Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is set to abolish the five percent discount for guests who book cruises direct via the company’s website at www.fredolsencruises.com.
The end of the discount will be effective with the publication of the Fred. Olsen Cruises Worldwide 2013 Preview Brochure, which is due out at the end of February 2012. The discount will be removed on all cruises within this brochure and in all future brochures.
Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said, "In line with our proposal to end retail discounting and increase profits for agents, we will be removing the five percent online booking discount from our website with the publication of our next brochure. We would like to be in a position where the price you see is the price you get, and is the same wherever you see it, and this will help to ensure a level playing field for all our travel trade partners.
"This decision demonstrates our on-going commitment to the trade, whilst continuing to give our customers the widest possible range of options for booking their cruise holidays with Fred. Olsen."
U.S.-based travel agents can book their U.S. clients through Borton Overseas, Fed. Olsen’s official U.S. Reseller. Jen Schak, marketing and communications specialist for Borton, said, "We offer a wide range of benefits for travel agents as-well as tools to help assist in selling a Fred. Olsen cruise. Commission starts at 10%; we offer agent rates to experience the product first-hand, brochures with USD pricing and free online training."
Agents can contact Borton Overseas from 9-5:30 PM CST at 612-822-4640 for cruise availability, pricing, and further assistance with hotels transfers and flights.
Visit www.bortonoverseas.com/cruises and www.fredolsencruises.com
