The line said it was making the move to protect agents’ commission as an “enhancement” to the Cruise with Confidence programme, which allows guests to cancel their bookings within 48 hours of departure, announced by parent firm Royal Caribbean Group last week.

Commission will be protected for bookings that are cancelled for itineraries due to depart between 9 March and 31 July.

Silversea will allow agents to retain any commission already paid as well as pay commission on bookings cancelled between 9 March and 31 July after they were paid in full – providing the cancellation is made outside of the 48-hour window.

Bookings made though the redemption of Future Cruise Credits will also be eligible for full commission based on the cruise value of the new booking.

Mark Conroy, Silversea’s managing director for the Americas, said: “The current circumstances regarding the outbreak of Covid-19 novel coronavirus, which are out of our control, inspired Silversea and the Royal Caribbean Group to introduce this programme.

“We know our loyal travel partners are undoubtedly working particularly hard during these uncertain times, and it is important to all of us at Silversea that you are receiving your well-deserved compensation. We appreciate your partnership and we could not succeed without your support.”

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has also introduced new flexible cancellation policies as the cruise industry continues to respond to the global spread of coronavirus.

The company, which owns NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is allowing guests to cancel their existing and new bookings up to 48 hours before embarkation for sailings through to 30 September 2020 across all three brands.