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| Photo by Freeimages.com/Carlos Chavez |
Travel agents are still talking about changes put in place last year by Disney Cruise Line to commissions for cruises booked by customers while onboard Disney ships. Last November, the line cut commissions on those cruises from a cap of 16 percent depending on an agent's sales volume to 10 percent.
Last week the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) called on Disney to reconsider the changes, citing an ASTA survey which found that, more than five months after the policy has been in place, 93 percent of agents say they are "very" or "somewhat" concerned by it. 70 percent say that they are recommending or will recommend another cruise line whenever possible.
In a discussion on our Facebook page, agents were also critical of the new policy.
"They probably booked the cruise they are sailing on while making that future booking with a travel agent!" said Lisa Halvorsen Ondras. "They shouldn't cap the future cruise commissions, often times, agents work just as hard (if not harder) on those bookings since there are often changes. I'm very disappointed in Disney on this one."
Sean Byndas noted that confusion over onboard bookings can lead to clients becoming double booked. "I have had clients booked already on a future cruise and on the ship Disney rebooks them at a lower rate on the same cruise BUT not canceling their previous reservation," Byndas said. "What happens? The people now have two reservations, Disney doesn't tell the agent so your clients are double booked!…If one isn't canceled the client is on the hook for two fares and guess who Disney blames - the agent!"
Agents took the opportunity to speak out about other Disney policies as well.
"They need to reconsider their pricing for 2017 summer cruises," said Misty Griffin. "Going to be a hard sale."
Meagan Miller agrees. "I have already tried to work with a few families for 2017 and it is impossible! We normally take one every few years and next year I am sticking with Royal!"
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for further updates to this developing story.