Cruise lines react to Carnival’s new payment scheme
Rival cruise lines have voiced their continued commitment to the travel trade following an announcement by Complete Cruise Solution about changes to its agents payment scheme.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said some agents could be penalised by the new system.
“Although there are some aspects of the CCS proposals that need further clarification, it seems that this initiative could penalise those agents who trade through the quality of their customer service, rather than those who rely chiefly on discounting,” said MD Mike Rodwell.
“Whilst we understand the rationale behind CCS’ approach, Fred. Olsen highly values the contribution made by our travel agent partners, and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that a mutually successful relationship remains.”
MSC Cruises said it would maintain its support for travel agents.
“We are not going to follow our competitors,” said Giulio Libutti managing director UK and Ireland.
“We are not going to take any action that will affect travel agents and we recognise and appreciate the work travel agents are doing especially our preferred partners.
“Travel agents and our preferred partners are very important to us and we want to support them, so we are not going to cut any commission.”
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Club cruises said it was “business as usual”.
Dominic Paul, VP and MD UK & Ireland for the three cruise brands, said: “We have ambitious growth plans for 2011and 2012 and we are totally focused on achieving our goals.
“Our trade partnerships are very important part of our business and we are proud of the relationships that we have with them.”
The statements came following an announcement by Complete Cruise Solution that it was cutting agents’ base commission to 5%.
Under the previous tiered system, agents could earn up to 10% commission.
Under its revised scheme, Carnival will no longer give discounts for direct bookings and will not pay volume-based override commission.
Carnival chief executive David Dingle said he expected other cruise lines to follow suit and that the scheme would become a blueprint for the industry.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive