Distinctive Journeys — Cruise Specialist Homeworking Network 01752 354354

Homeworking travel agent commission — the honest numbers.

Most networks make you request a brochure before revealing what they actually pay. Here's our full commission structure, what membership costs, and how we compare — all on one page.

Joining Fee
£495 + VAT
One-off — same for both categories
Monthly Membership
£49 + VAT
No renewal fees. No hidden costs.

Homeworking travel agent commission comparison — Category A vs Category B

Category A Category B
Commission split 70% to you 80% to you
Who it's for Travel professionals building a cruise specialism Experienced cruise agents with an established client base
Cruise Foundation programme ✓ Included (12-month structured programme) Not required (though available)
White-label website ✓ Included ✓ Included
AI Cruise Planner ✓ Included ✓ Included
Client portal ✓ Included ✓ Included
Quote management ✓ Included ✓ Included
Travel Intelligence dossiers ✓ Included ✓ Included
Deals library access ✓ Included ✓ Included
Profit Participation Scheme ✓ Included ✓ Included
ATOL packaging capability ✓ Included ✓ Included
Joining fee £495 + VAT £495 + VAT
Monthly membership £49 + VAT £49 + VAT
Profit Participation Scheme

A share of the network's success.

The Profit Participation Scheme means that as Distinctive Journeys grows, members share in that growth. This is not a token gesture — it is a formal scheme that recognises members as contributors to the network's value, not just users of it. Full details are provided at the application stage.

ATOL Packaging

Sell more than just the cruise.

Plymouth Travel Group Ltd holds ATOL licence 12874. This means Distinctive Journeys members can legally package a cruise with flights and hotel — creating a fully protected holiday rather than just a cruise booking. Most homeworking networks cannot offer this. It opens up higher-value bookings and a more complete service for clients.

Why ATOL matters for independent cruise agents →

Commission questions answered

You earn a percentage of the total margin on each booking — the difference between what the client pays and what the cruise costs the network. At DJ, members take either 70% (Category A) or 80% (Category B) of that margin. The head office percentage covers licensing, the technology platform, and ongoing support. No per-booking fees, no deductions beyond the published split.

Many homeworking networks pay 60–75% as standard, with 80% reserved for top performers hitting volume targets. Distinctive Journeys offers up to 80% from the outset with no volume requirements. The monthly fee also covers a complete business platform — not a basic login and a support email.

Yes. Category A is not a permanent tier — it is a development pathway. Members who complete the Cruise Foundation programme and demonstrate consistent cruise sales performance can move to Category B and the 80% commission rate. The assessment is based on your actual results, not an arbitrary threshold.

No. The £495 + VAT joining fee and £49 + VAT monthly fee are the only costs. There are no website setup fees, no booking system charges, no annual renewal fees, and no minimum booking volumes required to stay on your chosen category.

The Profit Participation Scheme distributes a share of Distinctive Journeys' overall network profitability to members. It is in addition to your per-booking commission split — not a replacement for part of it. Full details are provided at the application stage.
Category A

Cruise Foundation Programme

12 months · Structured

Category A membership includes a 12-month Cruise Foundation programme — a structured development pathway designed specifically for experienced travel professionals moving into cruise.

It covers product knowledge across the key cruise lines, selling techniques specific to cruise, itinerary planning, and how to position cruise to clients.

This is not a generic training course. It is built on 20 years of cruise sales experience and delivered by people who have sailed 60+ cruises between them.

Which category is right for you?

If you're not sure, tell us about your background in the application form and we'll advise. Both categories have identical tools and the same joining fee — the difference is the commission split and the development pathway.

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