MSC Cruises has raised its commission on shore excursions to a flat 15% for all agents in Ireland. Executive Director Giles Hawke said the deal would run as a six-month trial – and would become permanent if retailers showed support.

“Agents are our greatest asset and we want them to know that,” he said.“Shore excursions are very often an integral part of the whole cruise experience for customers, so it makes sense for agents to book everything at once. When agents book an MSC excursion we, and they, can be assured the trip will be of a high standard.”