Travel agent consortium Vacation.com praised the recent announcement that Crystal Cruises voyages will be all-inclusive starting in the spring of 2012.
“Crystal’s decision to upgrade to an all-inclusive experience sends a clear and positive message to travel agents, and we applaud them for it,” said Vacation.com president Steve Tracas. “Charges that historically were outside the agent’s commission stream will soon be included. This decision increases the commissionable percentage of the overall cost of a cruise vacation as well as the guest experience when selling a luxury product like Crystal.”
Vacation.com said that it has consistently advocated that a strong and vibrant distribution system is essential for the continued growth of cruising.
“Crystal’s action to include travel agents on more of the cruise vacation experience strengthens the distribution system. I have no doubt that Vacation.com members will respond in kind with a heightened awareness and increased sales from promoting quality Crystal cruises to their clients,” added Tracas.
Effective spring 2012, vacations on the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity will include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open-bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, butler service, bar and dining staff.
“We definitely had travel agents in mind when crafting this new strategy,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Crystal Cruises. “Not only does our new ‘All Inclusive’ policy give agents a bigger claim of the total vacation experience, but it will also be much easier to communicate and sell to clients than our ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ promotion. Eliminating additional transactions for the clients will further enhance the ease of travel and luxury aboard Crystal.”
Visit www.JoinVacation.com and www.CrystalCruises.com.
