Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has revealed that it is to increase agents’ commission levels to 10% on its reduced ‘Anchor’ fares.
Commission on all new Anchor fares will be changed to 10% with immediate effect, while commission on existing Anchor fares will be changed to 10%, coming into effect from June 18.
Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director, said: “These changes to commission levels are aimed at making our travel trade partners more profitable through promoting and selling Fred Olsen cruises.
“The number of late bookings has more than doubled in the last year, and we are aware that this has had a significant impact on agents’ earnings, with more bookings being made at lower commission rates and with lower yields. To help to redress the balance, we will be supporting our travel trade partners by moving all our special offers to 10% commission.”
Fred Olsen also announced it will fund a 5% discount on all agent bookings for future cruises made on board (excluding selected Anchor fares), on top of paying 10% commission.
Other incentives announced by the cruise line include free cabin upgrades on suite accommodation on selected cruises and a ‘book now and decide later’ deposit scheme.