Cruise West is a Marketing Machine

SEATTLE, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise West, a global leader in small-ship cruising, today announced an aggressive marketing initiative within the travel partner industry.

This industry focused program includes a commitment to increase participation and investment in this strategic enterprise channel.  "The agency community is our 'bread and butter' and helped us grow to an international cruise line with explorations around the world," said Dietmar Wertanzl, Cruise West President & CEO.  "Of course, we will continue to drive brand awareness, but with the objective of making the job of the booking agent that much easier."

Cruise West's agency of record, remerinc, was engaged six months ago, in part to help create a reseller strategy and corresponding program.  In addition, they will help design and integrate co-op marketing activities in order to leverage the overall marketing strategy, timing, and promotions.  As part of remerinc's strategy development process, they audited industry events and spent time out on the front lines with agents, learning about the 'tools' they rely on to drive awareness, create interest, and close bookings.

Program elements have been available for several months and include direct mail and collateral such as Explorer, a piece designed to help cross-sell the various Cruise West destinations.  In response to consumer sensitivity, collateral has also been digitized to offer an eco-friendly alternative to large and excessive print mailers.  Regardless of the media, the common thread woven throughout the creative executions is that Cruise West offers experiences that are far more personal and intimate than those offered by the mega-ships.

"We have challenged ourselves to bring new and innovative thinking to a category that is very homogeneous," said Dave Remer, CEO and Creative Director of remerinc.  "Exploring the world is fun, and we think that the creative and messaging should embrace that spirit.  With that in mind, we have tried to refresh the Cruise West message with a sense of humor and brevity."

Additional program details will be announced in the coming months.  

About remerinc

remerinc (remerinc.com) is a full-service advertising and creative marketing agency, specializing in building, driving, and reinforcing strong brands.  Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the agency has produced award-winning work for a diverse range of clients.  Clients include ABC, ESPN, Getty Images, Starbucks, Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, and MSN.  remerinc won a Cannes Gold Lion in the category of Best Customer Marketing for an international integrated campaign.

About Cruise West

Cruise West believes that small is beautiful.  Small-ship explorations allow up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines.  For more than 63 years Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences where the destination is the focus.  The fleet of small ships with guest capacities ranging from 78-148 explores remote and distinctive destinations throughout the globe.  A robust onboard enrichment program further enhances the guest experience through topical guest lecturers, additional exploration by Zodiac and included excursions at every port.  

SOURCE Cruise West