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MSC first cruise line to give agents deposit-free reservations
MSC Cruises to allow travel agents to secure cabins and flights for customers without deposits and without commitment for up to three days.
Depending on availability and departure dates, agents will be able to place the holidays on hold for up to 72 hours from May 18.
Executive director UK and Ireland Giles Hawke said: "Opening up options is a new way of selling for us in the UK and Ireland – and one we believe will prove a real benefit for agents and their customers.
"By offering this facility, agents can strengthen their role as a trusted advisor and underline the value they bring to the sales process. Clients can secure the ship and cabin they want at a guaranteed price then go away to discuss it with family before making their final commitment."
He said the move should also cut down on cancellations.
MSC said it is the only mainstream cruise line offering this service to agents in the UK. It already offers this in a number of overseas markets.
Agents will be able to create options via MSC Cruises’ trade booking portals – MSCBook in the UK and MSC Online in Ireland – or via the contact centre. Customers will receive an email explaining how long the quote is valid for.
On sailings up to 30 days from departure the option is valid until the end of the day it is taken; for sailings up to 60 days out the option is valid for one additional day; for sailings more than 60 days out it is valid for two additional days. After this time the option will automatically expire and be deleted from the booking system.
In recent months MSC Cruises has rolled out revamped agent training, launched the upgraded MSCBook selling portal in the UK, and rolled out a new call centre telephone system to reduce waiting times.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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