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.
For more information, refer to www.msccruisesagent.com.