Virgin Voyages is increasing its commission rate to 22% until February 16 to help agents “bank some serious cash” during its biggest-ever Wave campaign.
The line said the temporary commission rate, up from the usual 16%, would be in place during the cruise sector’s peak selling period.
In addition, passengers will receive a 20% discount on every voyage up to October 2023 booked during this year’s Wave season.
If passengers pay the full balance 180 days prior to departure, they will receive a 10% ‘pay in full’ discount.
And an extra $100 will be added to passengers’ accounts when they spend $300 or more on their ‘Bar Tab’ drinks package.
Shane Lewis-Riley, the line’s associate vice president for the UK and Australia called Wave the “most important time of the year” for the cruise sector.
“We’re all hoping for a really big Wave regardless of any special additional [Covid] variants that we come across along the way,” he said.
“This is the best opportunity our partners have had of getting some money lined up and banking some serious cash.”
The line will operate Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady from August 2022.
Resilient Lady, the line’s third vessel, will offer Greek island sailings from August to October. Prices for the seven-night Greek Island Glow sailing, departing on August 14, 2022, lead in from £2,641. Ports of call include Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, all Greece.
A three-night round-trip Long Weekender in Zeebrugge sailing on Valiant Lady, departing from Portsmouth on March 18, 2022, starts from £998.
Lewis-Riley added: “Not only are there three ships but there are also nearly two years for First Mates [agents] to sell to our customers and promote these voyages [until October 2023].”