Freedom members with Royal Caribbean, Azamara and/or Celebrity Cruises bookings are urged to get in touch with the line as soon as possible once they have re-established their businesses to reclaim their bookings following the collapse of Thomas Cook, which owned Freedom and Future Travel.
Royal says it will look after any Freedom or Future clients sailing with any of its brands before 30 November directly.
Following a meeting of key figures across the three brands on Tuesday (1 October), Royal has moved quickly to reassure partners affected by Cook’s collapse, many of whom have already made new arrangements such as joining another homeworking agency.
“Freedom and Future Travel members who have had their business partnership agreements (BPAs) with Thomas Cook cancelled can be assured that their guests’ bookings are secure and are currently being held by us directly,” said Royal in a statement.
“We want to work with members to help them reclaim these bookings as quickly as possible. In order to do this, we’re asking them to ensure they have adequate insurance, set up new BPAs directly with us, and then reach out to us no later than 30 November.
“In the interest of ensuring our guests’ holidays are not compromised, any guests sailing with us prior to this date will be looked after by us directly.
“We will continue to work closely with Freedom and Future Travel members and are grateful for all the guests that they’ve booked into our RCCL family of brands.”
Princess Cruises, meanwhile, has made a similar pledge to Freedom and Future Travel agents.
A spokesperson for the line told TTG: “Princess Cruises has been engaging with Abta to understand the most appropriate arrangements for retail bookings made by Freedom Travel Group members.
“To provide reassurance to our guests, we will be assuming responsibility for managing these future bookings.
“However, should these guests wish to transfer the booking back to their original agent, they may do so once the agent has a new Abta number under which to trade.
“This transfer will be done with consent from the guest directly to Princess Cruises, providing there is still payment owing on the booking prior to balance due date. Bookings within balance due date cannot be transferred back to the agent.”
