Thread: What do TAs think about new pricing policy from Carnival and NCL?

Recently read that Carnival and now NCL are going to RCL's way of booking a cruise. No discounting.

What do you TAs think about this?

To me, this is not much of a change. When RCI disallowed discounting, I started offering onboard credit, or prepaid gratuities, or free insurance. Basically it is the same as cash discount. Did not see any decline in sales. No reason to get upset for TA's or cruisers.

Their policy doesn't even the playing field for the small TA vs. the big online TA anyway. The big TA can give away much more than a small TA.

The new policy is just an old one for me. I like to think i do more than SELL cruises I help plan vacations and memories... i rarely if ever discount the price of a cruise
My clients understand the value of booking with me is the level of service and the attention to detail they get from me...

The selling dynamic may one day change if the cruise lines actually follow through and monitor these things and enforce their own rules. An agency I once worked for did a lot of discounting and where are they now? Out of business. Personally I have never believed in it and will not do it. Does your mechanic give you part of his wages so he can work on your car or boat? Does the grocery store manager give you part of his pay check so you will shop at is store? I seriously doubt anyone will answer yes to these questions.

I've got to agree with the last 2 posters. I NEVER discount my prices and I have a 95% retention rate with my clients. My clients stay with me for the service, not the prices. I have some high end clients, and they don't want to do anything besides call me. I'm fine with that and they appreciate the individualized service. I do usually provide some time of on board gift, value dependent on the cost of the cruise.

Carnival and NCL's new policy won't change anything for me. The big agencies will continue to offer incentives (rather than discounts) that I cannot afford, so it's still not a level playing field.

Originally Posted by cruzinlass

I do usually provide some time of on board gift, value dependent on the cost of the cruise.

always without a doubt..

Mike and Beverly, I agree with you both.