American Cruise Lines makes fees and charges commissionable
US domestic company makes ‘strong commitment’ trade
JimMin
US domestic operator American Cruise Linesis to make port charges and fees commissionable to travel agents.
The change bringing the fees into cruise pricing applies to new bookings made from November 1.
The company said: “The change is the first in the domestic cruise market and is the latest example of American leading the river and small ship cruise industry.
“American has a strong commitment to their partners in the travel agency and advisor communities.”
Trade relations vice president Susan Shultz-Gelino added: “We aim to do everything possible to support the businesses of all our travel advisors.
“They are valued partners and work extremely hard on behalf of their clients.
“We intend to implement structures on our end that will increase advisor sales, increase commissions, and improve the overall booking experience with American Cruise Lines.”
The company has more than doubled its fleet in the past five years and plans to deploy 17 small ships and riverboats on more than 50 itineraries in 35 US states in 2023.
