EasyCruise woos agents with online commission cut

EasyCruise stepped up its battle against competitors in the booming cruise market by slashing 10% off rates published on its website to all accredited travel agents.   Agents will be required to register on the website and EasyCruise has pledged to handle all administration and booking procedures once a trip is finalised.   The move…

EasyCruise stepped up its battle against competitors in the booming cruise market by slashing 10% off rates published on its website to all accredited travel agents.


 


Agents will be required to register on the website and EasyCruise has pledged to handle all administration and booking procedures once a trip is finalised.


 


The move comes as EasyCruise attempts to lure what it calls “first time cruisers” to its first vessel, EasyCruiseOne, which began services in May 2005.


 


The much-publicised service is currently in the Caribbean until the end of April, before heading to the Mediterranean for the summer season in mid-May.


 


Travellers will be encouraged to book flights and hotel accommodation within the Easy portfolio of services.


 


Easy has deliberately targeted a much younger age group for its cruises, the company said.


 


It said it had so far attracted passengers whose average age is in the 30s, around 20 years lower than those travelling on other, traditional cruise lines.


 


Founder of EasyCruisem, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, said: “EasyCruise nightly prices are now priced as low as £30 for a cabin and as high as over £250 for a suite with a balcony.


 


“So as well as earning a fee for the whole package, travel agents who sell peak times can now earn good money from EasyCruise as well,” he continued.


 


The Mediterranean tour for the summer features the ports of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez, Monaco, Genoa, Portofino and San Remo.