'We aim to do everything possible to support the businesses of all our travel advisors. They are valued partners and work extremely hard on behalf of their clients. We intend to implement structures on our end that will increase advisor sales, increase commissions, and improve the overall booking experience with American Cruise Lines,' said Susan Shultz-Gelino, VP trade relations, American Cruise Lines.
Closely follows NCL
The move closely follows Norwegian Cruise Line's decision to pay commission on non-commissionable fares, which has been hailed by the trade.
Growth streak
American Cruise Lines continues on a growth streak. In the past five years, the company has more than doubled its fleet and changed US river cruising by introducing modern-style boats.
American Symphony was christened in August and began cruising the Mississippi River. Next year, American’s sixth modern riverboat, American Serenade, is scheduled to debut in April.
The line will also introduce two small Coastal Cats in 2023, part of its 12-ship Project Blue series of 109-passenger, go-anywhere, catamaran-style ships.
17th vessels in 2023
This will bring the American fleet to 17 small vessels operating more than 50 domestic itineraries in 35 states.
