A number of cruise lines are offering agents incentives for 2014 cruises—from booking bonuses to extra commission and the chance to win a new Mercedes. Here’s how agents can rack up the rewards.
Both agents and their clients can win with Silversea Cruises’ new Partner for Success campaign and sweepstakes. Every deposited booking that North American travel agents make (excluding Quebec) from now through Dec. 31 will give them an entry into a drawing to win a new 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250W sedan, as well as enter their clients (booked with a deposit on a 2013 cruise) in a drawing to win a 7-day cruise in 2014. Even better, when agents sell a Silver Suite category or higher, they are entered into the drawing twice.
“In an effort to renew our commitment to the travel agent community, we’ve implemented several key initiatives designed to help agents reap the benefits of selling luxury cruises,” says Ellen Bettridge, Silversea’s president of the Americas. “As a former travel advisor, I know it’s a challenge to keep up with all the information that’s out there. To make it easier for agents to remember and understand each of these programs, we’ve tied all the programs together under the Partner for Success banner, and added a fun incentive with the sweepstakes.”
The campaign aims to assist agents with information about the types of programs that can help them drive business, such as the Silver Privilege fares and Fare Guarantee Program. For more information, visit silversea.com or silversea.com/partnerforsuccess.
Meanwhile, Victoria Cruises and Orient Flexi-Pax Tours have joined together to offer travelers the 16-night Yangtze River Splendors tour, giving agents the opportunity to earn up to 17 percent commission.
When agents book this tour or any China Cruise-Tours offered by Orient Flexi-Pax Tours by June 30, they are eligible. The Yangtze River Splendors tour features a 3-night Yangtze River sailing with Victoria Cruises; 13 nights in deluxe hotels; 36 meals; sightseeing with an English-speaking guide; and airport transfers. Highlights include guided tours of Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong.
Rates start at $4,825 pp dbl. For more information, call (800) 545-5540 or visit orientflexipax.com with promo code VIC2PROMO.
Swan Hellenic is also offering a bonus commission, as well as early booking offers for its 2014 cruises.
When agents book their clients on select cruises by June 30, including A Scandinavian Spring, An Icelandic Summer, and To Mediterranean Waters, they can earn a $100 bonus commission and travelers can save up to 10 percent off early booking fares, as well as an additional 5 percent off early booking fares for Minerva cruises departing April 28-Dec. 17, 2014.
In addition, travelers who book an oceanview stateroom will receive a $150 onboard bar credit per room, and those who book a balcony suite will receive a $300 bar credit per room.
Rates for the 12-day A Scandinavian Spring cruise start at $2,609 pp and feature stops in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. For more information, visit swanhellenic.us.
