What percentage commission does a travel agent earn from the major cruise lines?

Question

I bring this up because I told one agent about a lower price and she refused to match it, saying "I work too hard and earn too little to rebate part of my commission..."

Answer 1

I don't know exactly what the commission is currently but about 10 years ago I saw a travel agent's documents on our cruise and she was earning $300. per cabin.  Then a few years after that I had to cancel a cruise and the cruise line refunded me directly most of the money but I had to go to the travel agency (AAA) to get the remainder and again it was about $300.  In this case the cruise line decided to refund me (due to a death) and the refund had to come through the same channel that the funds were paid in.

I can understand the agent not wanting to give up commission because so many people, like me, book their own cruises on line.  So they are not only competing with each other but also the internet.  And, I might add, I do feel better using the web, vs, an agent, because I can do all of my shopping for the best prices and feel better that I saw all of the options I want to consider.

It would be interesting to hear from cruisers how many feel they received a discount and how much that discount was.

Answer 2

Wifes a travel agent and she agrees with the other agent.....since the airlines stopped all commisions, travel agents rely on the other facits (car rental, hotels, etc), for the small commisions they get.....you can shop around online but, in the long run the best deals are with travel agents....they can book you vacations and trips without hidden surprises that will ruin your trip......good luck

Answer 3

If you know what you want, how hard do they work ??

If you do your homework, why do you need them ??

The best prices that I have found overall are from www.cruisequick.com.

HOWEVER they do not hold your hand. What I mean is that you need to know what cruise you want, what ship, date and category. You cannot call them, they do not answer a phone.

They are internet based only, completely legitimate, and offer a bonus or discount that most other agents don't offer.

They work on a flat fee profit and are completely automated.

They do answer emails promptly.

Their site explains how they work. I have used them for years, without any problems. They offer free price quotes via email that include all port fees, taxes etc.

NO, I do not work for them.

Happy Cruising !

Answer 4

Most major cruise lines pay around 15%.  However, that is not 15% of the total cruise price.  No commission is paid on taxes and port charges.  

However, high volume agents might make a little more.  I believe my agent gets 16% from Royal Caribbean because he is a high volume agent.