We took 21 top travel advisors to China in March 2026 on a
comprehensive Century Cruises 12-day cruisetour FAM trip. Something remarkable
happened in our group that is quite unlike anything I've encountered on a group
trip before.
These were mostly strangers from all over North America,
with different agency types, varied affiliations and a wide range of experience.
Yet it quickly became clear that an unmistakable bond was forming. Selfies were
being snapped with people they didn't even know a few days prior. Numbers were
being exchanged.
Unfamiliar surroundings can sometimes make people cautious
and even withdrawn. It turns out that when you are comfortable (4-star+ hotels,
state-of-the-art buses), safe, very well fed, and have every single detail
taken care of for you, you can let your guard down. You’ll open your mind to
new acquaintances and truly take in every wild and wondrous experience together.
You don’t have to worry about how you’re getting to The Great Wall, one of the
new 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Century Cruises
takes care of that for you. All you have to worry about is where to get the
best selfie with your new friends once you climb the wall. Century Cruises can
help with that, too.
Sharing unexpected and extraordinary historical and cultural
experiences that only China offers is what allows strangers to become instant friends.
In fact, we started calling each other FAMily.
“What we experienced wasn’t just a FAM”, said Steven Kona
Simao, CTC CIS, Vice President of Sales. “It was personal connection. It was a
shift. A realization that China is not only open, welcoming, and extraordinary,
but also an incredible opportunity waiting to be brought to their clients.”
The North American travel advisor group in Chongqing. (Photo Credit: Arnold Zheng)
In addition to the friendships formed, it quickly became
apparent that selling China was no longer a complicated or challenging
proposition. In fact, it's now easier than ever to sell China, thanks to
Century Cruises, which handles every detail. From selecting lunch venues
popular with locals, to booking the domestic flights within China, and even
arranging tickets to a mind-blowing evening show on the Yangtze that must be
seen to be believed. (Think dozens of horses galloping past you as the entire
audience seating section gently glides from one outdoor sound stage to
another.)
Aiste Stanley, owner of Trabeona Travels, remarked: “Every
detail was thoughtfully planned, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the
experience without any stress. From exploring iconic landmarks to discovering
hidden gems, the itinerary struck the perfect balance between culture, history,
and unique local experiences.”
Everything was handled seamlessly by the Century Cruises
team and with the most sincere and enthusiastic local Guides and crew at every
turn, allowing the advisors to witness China's rich history, distinctive
culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Shanghai at night. (Photo Credit: Jacqueline Hurst)
“From the moment the journey began, the level of care and
attention to detail was unmistakable,” said travel advisor Bailey Dial, We Do
The World Getaways. “Century Cruises demonstrated a natural ability to
anticipate guests’ needs while creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth and
heartfelt hospitality. Every transfer, excursion, and onboard experience flowed
effortlessly, allowing me to be fully present and take in each moment rather
than focus on logistics - something I value immensely when evaluating partners
for my clients.”
There is a misconception that selling China needs to be
complicated and tricky. Not anymore. One call to Century Cruises will start the
booking process. And, they'll take it from there. They’ve been active in
China’s tourism and Yangtze River cruising for almost three decades.
And, with
their newer modern fleet, they’re the easy choice for the North American
market. Selling and experiencing China has never been easier or more attainable
than with Century Cruises.
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