P&O Cruises campaign to benefit from commission cuts
P&O Cruises has launched early booking deals for its 2012 and 2012 programmes, claiming they will be more successful under its new commission payment scheme.
Free return travel from home to ship, in the form of domestic air travel, coach travel or valet parking, and discounts of up to 20% are offered between September 1 and November 30 in the 'Early Booking Spectacular' campaign.
Earlier in the year, P&O parent Carnival announced it was cutting commission to 5% and P&O managing director Carol Marlow said the move ensured the campaign would bring in more bookings.
"These deals will be more effective now because passengers can see exactly what they are getting and it is very transparant," she said. "Previously agents may have been able to give away some of their commission and offer different levels of discount.
"The passengers we've spoken to are very happy with the changes because they don't have to spend a long time hunting around for the best deals and our agent bookings have remained pretty stable. They are always going to be a very important channel for us."
Marlow said it was important to stimulate the market with promotions, although she said she was comfortable with their level of bookings.
"We've listened to our passengers and they want us to make life as easy and hassle-free as possible for them and that's why we're offering the free return travel. It just makes the whole cruise experience more relaxing and great value," she said.
Among the deals on offer, a 14-night cruise on Azura, departing on April 15 2012, from Southampton to the Mediterranean, costs from £1,099, which includes a £425 reduction for the early booking discount and free flights from Glasgow.
Jeremy Skidmore
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