In good news for travel advisors, Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it will pay travel advisor commission on non-commissionable fares (NCFs), effective January 1, 2023. That applies to reservations made outside of final payment (120 days prior to sailing) on sailings departing May 1, 2023, and forward. To qualify, advisors must submit a marketing plan by December 31, 2022. Separately, small-ship American Cruise Lines said that it will pay travel advisor commission on port charges and fees for new bookings.
On the new ship front, Celebrity Cruises' new 3,260-passenger Celebrity Beyond was christened in South Florida on Friday by Simone Biles, American gymnastic star and Olympic gold medalist.
Many travel advisors, media and travel industry leaders attended the christening and a subsequent two-night sailing from Port Everglades (Greater Fort Lauderdale), FL. Check out our first impressions of the new ship.
During a press Q&A session on the ship, Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group (which owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises), was asked about any potential for paying commission on NCFs akin to NCL's move.
Here's how Liberty answered and the points he made:
- "What I will say is that we have ... and continue to put a lot into the offering and what we pay our travel agents to do."
- "It's clearly not in our plan to do that."
- "We do believe that what we've included in the commissionable fare is actually quite fair."
- "It's an interesting move on their part. I'm sure they have their reasons."
- "I think we feel very good about what we offer and what we pay."
Celebrity also said that it already pays commission on an "All-Included" package that includes gratuities, Wi-Fi and beverages.
Another new ship, the Excel-class Carnival Celebration sailed into Southampton, U.K. over the weekend. This was Carnival Cruise Line's first time bringing a new ship to the U.K. in two decades. Now, the new ship is sailing to Miami for its christening by Godmother Cassidy Gifford, daughter of Kathie Lee Gifford, godmother of the original Celebration.
Global Cruising
The cruise industry continues to spread its reach across the globe. Azamara announced details of its 2025 World Voyage. Departing San Diego, CA on January 6, 2025, Azamara Onward will visit 37 countries before the journey ends in Southampton, U.K. The itinerary will include 15 overnights and 31 late stays in port.
In addition, Silversea Cruises confirmed its return to Asia with four ships that will operate 25 voyages. Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit and Silver Muse will sail within the region between December 2022 and May 2023. First back? The 596-guest Silver Muse will become the line’s first ship to sail in Asia since March 2020 when it departs Singapore on December 2, 2022.
Seabourn’s new, 264-passenger Seabourn Venture, the line's first expedition ship, is currently heading for Antarctica. We sailed on one segment of that ship's southward journey, and here's our detailed look at that expedition ship’s V4-category Veranda Suite.
Guests will enter the "Marvel Universe" when sailing on Disney Cruise Line's upcoming "Marvel Day at Sea" sailings. Disney Dream will operate those voyages between January and March 2023. Disney announced that cruisers can expect Marvel character meet-and-greets, stage shows, film and TV screenings, special merchandise, themed food-and-beverage offerings and activities for the entire family.
More Cruise News
SeaDream Yacht Club has installed a new inflatable slide aboard SeaDream II, and guests are now using that in the Mediterranean. SeaDream I will receive the same Sea-Dream branded slide in the next few weeks prior to its Caribbean season.
Variety Cruises, which operates in Greece, the Seychelles, Tahiti and beyond, introduced a new brand identity, while AmaWaterways has announced that all 2024 river itineraries have opened for sale. For groups, AmaWaterways has extended its pre- or post-cruise “Complimentary Land Package” for select 2024 departures with a group contract and goodwill deposit submitted by December 31, 2022.
Also on the land side, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will provide a free pre- or post-cruise land tour on 57 select European sailings in 2023, as reported in sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor; the promotion applies to new European bookings made by January 6, 2023.
In a November 2022 “Partner Appreciation Month," sister brands Ponant and Paul Gauguin Cruises are providing gift cards to honor travel advisors.
And finally, the cruise industry's financial performance is improving. Royal Caribbean Group posted third quarter 2022 earnings per share of $0.13 and adjusted earnings per share of $0.26. Quarterly load factors were 96 percent and nearly 105 percent in the Caribbean. Third quarter revenue was $3 billion and net income $30 million. The company cited strong close-in demand, onboard revenue improvement and better cost performance.
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