Agents have reacted angrily to confirmation some Voyages to Antiquity commissions have not been paid after the line was forced to cancel a number of cruises this summer.
Voyages announced on 8 May the cancellation of 10 cruises onboard Aegean Odyssey owing to the ship requiring engine repairs.
“Our primary focus has been quickly refunding passengers and we have also done our best for our travel partners, fully protecting commission on immediate cruises and partially protecting for June sailings,” the line said in a statement.
However, TTG learned last week commission on sailings departing in July and August would not be paid out to trade partners.
“We understand some partners will be unhappy, but we have done the best we can at an extremely challenging time,” the line added.
When asked why earnings on those particular itineraries would not been honoured, a spokesperson said the line would not comment further on the matter.
The director of one Advantage Travel Partnership agency, who did not wish to be named, told TTG their business had missed out on more than £1,000 in commission for its booking.
“We’ve probably put in about four or five hours’ worth of admin and time with the customer and have absolutely nothing to show for it – it’s so disappointing,” they said.
“I wouldn’t book with them again and, collectively, I think many agents have lost out on a lot of hard-earned money.”
A Travel Network Group spokesperson added “a number” of its members had been affected, and branded the line’s decision “incredibly frustrating”.
“It’s not only about lost commission but also the principle,” they said. “In the current climate, with all the challenges facing the industry which are outside the control of agents, a decision like this from an industry supplier is something we should be addressing."