The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) says its member agents are gradually moving away from mainstream cruises to more lucrative vacations including luxury small ships, river cruises, all-inclusive trips, and FIT packages.
NACTA said discounted prices in mid-market cruises and non-commissionable fees have impacted agents’ bottom line and are opting for higher yielding bookings.
A 2013 survey of NACTA members showed that just 49% of agents were booking cruises, down from 60% in 2010.
NACTA president Ann van Leeuwen said the organization is developing more partnerships with luxury cruise operators and all-inclusive resorts such as AMAWaterways, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Scenic Tours and CroisiEurope.
"We are continuing to look for new partnerships that will increase client satisfaction, travel consultant productivity, sales and commissions," van Leeuwen said.
"NACTA itself is broadening our product portfolio beyond the contemporary cruise lines whose pricing practices return lower profits for our members."
