It’s all about experiential cruising these days, just ask Alan Law of GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours. Known for its small-ship voyages to lesser-known destinations, Law says cruisers nowadays want a combination of smaller ships and authentic cultural experiences, something GLP pulls off without a hitch. In this week’s edition of Friday Five, we ask Law about the company’s valued partnerships and what agents can expect this year in terms of new product.

1. Tell us a little bit about GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours.

We started in 1999 in downtown Toronto but we are now based in Markham, Ontario. We cater to travellers who are more interested in the people, culture and scenery of the destination. We like travellers who not only want to observe but participate and fully immerse themselves into the destination. We avoid the mass market-style packages. We specialize in small ship cruising, including barges, because it is the ideal way to fully experience the destination and culture. Smaller vessels allow access to inland waterways and areas bigger ships cannot go. The focus is on authentic and experiential travel.

2. GLP was recently awarded ‘Most Inspiring Partner in Canada’ by Hurtigruten. Tell us what this award means to the company and about the value you put in your partnerships.

We were honoured to receive this award. We devote a lot of resources researching and eventually selecting which partners we want to do business with. They must meet our values and what we want to offer. It must not be a one-size-fits-all type program. Itineraries that revolve around authentic experiences. Once a relationship has been established, we work hard to keep that relationship working for both parties and that it’s long-term and always adaptable to meet the needs of our customers.

3. Can you comment on the status of cruising among Canadians this year, especially during a time when our dollar has been struggling?

It has certainly been on the minds of Canadian travellers but for some of our programs, it doesn’t have any effect as the destinations we deal with are not necessarily being paid in U.S. dollars. In addition, GLP Worldwide negotiates rates well in advance and we are the ones taking the risk – not the travellers. We differentiate ourselves from other operators by clients who can pay in Canadian currency. Our brochures are in Canadian dollar prices, though the clients can pay in U.S. currency as well.

4. What new trends do you foresee in the cruise industry for 2016?

River cruising on some rivers has evolved into a mass market now. You can’t call it a niche market. For our client base and the trend we see is clients are looking for smaller ships, ones with less than 200 passengers. We are shifting our passengers on smaller ships in lesser known but still culturally interesting destinations and rivers such as the Loire River, Rhone, Elbe in Europe, the Mekong in Vietnam, and the Irrawaddy in Burma.

5. What’s new for GLP in 2016?

Agents are going to be seeing a lot of exciting changes with GLP Worldwide in 2016. We will be rebranding and introducing a series of new ships, cruise and land programs, including a new focus on some exhilarating and breathtaking rail journeys around the world. You will see more of a focus in lesser-travelled destinations but our main mission will remain the same – to provide authentic and unique travel experiences for our clients and our continued commitment to support travel agents and help them sell once-in-a-lifetime experiences to their clients.

For more information go to glpworldwide.com.