Transocean shuns fluid pricing in 2009 programme

**Ally** · 05-15-2008, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Transocean Tours is to avoid fluid pricing and discounting in the second year programme of cruises using the ship Marco Polo in 2009.

Introducing the year-round series of sailings, including a return to London Tilbury for summer Nordic cruises plus Antarctice, Panama Canal, South America and the Caribbean in winter, sales and marketing director Chris Coates said: “Agents tell us they dislike fluid pricing and discounts which can lead to customer confusion and irritation.

“We pay a standard 12½% commission with added incentives for promotional minded retailers.”

Coates, of UK general sales agents Cruise & Maritime Services International, added: “The demand for Marco Polo cruises this year has by far exceeded our expectations.

“Travel agents have felt very comfortable and confident promoting Marco Polo in her first season under the Transocean brand.

“We have enjoyed the benefits of offering great value. And, by not discounting fares or applying surcharges, we have gained trust from a solid core of supporting agents.”

The company will continue to offer straight forward ‘market responsive’ pricing from day one starting at £499 per person for a six-night Norwegian fjords cruise departing April 22, 2009. All fares include gratuities.

The new programme covers 20 cruises from October 2008 until October 2009 in a brochure expanded from 24 to 68 pages.

Expedition-style fly-cruises with guides include South America and Antarctica with optional land tour extensions

Thirteen cruises are based to and from the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury.

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