180 PLANNER PERSPECTIVE Careful considerations What goes into planning the perfect itinerary? Holland America Line’s Francesco Rossiello tells Amber Hickman about the cruise line’s decision-making process Planning an itinerary that cruise guests will love is no small feat for Holland America Line. With 11 ships in its fleet, all with capacity for between 1,400 and 2,650 passengers, the brand must consider a lot of different factors during the decisionmaking process. Operational requirements, cost and regulatory compliance are all vital considerations, and Holland America Line must also factor in market trends, sustainability goals and customer satisfaction to drive loyalty and create a positive brand image. For Francesco Rossiello, senior manager of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line, creating a successful cruise “involves adhering to specific core principles that are designed to deliver a premium experience to guests.” These principles include tailoring itineraries to suit the preferences of both first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers, offering a mix of popular and unique destinations, curating authentic experiences that reflect local culture, creating a balance of relaxation and exploration, and considering practical elements such as weather and safety. Holland America Line also prioritises attention to detail to ensure a seamless experience from start to end. Even with these core principles, the standard of perfection is an everchanging target, says Rossiello. This is “ One of the main reasons guests sail with us is because of our destinationrich itineraries” Photo: Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam will visit Alesund in Norway during its ‘Viking Tales and Celtic Origins’ roundtrip
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