MIAMI — Two of the biggest cruise lines in the industry are showing their support for the travel agent distribution channel with brand new commissionable policies and incentives.
Effective April 1, 2018 and beyond agents will receive full commission when Royal Caribbean passengers redeem a Future Cruise Certificate.
Royal Caribbean first brought in the new policy for cruise changes in the wake of September 2017’s hurricanes. The cruise line protected the full value of commissions on bookings which included the redemption of a hurricane related Future Cruise Certificate.
“We’re delighted to say that Royal Caribbean will be making this a permanent policy. For the last 10 years, you have supported Royal Caribbean and voted us Best Sales and Service in the cruise industry. We hope this decision is a further testament to our commitment to your success.”
The cruise line went on to say that “’Loyal to you always’ isn’t just a phrase we use, it’s at the core of the way we do business.”
Carnival has commission news too: agents participating in the cruise line’s ‘Be the Hero’ program will receive commissionable upgrade offers for clients.
Starting today agents can opt in via the line’s travel agent web site, GoCCL.com, to receive special upgrade offers sent only to participating agents. All confirmed and paid upgrades will be fully commissionable.
“We know how much our guests value the experience of booking with travel agents and this upgrade opportunity provides an additional way for agents to deliver enhanced sales and service to their clients,” said Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Trade Marketing, Adolfo Perez. “Our research shows that guests who sail in upgraded accommodations have a greater tendency to continue booking at that level moving forward, making this an ongoing upsell opportunity for our travel partners.”
Upgrade offers will range from upgrades within the booked category, from an interior to an ocean view or balcony, and an ocean view or balcony to a suite. Upgrades are based on availability and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
Upgrade offers as part of the ‘Be the Hero’ program will be sent to agents with eligible bookings who have registered for the program.
Offers will be sent on a weekly basis to all travel agents registered for the program starting April 11. Travel agents may register to participate in the program starting today through April 4.
Once enrolled in ‘Be the Hero’ agents can access selected upgrades for their clients via the ‘upgrade your client’ link in the ‘manage booking’ section of GoCCL.com. Agents can also send clients available upgrade offers, with ready-to-use templates created and provided by Carnival.
Payment is due at the time of redemption and agents will receive a report with completed upgrades, including their enhanced commission, the following day.
‘Be the Hero’ is the line’s latest addition to #thelist, which includes new travel agent initiatives as part of its ‘Travel Agents Rock’ program.
