One of the biggest stories in the cruise industry has been the deal between Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts International: The companies are forming a joint venture, with Royal agreeing to acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals. This conversation of the travel advisor perspective features Mary Alys Foutz a travel advisor who specializes in Sandals and Beaches resorts; Jesse Foutz, an advisor who specializes in Royal Caribbean; Addison Jaynes, CEO of Reliant Destinations; and Travel Weekly senior editors Teri West and Christina Jelski. 

In this episode: The outline of the deal and the latest updates; where advisors see synergies between the two companies; the guest experience; selling two similar -- but different -- products; the importance of education and training; and the growing strength of both the all-inclusive market and the cruise industry.

This episode was recorded Oct. 29 and has been edited for length and clarity.

This episode coincides with CruiseWorld – our annual conference that features top executives from all the major cruise lines. Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, is among those who will speak with editor in chief Johanna Jainchill. Our coverage will be live this week at https://www.travelweekly.com/cruiseworld-coverage.

Episode sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Princess Cruises https://www.princess.com

Related links:

Royal Caribbean wants 50% of customers' vacation wallet https://www.travelweekly.com/cruise-travel/royal-caribbean-wants-50-percent-customers-vacation-wallet

Risky business or smart strategy? Reaction to Royal Caribbean's investment in Sandals https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Reaction-to-Royal-Caribbean-investment-Sandals

Exclusive: Jason Liberty and Adam Stewart on the Royal Caribbean-Sandals deal https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Sandals-Adam-Stewart-and-Royal-Caribbean-Jason-Liberty

A Sandals top seller talks about the Royal-Sandals deal https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Sandals-top-seller-talks-about-Royal-Caribbean-deal

Reliant Destinations:  https://mycaribbeanluxury.com/

Marvelous Mouse Travels: https://marvelousmousetravels.com/

UPDATE: This episode was updated to correct the sponsor for this episode; it is Princess Cruises.