Carnival Cruise Line launched a first-of-its-kind bus tour this week, visiting travel agents in Houston and New Orleans. While in New Orleans, Carnival’s Vice President of Sales & Trade Marketing Adolfo Perez surprised attendees when he publicly inked Carnival’s trade theme, “Travel Agents Rock,” permanently on his skin. The tattoo process was broadcast live on Facebook.

The festival-inspired “Agentpalooza” bus tour brings Carnival Cruise Line’s sales leadership team to travel agents in six cities from May 11-18 and features one-on-one meetings, marketing and product experiences and a variety of engaging entertainment activities. A community service and philanthropic component rounds out each event. The tour continues next week with stops in Charleston, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Orlando.

“Visiting agents on a bus tour is an excellent way to cover a great deal of ground at once with numerous team members and to do what we do best – work with agents on providing the best sales and service we can while having a great time along the way,” said Perez. “Getting the ‘Travel Agents Rock’ tattoo is just my way of demonstrating to our amazing rock-star travel partners that our theme is more than a slogan to me. It’s a true personal commitment.”

During each event, agents have the opportunity to engage with Perez and the team in four different bus tour areas. A “Carnival Fun Zone” features a live DJ, photo booth and lawn games. An “At Your Service” area provides agents the opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with the sales leadership team and their local business development directors. A “Community Impact” space is dedicated towards giving back to local food banks and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which Perez is currently supporting as part of its annual fundraising drive. Light snacks and exciting raffle prizes, including a complimentary eight-day Carnival cruise, are being given away at each “Agentpalooza” tour stop.

More than 350 travel agents attended the events in Houston and New Orleans, where many starred in “Rockstar Moments” -- fun video segments which will be available on Carnival’s trade Facebook and GoCCL.com agent portal.

Travel agents are encouraged to follow the tour and participate in events online via GoCCL.com and Carnival’s trade Facebook page. For complete details surrounding Carnival’s “Agentpalooza” bus tour, travel agents may visit GoCCL.com.