Tour operator Avanti Destinations has created a microsite where travel advisors can book pre- and post-cruise hotel stays, sightseeing tours and activities.
Avanti said the microsite has been designed for advisors who book lots of cruises but not many land packages.
"Many advisors get started in FIT travel by booking pre- or post-cruise stays in port cities," said Nate Guilfoyle, Avanti's director of web services.
Avanti said it offers a wide range of options in 63 port cities. In Barcelona, for example, Avanti said it offers 49 hotels and 37 tours/activities; in Kyoto, 26 hotels and 47 tours/activities. A two-night minimum hotel stay is required.
Guilfoyle said that if advisors have a good experience, "We hope it will motivate them to come back and book FIT services with us."
Avanti says a tutorial highlights how the microsite works and how to save a proposed pre-/post-cruise stay. Advisors enter the cruise line, sailing date, ship name, number of days on the cruise and the desired star rating of hotel, room type and the number of hotel nights.
After the hotel is selected, the site displays tour and transfer options. The site automatically finds the correct transfer for harbor, hotel and airport, Avanti said.
Once the advisor finishes and saves the selections, a price will be displayed. Advisors can add their own agency fee and trip protection. When the advisor shares the completed pre- or post-cruise extension with their client, the agency fee and commission is not shown but is included in the total price. Trip protection is displayed as a separate cost.