Agents benefit from repeat cruise bookings

IN AN age when airlines, hotels and other industry suppliers are strategising for ways to grow direct sales, the cruise industry is instead implementing pro-agent strategies and pricing initiatives that lock agents into their distribution channels. George Argyropoulos, ceo of Cruises International, told TNW that every cruise brand Cruises International represents employs a future cruising consultant on board the ship. Clients are offered discounts and other value-adds, should

they secure their next cruise bookings while on board. George explains that once the booking is made, the cruise lines automatically channel it back to the agent who made the original booking, then secure a new booking for the agent, which is fully commissionable to them. Jane Davidson, director of Development Promotions, says most cruise lines pass repeat bookings and commission on to the agent who booked the initial cruise. Janine Pretorius, owner of Encore Cruises, says in addition to referring

on-board bookings back to agents, Regent has introduced a Pre-Cruise Privilege Programme. This enables agents to extend the Onboard Savings Programme to clients as early as 30 days before they embark on their cruise. “Clients can now book their future cruise through a travel agent before leaving home. The programme enables them to take advantage of extraordinary benefits including their best price guarantee, exclusive savings per suite and a bonus shipboard credit to enhance their upcoming voyage,” says Janine.