Virgin Voyages cracks down on agents’ shady sales tactics

Virgin Voyages said it plans to crack down on predatory sales tactics being used by some travel agents.
Some of its ‘First Mate’ travel agent partners are soliciting customers and offering misleading ‘discounts’ to boost their sales.
This has become an ‘important and serious’ issue, says John Diorio, VP of North American Sales.
Diorio sent a warning email to agent partners to stop these activities.
The cruise line says some agents are using a portion of their booking commission to offer a discounted cruise fare to their customers.
This is misleading as it gives the impression the agent has access to cheaper cruise fares than other agent competitors and the cruise line itself.
“We are actively monitoring these tactics and reserve the right to cancel your First Mate account and, in extreme cases, limit or cancel your ability to sail,” the email said.
“We do not think the above actions are in the spirit of a good partnership or fair to your industry colleagues.”
There has also been solicitation of cruise guests onboard ships and in cruise terminals with business cards and flyers promoting specific travel agencies.
Some agents have also solicited Virgin guests on social media to persuade them to shift their booking to them from a competitor or from the cruise line itself.
“As a reminder, when you sail with Virgin Voyages, you are agreeing to our ticket contract which covers onboard solicitation and expressly prohibits the activity in our terms and conditions,” the email added.
Related News Stories: MMGY’s Jonathan Sloan: A Tale of Triumph Amidst Adversity … Christmas all wrapped up at Poland’s dazzling markets – TravelMole Partner News – TravelMole
Related News Stories: Virgin Voyages cracks down on agents' shady sales tactics Virgin Voyages Gets Serious About Protecting Its Unique Cruising ... Virgin Voyages opens sales in more European markets Flight Directors on LinkedIn: We are happy to announce that Steven ... Virgin Voyages launches industry first annual cruise pass Very disappointed with Norwegian, and wanted to share our ... Jet2 passengers warning of Alicante Airport 'congestion' Frontier Airlines GoWild! Pass Holders My girlfriend and I spent 12 days in Morocco at 5-star hotels. The trip ... Top 5 Spring Break Destinations for April 2024 | Virgin Voyages
Learn more about : Virgin Voyages ( N. America )

TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Dozens of bodies recovered from DC river after midair collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights
Quake warning in Santorini after hundreds of tremors
Another BA emergency slide mishap
EasyJet forced into flight emergency landing after pilot collapses