Supporting TUI Cruises’ specialised travel bookings

The Client

TUI Cruises, a prominent German cruise company based in Hamburg, operates as a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. TUI Cruises is renowned for its brands: Mein Schiff, specialising in contemporary cruises in the premium segment, and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, leading in luxury and expedition cruises in German-speaking markets. Managing travel booking requests for TUI Cruises’ non-guest special participant groups presented unique challenges, leading them to partner with ATPI’s Hamburg team.

Travel needs

While travel arrangements for all guests are managed in-house, managing travel to and from the cruise ports for special participants such as guest artists, lecturers, pastors, scientists, and doctors required a nuanced approach. Flexibility, complex luggage requirements for equipment, and immediate adjustments were crucial to ensure these key personnel could fulfil their roles on board.

Challenges and drivers for hiring ATPI

TUI Cruises sought ATPI’s expertise to handle their specialised travel bookings. The primary drivers for this partnership were ATPI’s leisure department expertise, the availability of dedicated specialists, and an expanded portfolio.

The project presented several complexities, including handling safety-related and oversized luggage, accommodating last-minute changes, managing group travel as well as individual arrangements, and providing flexibility with changing schedules and participant availability. These challenges necessitated a partner with a deep understanding of the cruise industry and the flexibility to adapt quickly.

Solution provided by ATPI

ATPI’s solution involved a comprehensive understanding of TUI Cruises’ specific requirements and effective communication to manage XBAG requirements and other logistical details. Their approach to flexible arrangements was evident during the maiden voyage of a new ship departing from Turku, where a reliable and flexible partner was needed to accommodate the complex scope of various travel parties.

ATPI’s robust local networking facilitated short-term hotel accommodations and shuttle services in Helsinki, ensuring all specialised personnel were accommodated despite last-minute changes. ATPI showcased their ability to provide quick and effective solutions even during high-demand periods, such as the European Championship opening match in Hamburg. The seamless cooperation among ATPI’s group, train, and operations departments ensured smooth travel experiences for all participants, highlighting their capability to manage complex travel requirements effectively.

Results

The direct benefits for TUI Cruises included significant operational relief, allowing TUI Cruises’ flight team to focus on their core responsibilities and reducing the manual workload associated with specialised bookings. ATPI’s expertise ensured efficient handling of intricate travel requirements, contributing to smoother operations for TUI Cruises.

“Our team is responsible for all (travel) organisational, logistical and administrative tasks relating to the extensive guest artist programmes on board the ships in our fleet. We also regularly fly musicians with large, delicate and sometimes historic instruments (e.g. cellos) to their assignments, sometimes to very remote destinations. These instruments may not be transported in the hold of an airplane. We book such special tickets with ATPI – and appreciate the good and always reliable cooperation and prompt service.”

Dorothee Timm Senior Manager Travel Administration, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises