GREEN SHOOTS: TravelManagers agent lands one of the company’s biggest-ever cruise bookings

GREEN SHOOTS: TravelManagers agent lands one of the company’s biggest-ever cruise bookings
By Alexandra Coulton


Despite 2020 being a year of cancellations and tough times, one travel agent has managed to land one of the largest cruise bookings her agency has ever seen.

TravelManagers’ Laurin Taggart, who is based in Forster in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, described her latest booking – a 143-night circumnavigation itinerary with Regent Seven Seas – as a labour of love.

“I really enjoy the process of selling cruise holidays – working with each client to plan their itinerary, shore excursions and onboard experiences,” she said.

“Whilst I love all types of trave, cruising has to be one of my absolute favourite types of holidays to take and also to sell.

“There is literally a cruise holiday to suit everyone, and I have sold all types of cruises: expedition, large-ship, family-friendly and high-end small ship inclusive voyages. I love using my expertise to match someone with their ideal voyage, creating happy and loyal clients for life.”

In 2023, Taggart’s client will be embarking on her third attempt at a round-the-world cruise – her first was cut short by a medical emergency, her second by COVID. Taggart said her client is now looking forward to proving that third time is the charm, plotting a voyage that will cross three oceans and visit six continents, calling at 72 ports in 42 countries and sailing a total of more than 38 thousand nautical miles.

Like many of her fellow cruise passengers, Taggart’s client said the on-board dining experience was a highlight for her. She said she enjoys dining in a beautiful restaurant each night and being treated to immaculate food and wine service.

“As a solo traveller, I love the personalised touches such as being greeted by name as well as the many opportunities to meet new friends: personal invitations to breakfast, dinner get-togethers and drinks before dinner each day,” she said.

Having experienced first-hand how well passengers are looked after when things go wrong during a cruise holiday, she said she appreciates the sense of confidence that she will be well looked after when she sets sail from Miami.

“Previous experience has given me great faith that I will be in safe hands should anything go wrong this time. When the pandemic started earlier this year, the cruise line kept us in safe waters so that we could disembark in Fremantle, and they arranged hotel accommodation and flights home for all passengers,” she said.

Taggart’s client also pointed out that having a good travel agent is key to a successful and enjoyable cruise holiday.

“Laurin always seems to know exactly what is right for me and ensures that my travel plans are absolutely seamless, easy and enjoyable. She looks after every little detail, and her help when COVID-19 put an end to my cruise this year was amazing.”

Since March, Taggart has been busy sorting out repatriations, changes, and refunds for existing holiday bookings, and has kept in constant contact with clients whose plans have been affected by COVID.

She said this latest booking is an encouraging sign that her clients are still thinking about travel and making plans for the future.

“Having bookings starting to come in for 2022 and beyond has given me hope in what quite frankly has been a time of despair,” she said.

“We now have an opportunity to redesign the industry with a greater emphasis on sustainability – not just in terms of how we travel but also how we work. Being a personal travel manager, I feel I’m already ahead of the game in that respect.”

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