MSC Cruises has introduced an enhanced Future Cruise Programme, which is set to benefit both travel advisors and the line’s guests (CW breaking news yesterday). When a customer books their next sailing while on board, the original booking advisor will receive full commission, with guests able to make an “onboard-only...
MSC Cruises has introduced an enhanced Future Cruise Programme, which is set to benefit both travel advisors and the line’s guests (CW breaking news yesterday).
When a customer books their next sailing while on board, the original booking advisor will receive full commission, with guests able to make an “onboard-only deposit” starting from $100.
Greater flexibility will also allow a reservation to be changed to suit a customer’s needs prior to final payment, while MSC has also extended its “best price guarantee” time frame.
The announcement was part of a double proclamation from MSC yesterday, with Brigita Devries (pictured) also appointed Senior Sales Manager.
She will assume the newly created position, based in Sydney, from Swan Hellenic, where she was most recently the cruise line’s General Manager for Australia and New Zealand.
Senior Vice President Global Achille Staiano said MSC believes the amplified Future Cruise Programme will be a win-win for both the trade and cruisers.
“Guests of our ‘ship-within-a-ship’ premium concept MSC Yacht Club have a strong propensity to book their next cruise while on board, and benefit greatly from the Future Cruise Programme, and looking ahead I can see the scheme’s enhancements being of even wider appeal to agents and consumers alike,” he said.
Every new booking will generate an email confirmation which will send to the travel advisor to help them continue to manage the relationship with their customers when they return home.
Local MD Lisa Teiotu said MSC is very pleased to have Devries join the cruise line, bringing her wealth of knowledge from her career, which includes appointments at Genting Hong Kong and Norwegian Cruise Line.
MEANWHILE Swan Hellenic didn’t comment on Devries’ departure apart from confirming that a revised structure will be announced soon, along with a “new expansion plan”.
