NORWEGIAN Cruise Line’s elimination of non-commissionable fares has been hailed by travel advisors across the sector, who praised the brand for its support of the profession.
The change comes into effect from May, allowing advisors to earn commission on the entire cruise fare, excluding taxes.
Jean Summers, director of product & marketing for Brisbane-based travel agency Clean Cruising, told CW the move is a clear demonstration of the extent to which Norwegian values its trade partners.
“The proportion of these fees within the overall cruise fare varies significantly between cruise lines and can, in some cases, make up close to 30% of the total fare,” she explained.
“Although it’s been discussed with various cruise lines over the years, we have generally not had any success in seeing this addressed,” Summers added.
Gillian Woodley, owner of Woodley & James Travel Associates, and a member of the Travel Associates Advisory Board, said most cruise lines persist with this less transparent way of pricing simply because they can.
“There isn’t enough regulation to enforce them to pay commission on those extras…once a few cruise lines start [culling them] hopefully others will follow suit,” she said.
Viking, Explora Journeys, and Virgin are among the few other lines that have eliminated NCFs.
“I really believe advisors support cruise lines who support them,” Woodley added. MS