Celebrity Marketing

[Elaine]

I love Celebrity but a friend tells me it (Celebrity cruise line) has implemented some policy or other that means their cruises will not be available at discounted prices.

What's the scoop on this - surely this isn't right? Thanks.

[Thomas]

Not exactly sure what this is, but I assume she is talking about RCI's policy of not allowing travel agents to discount cruises to customers below RCI's prices. Since Celebrity is owned by RCI it's my guess this is the case.

So, to get around this and attract customers into their stores, travel agents are now offering other perks to entice customers. Such as, free hotel stays, discounted air fares, and such.

Regards,
Thomas

[Elaine]

Many thanks for the info.

[Kuki]

Actually RCI has taken this a step further, disallowing some of the imaginative perks travel agents were offering.

The perks available MUST now come from an approved list of RCI offered products.

Hi,

Carnival Corp ( and its '' siblings // offsprings ) is either at the same stage or
getting just about ready to implement.

Objectively, this is a good move by the industry as it levels the playing field for
everybody. In recent years, there have been some pretty weird abuses in the
retail level pricing activities , with nasty effects on the various cruise lines' ability
to monitor its load inventory accurately.

Cheers
CG

[Elaine]

Hi all: thanks for the info. but I don't understand the purpose of this practice - how can this be good for a cruise line?

Won't the TAs just avoid promoting Celebrity in favor of other cruises that they can offer at reduced rates or with other incentives like free luggage, hotel stays etc?

Also, there are lots of folk out there that like to buy cruises at last minute or at sell off prices - I would think they will likely carry that practice on so Celebrity and others would then be risking sailing itineraries with empty cabins wouldn't they?

Cheers.

[Anne Campbell]

Parent company Royal Caribbean this year started a policy of not allowing travel agents to sell RCI or Celebrity cruises at rates below what the cruise lines themselves price it at. So, in essence, you're right. I understand, however, it's steering people away from RCI and Celebrity to the other cruise lines, where they can get discounts.

Personally I think RCI will have to drop this policy if they are loosing passengers -- and money.