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.
