MIAMI -- Amadeus launched Amadeus Cruise Standalone, a Web-based
cruise-booking tool for non-Amadeus agencies geared toward
cruise-only or cruise-focused agencies as well as agencies that do
not use a CRS.
The new product is the second recent Amadeus product to be
marketed to agencies that do not use Amadeus for CRS services. In
September, Amadeus introduced Consolidator Shopper, an Internet
product for users of Amadeus and other CRSs. The product
facilitates the online booking of multiple consolidators from one
application. Some 40% of Consolidator Shopper users, according to
Amadeus, are subscribers of other CRS companies or agencies that
have no CRS affiliation.
Amadeus Cruise Standalone, accessible over the Web via an
agency-installed CD-ROM, is available through a monthly
subscription.
Other CRS companies offer subscribers Web-based booking tools.
Amadeus hopes some of those agencies, however, will opt for Amadeus
Cruise Standalone because of factors like response time and ease of
use.
The standalone cruise tool is the latest version of Amadeus
Cruise, which was launched for Amadeus agencies in 2000. The firm
said Amadeus Cruise is used in 5,600 agency locations.
Like Amadeus Cruise, the standalone offering for non-Amadeus
agents enables them to view multicruise line sailing availabilities
and schedules, access to deck plans and cabin photos, commission
information and fare comparisons.