Questions
What is Cruise Observer?
Cruise Observer is a glossy four-color newsletter. Published
quarterly, each issue is customized extensively for travel agencies.
The newsletter is perfect for cruise sellers who want to promote specific
sailings or cruise lines. The content of the four-page newsletter can
be customized as much or as little as desired. The agency's contact information
is printed during the main press run, not ink-jetted on at a mail house.
What customization is included?
Cover customization includes:
- Agency name above the title on front page.
- Personal signed column with photo (we write the column for
you and place your photo and signature)
- Specific call-to-action and contact info (phone, web site,
address)
Back-cover customization:
- agency return address
- phone number
- agency logo
- areas for cruise specials or ads (many of our clients receive
co-op funding by dedicating the call-to-action and the cruise
specials to a preferred supplier.)
I'm a travel agent. Why should I use Cruise
Observer?
Cruise Observer reinforces an agency's relationship with its customers
and prospects. Instead of waiting for the consumer to pick up the phone,
Cruise Observer touches the client with a high-quality promotional piece
that talks about the fun and the value of a cruise. Most important, the
newsletter steers the client to the agency's door because it is seamlessly
customized, appearing to have been written and published by the agency
itself.
Will cruise lines co-op Cruise Observer?
Yes. The cruise lines love Cruise Observer. Without exception, DSMs from
the major cruise lines provide co-op support for agencies that want
to mail Cruise Observer to their customers and prospects. Most of our
clients receive co-op funding from the cruise lines.
How much co-op can I expect?
Some of our clients have been able to recoup 100 percent of
the cost of production and mailing. Others have received as little
as 25 percent. Co-op depends largely on your relationship with your
district sales managers and their willingness to provide funding.
Which cruise lines are regularly featured
in Cruise Observer?
In each issue, Cruise Observer features Carnival, Celebrity, Holland
America, Princess and Royal Caribbean. These companies consistently support
agencies that use Cruise Observer for marketing.
Can I feature other cruise lines in my version
of Cruise Observer?
Yes. Some agencies choose to customize the inside pages as
well as the back and front to feature their preferred suppliers only.
What's the minimum and maximum order?
Our minimum order is 500. There is no maximum limit.
Is an annual contract required?
No. Some newsletter publishers require that you sign up for a long-term
subscription. Not us. We're confident that you'll want to continue
using our publications quarter after quarter, year after year. That's
because you'll see a return on your investment. If not, drop us. No
need to lock in for the long term. Agents say they appreciate the fact
that while no annual contract is required, discounts are extended to
those who commit to using Cruise Observer for four consecutive quarters.
So there's a discount for annual participation?
Yes. We extend 10 percent discounts each quarter for those who commit
to using Cruise Observer for four consecutive quarters.
I don't have time to do a newsletter. How
much work will be required on my part?
We do all the work, including writing, design, production and shipping.
All you need to do is send us a list of the cruise specials that you'd
like to promote in each issue. Cruise Observer arrives at your agency
or mailing house folded and ready to distribute to your cruise prospects.
For convenience, we can even mail directly from our mail house for about
26 cents per copy. Just send us your list in an Excel spreadsheet or
in a comma-delimited format.
Who publishes Cruise Observer?
Click here to meet us!
What's
it going to cost me?
Cruise Observer
has three levels of customization designed to meet your needs.
Most of our clients opt for Fully Customized.
Click on the links below for pricing, descriptions and page views.
Couldn't I publish a newsletter cheaper on
my own?
No. We benefit from large press runs and pass those savings on to you.
You pay less for our comprehensive services than you'd pay for printing
alone. Our goal is to provide the most customization possible at the
best price.
How can I be assured that Cruise Observer
won't get tossed as junk mail?
For maximum impact, Cruise Observer is 11x 17, tabloid size.
For mailing it folds to 5.5 x 11 large enough and so that it won't
get lost in the shuffle of regular size mail, Click here to
see how Cruise Observer appears when folded.
Okay! I'm
convinced! How do I order?
Call 1-954-727-3320 or e-mail us using the form below:
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Testimonials
 I like everything about Cruise Observer,
the creativeness, the quality, the perception, and the value that
it creates for the consumer. We see a strong increase in the more
expensive ships and sailings each time we distribute Cruise Observer.
Matt Cervone, owner of Just Cruises in Clinton Township,
Michigan.
 Cruise Observer reflects the
image that we are looking to project. The copy is well-written,
exciting to read. Our clients hang on to every issue. We have
always had excellent results. -
Nancy Kelly, Kelly Cruises, Oak Brook, Illinois
 Cruise Observer is a valuable tool for travel
agents to use to further promote cruising.
Vicki Freed, Carnival's Senior Vice President of Sales and
Marketing.
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