Leading Cruise Agents membership doubles

Leading Cruise Agents of the UK (LCA) has reported a doubling of its membership to now include nearly 100 independent travel retailers.

The newest members giving a major boost to the membership roster include the 45 agencies of Worldchoice Cruise Club – as well as a number of other independent agents, such as Global Cruising, Global Professionals, White Star Cruises, and five of GoCruise’s franchisees.

New cruise lines have also opted for membership in the association: these include Amadeus Waterways, Azamara Cruises, Orion Expedition Cruises and Star Clippers.

Worldchoice members have made a commitment for two years, and constitute 7% of the bookings. Members are offered exclusive deals by the association offers.

Clare Dudley, a spokesperson for LCA, said: “Our increasing membership and associate membership offers greater opportunities for cruise lines to work more closely with specialist independent agents.”

The surge in memberships follows on the simplification by LCA of the subscription process, opening it up to a greater number of cruise specialists. Beginning this month, theirs is a set membership fee of £250, regardless of the member company’s turnover. Previously, a two-tiered scheme was in place, with different guidelines for small and large agencies.

LCA has also introduced a new membership fee structure for agencies have more than one location. After the initial payment of the £250 membership fee, each additional location is charged at £45.

www.thelca.com