Royal Caribbean has confirmed that ex-Freedom Travel Group members and former homeworkers under its Personal Travel Advisors brand will receive commission on most future bookings.
The cruise line said it would allow agents – who were left without a consortium when Freedom’s parent company Thomas Cook went out of business – could “reclaim these bookings” as long as new business partnership agreements are in place.
About 80% of Freedom members have found new homes since the collapse of Cook on September 23.
Royal’s offer relates to bookings for sailings taking place after November 30 – and it will be looking after customers booked to travel before then directly.
In a statement, Royal said: “Freedom and Future Travel members who have had their business partnership agreements (BPAs) with Thomas Cook cancelled can be assured that their guests’ bookings are secure and are currently being held by us directly.
“We want to work with members to help them reclaim these bookings as quickly as possible. In order to do this, we’re asking them to ensure they have adequate insurance, set up new BPAs directly with us and then reach out to us no later than November 30, 2019.
“In the interest of ensuring our guests’ holidays are not compromised, any guests sailing with us prior to this date will be looked after by us directly.
“We will continue to work closely with Freedom and Future Travel members and are grateful for all the guests that they’ve booked into our RCCL family of brands.”
Royal confirmed to Travel Weekly that commission will be paid on the bookings former Freedom agents and homeworkers reclaim and applies to bookings with Royal Caribbean brands Azamara and Celebrity Cruises.