The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has filed a lawsuit against the bankruptcy estate of Renaissance Cruises.
ASTA has filed the suit on behalf of seven of its agent members challenging the trustee’s move to recall agency commissions on cruises that did not sail after Renaissance ceased operations in September 2001.
ASTA President and chief executive, Richard Copland said: “ASTA is doing the right thing for travel agents by supporting this lawsuit.
“We think the court will agree with our claim that travel agents earn commissions when they deliver to a cruise line a client who is ready, willing and able to sail. The subsequent failure of a cruise line to deliver the goods doesn’t change the fact that the travel agent has performed her job and it should not affect whether she receives payment.”
Officials acting for Renaissance Cruises are seeking up to $10 million from US agents to pay off creditors. ASTA is seeking an emergency hearing in the bankruptcy court to try to halt efforts by the Renaissance trustee to recall the commissions.
Read our previous stories:
06-Aug-2001 Bankrupt Renaissance seeking $10m from agents
