During a webinar held today for travel agents MSC Cruises announced the launch of a number of new travel agent-friendly initiatives under the MSC True Partnerships Serving You program.
“Travel agents are the lifeline between MSC Cruises and the consumer,” said Richard E. Sasso, president, MSC Cruises USA. “Given our expansive growth over the past ten years and the fact that we will be doubling the capacity of our fleet by 2022, it is imperative that the trade community remain healthy and vibrant and that MSC do its part to contribute to their success,” he continued.
Effective June 2, 2014, MSC Cruises will pay 5% commission on ALL pre-paid special services pre-booked by travel agents on behalf of their clients.
In addition to the current commissionable shore excursions, hotel packages, transfers, and airfare, it now includes spa treatments, specialty restaurants, beverage packages and stateroom celebration packages, among others.
The brand will continue to pay 10% commission on pre-paid cruise insurance coverage.
Details on the list of pre-booked items available can be found on the MSC Travel Agent website www.msccruisesagent.com.
Continuing its effort to put more money in the pockets of travel agents, MSC Cruises has also announced a 60-day Balcony Bonanza Cash-Back booking incentive for all MSC Divina Caribbean seven-night and 10-night sailings between August 2, 2014 and December 20, 2014 providing 25% commission (starting at $224 up to $434 commission for a seven-night Caribbean sailing) on all B1, B2 and B3 Balcony Category staterooms as well as $150 per stateroom shipboard credit. Available only for new individual bookings made May 27, 2014, through July 31, 2014.
To ensure the brand is focused on servicing the trade community the best way possible, beginning June 2, travel agents will now have the opportunity to earn tour conductors (TC) by booking via individual reservations at the prevailing FIT rate without the need to block group inventory. One TC will be earned for every 20 full fared guests on the same sail date for all bookings made up to 75 days prior to the departure date on all MSC Caribbean and non-Caribbean sailings. Travel agents must register their applicable bookings via the brand’s travel agent website.
“The MSC Cruises experience starts with our valued travel agent partners,” added Ken Muskat, executive vice president, Sales, PR & Guest Services. “Enhancing our incentive policies and adding more commission opportunities makes it easier than ever for agents to work with MSC Cruises.”
