Starting today, August 18, agents will notice higher NCFs (non-commissionable charges) as Disney Cruise Line plans to restructure its NCF approach on a sliding scale based on the length of the cruise. Clients will now pay $5 to $10 more per person per voyage for NCFs.
Previously, Disney charged a flat $20 per person daily as an NCF. While that will continue for voyages of 11 days or more, if clients sail for fewer days they'll pay more in the NCF -- $30 per person for voyages of seven to 10 days and $25 for voyages of six days or less.
"Too bad that Disney chooses to penalize the retail travel professionals for the dedication and expertise they bring to presenting this product to travelers," says Craig Satterfield, expert cruise counselor, SureCruise.com, Las Vegas, NV. Satterfield has 35 years of experience in selling cruises and travel.
Cruise NCFs have been a bone of contention for years with agents and "this subject comes up more and more in question and answer sessions with cruise line sales heads with no avail," he stresses, noting that the executives "generally choose to change the subject rather rapidly."
Putting it simply, according to Satterfield: "Upping NCF's basically reduces the commission on cruises with a brush of a hand."
Adventures by Disney, the line's land based touring program also is making some commission changes. While it will book air arrangements, it now won't pay commission on the air portion of packages.
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The company is strengthening its "all in the family" approach, noting that pre- and post-tour stays at non-Disney branded hotels will not be commissionable. Commissions will be paid on Disney Resorts pre- and post-stays related to the southern California, China and England and France itineraries.
UPDATE: Representatives from Disney have confirmed the new policies.
Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney commission policies can be found at www.disneytravelagents.com in the Training & Benefits section.