Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is changing the way that it assigns value to the tour conductor (TC) credit earned by travel agents for certain group bookings, starting in 2018.

TCs are a bonus earned when agents book a minimum number of berths into a group, typically 16 full-fare guests in eight staterooms.

The current value of a TC is based on the value of the predominant cabin category in the booking. For example, if there are more oceanview staterooms than suites, the TC would be valued as an extra oceanview fare.

Under Royal Caribbean's new formula, the value will be a blend of all of the cabin categories in the booking.

The new policy will apply to RCCL's three U.S. brands -- Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. RCCL said it will enhance its group systems and reporting capabilities in June 2017 to support the new TC policy.

Agents have the option to use TCs as an extra berth for themselves, as additional profit, or to apply the value to lower the overall price to the group. The enhanced TC value would ultimately make RCCL's groups more attractive to consumers.

In a statement, RCCL said the new policy was influenced by feedback it received from travel partners.

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Royal Caribbean gives agents more ways to use TC credits - Travel Weekly