Celebrity and Crystal stick it to Travelocity

Poor Travelocity. In an attempt to take customer service to new heights, the company developed [% 317529 | | Travelocity Onboard %], wherein a Travelocity representative would staff a hospitality desk on select Celebrity, Crystal, and Holland America sailings to help guests get the most out of their cruise experience. But shortly after this announcement, Holland America rejected this offer, and a day later, Crystal and Celebrity have followed suit.

According to Travel Weekly (registration required), Celebrity, Crystal, and Holland America would require Travelocity to sign a contract saying it would not solicit sales from other passengers. Celebrity will allow a Travelocity desk if the company has booked at least 75 guests on that sailing, but Crystal has out and out refused to set up a desk for a Travelocity representative.

What’s a major online agency to do? Apparently Travelocity is in talks with the three lines to address their concerns and come to a solution. And someone is probably kicking himself for not asking permission before issuing a press release.