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Cunard review to include potential commission structure changes

Cunard could introduce its own agent commission structure next year as Carnival UK looks to differentiate the line further from sister brand P&O Cruises.

If the move goes ahead, it would be the first time Cunard has offered different remuneration rates from P&O. Both brands currently offer a base commission of 7.5%

Earlier this year, Carnival UK revealed it was to separate the brands by introducing a new boss at the helm of each line. Paul Ludlow was appointed senior vice-president of P&O, while the Cunard role has yet to be filled.

Speaking to Travel Weekly, Cunard marketing director Angus Struthers said a full review of the business, including the commission structure, was likely to be conducted under the new boss.

He said organising the brands under their own management teams would result in “more emphasis and brand direction” for Cunard.

“We are going to look at the way we interact with travel agents – how we talk to them and how we remunerate them.

“We will be reviewing our remuneration strategy. If it works for Cunard, we could do something different.

“Who knows what the outcome of the review will be but we have to recognise P&O is the market leader in the UK and Cunard has less than 10% market share, so we need to look at how we work with agents to make it right for Cunard. It’s an exciting time.”

Complete Cruise Solution’s commission structure has previously been a bone of contention after the brands cut commission to 5% in 2011.

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