MSC Changes Rebate And Cancellation Policies

[Mikesa1721]

MSC Cruises has instituted new rebating and cancellation policies that take effect May 1.

No travel agencies can advertise, market or sell a cruise or cruise package at a price below MSC's published or contracted pricing.

Agencies may continue to offer value-adds such as onboard spending credits and prepaid gratuities. The value-add cannot be cash, a gift card or other items that reduce the base price of a cruise.

Agencies that violate MSC's rebating policies will be "subject to written warning, a reduction in the co-op support provided by MSC Cruises and other actions such as, but not limited to, a reduction in the base commission paid on all future cruises booked by that agency," MSC said.

For all new bookings made beginning May 1 for all sailings departing in April 2017 and forward, MSC has adjusted its cancellation policy.

For cruises less than 15 nights, guests lose their nonrefundable deposit if they cancel between 89 and 61 days before departure; lose half the fare if they cancel 60 to 46 days out; lose 75% of the fare if they cancel 45 to 16 days out; and lose 100% of the fare if they cancel with 15 days or fewer before departure.

For cruises more than 15 nights, they lose their nonrefundable deposit if they cancel between 109 and 61 days before departure, half the fare for 60 to 46 days, 75% of the fare from 45 to 31 days, and 100% if they cancel 30 days out or fewer.

Also, MSC Cruises said it will continue transfer a direct booking to a travel agent upon request of the customer when the appropriate forms are submitted by the customer to MSC Cruises. Bookings may only be transferred to an agent up until 60 days from creation if the request is made outside of final payment period and the booking is not paid in full.

http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-adopts-new-rebating-and-cancellation-policies#.VwEPoo8Xhbc.twitter

[TomAceEsq]

All pretty reasonable. No complaints here.

[deliver42]

They're pretty much in line with the other cruise companies.

[Crzyfrk62]

All pretty reasonable. No complaints here.

 

I'd have to agree... doesn't this work better for the non-US market? I always see people asking about refundable deposits and in the US we could get ours back 90 days prior. So this actually benefits the European market.

[sidari]

How exactly does this benefit the European .market? For five years now we have had to pay the same rates regardless of who we book with, if we cancel we lose our deposit and always have done , price drops after booking do not exist with MSC, it looks like they have brought the US market in line with us.

[Crzyfrk62]

How exactly does this benefit the European .market? For five years now we have had to pay the same rates regardless of who we book with, if we cancel we lose our deposit and always have done , price drops after booking do not exist with MSC, it looks like they have brought the US market in line with us.

 

How does it not benefit the European market??

[sidari]

Explain how it does! after all you are the ones who have been able to block cabins for lord knows how long in advance of a cruise and cancel at the last minute and get the deposit back! we in Europe have never had that luxury.

 

So go on explain how it benefits Europe.

[Clarea]

Thanks for sharing the new policies.

[Crzyfrk62]

Explain how it does! after all you are the ones who have been able to block cabins for lord knows how long in advance of a cruise and cancel at the last minute and get the deposit back! we in Europe have never had that luxury.

 

So go on explain how it benefits Europe.

 

Now you have that luxury also, you just answered your own question.... sorry you seem a little butt hurt by it. Have a wonderful day.

[1fifthavenue]

There's no change to the UK Ts and Cs from what is currently on the UK website

[sidari]

So no benefit as previously claimed!