Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is changing the way that it
assigns value to the tour conductor (TC) credit earned by travel agents for
certain group bookings, starting in 2018.
TCs are a bonus earned when agents book a minimum number of
berths into a group, typically 16 full-fare guests in eight staterooms.
The current value of a TC is based on the value of the
predominant cabin category in the booking. For example, if there are more oceanview
staterooms than suites, the TC would be valued as an extra oceanview fare.
Under Royal Caribbean's new formula, the value will be a
blend of all of the cabin categories in the booking.
The new policy will apply to RCCL's three U.S. brands --
Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. RCCL
said it will enhance its group systems and reporting capabilities in June 2017
to support the new TC policy.
Agents have the option to use TCs as an extra berth for
themselves, as additional profit, or to apply the value to lower the overall
price to the group. The enhanced TC value would ultimately make RCCL's groups
more attractive to consumers.
In a statement, RCCL said the new policy was influenced by
feedback it received from travel partners.