MSC Cruises launched its new booking engine for travel agents today. Called MSC Book, the tool is available online now at MSCCruisesAgent.com.
"MSC Cruises has long valued its partnership with travel agents and a top priority for the company is making sure that we are constantly communicating with and addressing the needs of the trade community," said Ken Muskat, executive vice president of sales, public relations and guest services for MSC Cruises. "We're thrilled today to introduce MSC Book as it was designed based on feedback from our valued travel agents and is truly a game-changer in terms of making the booking process as quick and simple as possible."
One of the highlights of the new tool is the way it gives travel agents the ability to book a cruise quickly and efficiently.
"This is going to take booking with MSC to the next level," said Muskat. "We've been working with travel advisors to make the tool quick and easy - that was our goal. One of the things that we are most excited about is that you can create a booking in four easy steps. It's very user-friendly for agents, and it is also positioned it in a way that makes agents appear professional in front of their clients."
A few of the many things the new booking engine will allow agents to do include:
• Save client's itineraries as favorites so that they can quickly be viewed later.
• Receive a quick quote or quick option at any point during the booking process.
• Quickly find the best cruise options using search by price range, destination, departure date or embarkation port. Users can also search for client's MSC Club loyalty status by name or MSC Club number.
• Compare prices, dates, itineraries and any additional items included in the price for up to three cruises on a single page
• Select staterooms via an interactive deck plan which allows travel agents to browse by deck and position of the stateroom and quickly see stateroom availability for the category selected.
• View stateroom photos and layouts as well as detailed descriptions and videos of the 12 ships in MSC's fleet.
• Request a group directly from MSC Book and then use the booking engine to manage the group.
• Send or print customer booking confirmations and e-tickets.
• Read commission and other accounting reports on a new and improved dashboard.
Muskat also noted that other commissionable items in addition to the cruise itself are also simple to book.
"It's also easier than ever to pre-book shore excursions," said Muskat. "Add-ons are really easy to do and travel agents are paid commission on ancillary items, all of which can be booked within the tool."
So far, MSC Book has been garnering praise from agents who were involved in its development.
"Data testing and feedback from agents has been very positive and we've incorporated their comments into our tool," said Muskat.
Enhancements such as air and hotel bookings, which will make MSC Book an even more valuable tool for agents, are coming soon.
Special Launch Bonus for Travel Agents
To celebrate the launch of the new booking engine and to show its appreciation to its travel agent partners, MSC Cruises is giving a 2 percent bonus commission for all FIT bookings made on MSC Book between now and Dec. 31.
And, as an added incentive, travel agents will be entered for a chance to win a seven-night Caribbean cruise in the MSC Yacht Club on MSC Divina for each individual booking made on MSC Book through Sept. 30.
MSC Book Trainings
MSC executives and members of its sales team will be traveling to 19 cities over the summer during MSC Cruises Serving You Educational Roadshows. A main focus of the Roadshows will be hands-on interactive MSC Book trainings.
How to Register
Travel agents who are already registered with MSC's old booking engine, MSC Online, can simply use their existing credentials to start using MSC Book. All other travel agents can register for MSC Book at MSCCruisesAgent.com.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
