Over 70 travel consultants from The Travel Franchise/Not Just Travel set sail last weekend on a seven-night voyage aboard Fred Olsen’s Borealis, marking the company’s fifth - and largest ever - Seminar at Sea: a dynamic blend of immersive learning and first-hand insight into the cruise industry.

Departing from the UK and cruising through the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, this was no ordinary training event.

With co-founder Steve Witt onboard, this milestone sailing delivered expert-led sessions, supplier insights and practical experiences – all designed to help consultants deepen their cruise knowledge and grow sales in one of travel’s most profitable sectors.

Two cruise experts – NJT Head of Commercial Clare Cruise and Senior Cruise Business Development Manager Duncan Croucher – led many of the sessions.

“We’ve had the most amazing time onboard 2025’s Seminar at Sea hosted by Fred Olsen,” said consultants Ian and Richard. “We’ve learnt so much and can’t wait to put it into action and take our business to the next level.”

Consultants Craig and Kylie were also blown away by the experience – and won a free cruise for booking the most cruise holidays while onboard. After just seven months in the business, the couple have already doubled their cruise bookings, crediting the company’s training, motivation and support.

“Our Seminar at Sea is about more than just understanding cruise — it’s about thriving in cruise,” said Croucher. “And there’s no better classroom than the ship itself.”

Throughout the week, consultants took part in:

• Masterclasses on cruise marketing, customer engagement and retention
• Workshops hosted by Fred Olsen
• Practical learning through the onboard product experience
• Black-tie networking events with fellow consultants and travel experts

With the cruise sector continuing to boom – and attracting high levels of repeat clients – this immersive learning trip equipped franchisees with the tools and confidence to dramatically grow their cruise sales.
“This event shows exactly how we support our network,” said co-founder Steve Witt. “It’s about providing not just training, but unforgettable opportunities that inspire real business growth.”

The Seminar at Sea is just one of many exclusive learning experiences offered by The Travel Franchise – part of its mission to combine expert education with industry-leading support and a vibrant, connected community.

It recently announced that it would be taking some of its Elite consultants to Japan and Mauritius this autumn – a trip included in the Elite franchise package.