How do I pass my tour operator’s cruise ship contacts on to a buyer?

Start by listing the contacts: shore excursion managers, port agents, local agencies and anyone who sends groups your way. For each, note how long you have worked together, what business they bring and what they like about your service. Add notes on how they prefer to be contacted.

Next, check what is written. Are there contracts, preferred supplier arrangements or informal understandings? Ask your lawyer to look at any agreement to see whether it can pass to a new owner or whether the other side must agree.

Plan introductions. Where possible, bring the buyer along to a meeting or call and say plainly why you recommend them. Some sellers arrange a gradual handover through one selling season so contacts see continuity. Others write a joint letter. Choose the approach that matches how each relationship works. Finally, agree what happens after closing. Will you remain available for questions and for how long? Put that in the agreement. Tell the buyer which contacts are valuable and which are dormant, so expectations are realistic. Honest notes on what has been said build trust with the buyer too. Keep in mind that contacts at large organizations change roles, so note who is current and when you last spoke.

Key takeaways

• List every contact with role, history and the business they bring.
• Check whether any written agreements transfer without the other side’s consent.
• Introduce the buyer personally and stay available for an agreed period.