Wave season is usually chock full of deals for clients, but what about travel advisor-specific benefits? These three cruise lines are highlighting incentives just for advisors — but act fast.
MSC Cruises
In conjunction with its wave season deals for customers, MSC Cruises is starting out the new year with enhancements to its True Partnerships program for advisors. For one thing, the line is protecting 2019-achieved commission levels into 2021, so those earned at the beginning of 2020 carry over into this year.
Also, the Get On Board initiative, through which agents can cruise on MSC and be reimbursed once they book 10 FIT cruises, now includes a balcony cabin, unlimited drinks and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Reimbursement is easier to achieve since all three-, four- and seven-night sailings from Miami and Port Canaveral, Fla., apply.
We know our partners have worked incredibly hard over the last year and are motivated to continue pushing forward in 2021.
“We know our partners have worked incredibly hard over the last year and are motivated to continue pushing forward in 2021,” said Michelle Lardizabal, senior vice president and commercial sales officer of MSC Cruises USA, in a press release. “We want them to know that we’re here to offer our support in every way we can. And, as we move further into this new year, we will continue to provide them new opportunities and make doing business with us as seamless as possible."
Norwegian Cruise Line
Through March 31, 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line is providing a $50 gift card bonus on the purchase of each CruiseFirst certificate. These certs give clients a $300 value for the cost of only $150 to be applied to any new reservation within three years of issue. Agents will additionally receive their full commission on the new certificate-redeemed booking.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As a greater incentive to reserve clients on Regent Seven Seas Cruises by Feb. 28, 2021, the luxury line is offering a $100 gift card for every new deposited booking. Eligible reservations must be registered at www.rssc.com/2021GiftCard by March 14, 2021, in order for gift cards to be issued within 60 days of the end of the promotion.
“We want to reward our travel advisors for their hard work in unbelievably difficult circumstances with a $100 gift card for each new deposited booking that is made,” said Randall Soy, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Regent, in a press release. “Their professionalism and determination throughout this crisis have been incredible, and we at Regent are proud to work alongside them.”
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Riviera River Cruises
Extended through Jan. 31, 2021, Riviera River Cruises is bestowing $250 gift cards on agents (per cabin booked) for cruises of eight days or more. Advisors can receive a $100 gift card, per cabin, for reservations made on solo cruises of eight days or more.
"At Riviera, we hope you’ll think of us first when booking your clients on European river cruises as we’re always supportive of the travel agency community, working exclusively with advisors,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera’s EVP sales and marketing North America, in a press release.
Windstar Cruises
Through Feb. 28, 2021, Windstar Cruises’ Pick Your Perk wave season incentive for clients extends to agents as well. For every confirmed booking, advisors can select their own benefit of either a $50 bonus commission on top of their regular one or a $50 gift card issued at final payment. Plus, the promotional value increases to $100 when reserving guests who are new to the brand.
Windstar is also extending its groups promotion so that advisors can earn a Tour Conductor credit at a reduced rate of one to seven on Star Advantage Group dates (versus the normal one to nine). What’s more, the line’s Sell Three, Sail Free promo is still active, which grants agents a complimentary cruise of eight days or less (to be taken by March 31, 2022), upon booking three qualifying sailings before Feb. 28, 2021.
“The incentives are a thank you to our valued travel advisor partners,” said Steve Simao, vice president of sales for Windstar, in a press release. “We hope to see you and your clients on our yachts soon.”
The Details
MSC Cruises
www.msccruisesusa.com
Norwegian Cruise Line
www.ncl.com
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
www.rssc.com
Riviera River Cruises
www.rivierarivercruises.com
Windstar Cruises
www.windstarcruises.com
