Branding search keywords good, restricting rich media contect bad

UPDATE: CCL still not final social media policy

Carnival Cruise Lines, as an industry leader is making some interesting moves for 2010:

• Carnival’s Policy Prohibits Travel Agents From Using Its Trademark on Any Social Networking Website or Blog.
• Travel Agents May Share Publicly Available Carnival Specials, But Should Seek Written Permission to Share Carnival Videos & Photos
• Carnival Cruise lines to restrict third-party bidding on search terms, which includes travel agents from bidding on paid search terms like Google Ad Words.

It makes sense that Carnvial Cruises prohibits the bidding of certain branded keywords by third parties, but limiting the use of branded video and related content from being embedded on third parties, why?

Working with cruise management, the key business topic is how to maximize bookings online. Travel agents continue to own a large footprint of booking sales with their clients, why limit their ability to sell online?

Rich media content is a proven vehicle to feature the cruise experience. After Celebrity Cruises launched a branded content campaign in Fall ‘08 with video on the home page more premium and luxury cruise lines followed suit such as Holland America and Princess Cruise lines (which are Carnival owned). It makes sense to empower your travel agents and travel geeks to embed this content on their pages to maintain consistent branded look and feel when selling the cruise experience.

More info:
Hubspot: http://bit.ly/5E3ls3
Travel Weekly: http://bit.ly/8Hick5