MONACO — Following travel agent feedback, Silversea has updated several of its policies in an effort to better support the agent community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve asked our global team to reach out to agents directly to answer questions, listen to their feedback and discuss new ideas,” said the cruise line. “Silversea’s travel partners are vital to our success, especially during the current pandemic.”

EXTENDED COMMISSION PROTECTION

Silversea will now pay commissions on cancelled voyages for all guests who have paid in full, regardless of whether they choose cash refunds or a future cruise credit (FCC). This is retroactive to its first cancellations in March 2020, and will remain active until Silversea is able to resume sailing or until further notice.

In the case of cruises departing prior to Dec. 31, 2020 and when a guest cancels under the Cruise with Confidence policy, if they have paid in full and take the FCC then the agent commission is protected both on the cancelled booking and on the FCC when it’s applied to a new booking.

When guests choose the enhanced 125% FCC on a cancelled sailing, agent commission is fully protected on both the cancelled booking and the new booking when the FCC is fulfilled.

EXPANSION OF CRUISE WITH CONFIDENCE

To provide added peace of mind, Silversea is extending the Cruise with Confidence cancellation program to all voyages currently scheduled to depart before Dec. 31, 2020. Under the policy, guests may cancel their cruise for any reason up to 48 hours prior to sailing and receive a 100% FCC for the amount paid, valid for two years from the date of issue.

When guests opt for the FCC and have paid in full, the agent’s commission is protected for both the cancelled booking and the future reservation on which the correlating FCC is applied.

REDUCED DEPOSIT & ONBOARD SPENDING CREDIT

Silversea has reduced its deposit requirement to Can$1,250 per suite for any new booking made before June 30, 2020. Guests who redeem this offer will also receive a $1,000 onboard spending credit per suite. The reduced deposit offer applies to all Silversea voyages with the exception of full World Cruises and Grand Voyages. Guests with an FCC can also use their credit to take advantage of the offer.

Travel agents and travellers are also being reminded of Silversea’s Early Booking Bonus. If guests book a voyage from Sept. 1, 2020 and beyond, and pay in full by June 30, 2020, they’ll receive an additional 10% savings.