celebrity no more discounts?

[californiacruiser]

I have tried to book with Costco and another agent and they say that celebrity and RCC are not allowing discounting any longer. Anyone know why?

[ccletzgo]

Agents are not supposed to offer prices any differant from what Royal and Celebrity have posted.

Yep, new dumb rule.:mad:

Some agency's have found a few ways around this though. (if you can get excited about a new plasma t.v.:rolleyes: ).............

 

It will be interesting to see what happens with this situation. :confused: I am shopping for a royal or celebrity cruise now. Makes the shopping NO FUN!

[bwolfe8140]

August 6, 2004 - Royal Caribbean International® and Celebrity Cruises® Announce Policy Change

 

"Royal Caribbean has always believed that our agency partners work hard for their commissions and should keep them", said Jack Williams, President and COO of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. As part of our 2005 planning process, we are reviewing everything from compensation to group policies to our new dedicated sales coverage. Rebating is damaging to our distribution system and by taking these policy actions, we believe significant improvements for our travel agency partners and our guests will be achieved".

 

Effective August 16th, 2004, any agency that advertises either Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruises or cruisetours at any price point other than a published pricing program or contracted promotional fare will be subject to a reduction in the co-op support provided by the cruise lines and other effects such as a reduction in the base commission paid on all future cruises booked by that agency. Advertisements shall include, but not be limited to, TV, radio, newspaper, catalogs, direct mail, and all on-line vehicles such as search engines, websites, e-mail, pop ups, and banners. Our existing marketing policies with respect to group bookings will remain, for the time being, unchanged."

[Char]

August 6, 2004 - Royal Caribbean International® and Celebrity Cruises® Announce Policy Change

 

"Royal Caribbean has always believed that our agency partners work hard for their commissions and should keep them", said Jack Williams, President and COO of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. As part of our 2005 planning process, we are reviewing everything from compensation to group policies to our new dedicated sales coverage. Rebating is damaging to our distribution system and by taking these policy actions, we believe significant improvements for our travel agency partners and our guests will be achieved".

 

Effective August 16th, 2004, any agency that advertises either Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruises or cruisetours at any price point other than a published pricing program or contracted promotional fare will be subject to a reduction in the co-op support provided by the cruise lines and other effects such as a reduction in the base commission paid on all future cruises booked by that agency. Advertisements shall include, but not be limited to, TV, radio, newspaper, catalogs, direct mail, and all on-line vehicles such as search engines, websites, e-mail, pop ups, and banners. Our existing marketing policies with respect to group bookings will remain, for the time being, unchanged."

I think the red high lighted portion above explains why some agencies can have lower prices. Note the "contracted promotional fare" part.

[sueclark]

Celebrity and RCCL's Key accounts can offer slightly lower prices due to their volume. Some TA's are offering "value added" things like paying for your hotel the night prior to sailing. It will pay to shop around a bit and compare offers.

 

If you are looking at a sailing/cabin that is selling out, you can always book directly with Celebrity and then transfer it to a TA to receive their price or other special offer.

[californiacruiser]

HMM! Interesting. You wonder then as to why book with an agent. Maybe they are trying to hold onto commissions. I realize about agents are able to offer advice and service, however sometimes you don't always need it. It also seems that when you contact Celebrity, they are pushy as to get you to book with them. Just some thoughts.

[canderson]

I wonder if the FTC is aware of this rule? That kind of price fixing at retail will generally get you into hot water. The Japanese manufacturers used to say that variation in price between retail outlets caused "market confusion". What it really did was cause real competition -- something they haven't been fond of there.

[hajekfam]

bwolfe8140-

Your info was updated in a later announcement dated 8/13 to include the word sell and exclude cash rebates by agencies.

 

"August 13, 2004 - Royal Caribbean International® and Celebrity Cruises® Announce Policy Change

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises appreciates the praise and support from our travel agent partners on the recently announced new Rebate Policy. To ensure a full understanding and compliance with the new policy, the following procedures are to be adhered to when marketing, advertising and selling Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruises or cruisetours.

 

No agencies can advertise, market or sell below our published or contracted pricing programs. Any rebating or incentive programs that can be converted to cash or currency are not allowed. Agencies in violation of these policies will be subject to a reduction in the co-op support provided by the cruise lines and other effects such as a reduction in the base commission paid on all future cruises booked by that agency. The marketing, advertising and selling mediums shall include, but not be limited to, TV, radio, phone, newspaper, catalogs, direct mail, call centers, and all on-line vehicles such as search engines, websites, e-mail, pop-ups, and banners. Our existing marketing policies with respect to group bookings will remain, for the time being, unchanged."

 

Some agencies do group bookings - in other words, they book a large number of cabins and pass some of the savings (1 berth free for each 8 cabins) on to their passengers (divide those free fares between all passengers).

[tbelian]

With apologies in advance to the original poster. This was discussed AT LENGTH over 2 months ago.

[Giorgi-one]

With apologies in advance to the original poster. This was discussed AT LENGTH over 2 months ago.

 

 

 

New people are becoming interested in cruising and joining these boards every day. Much of what was discussed two months ago may no longer be valid. I would say that many threads on these boards repeat every two or three months.

 

Not a criticism but just an observation.