MSC Cruises has launched a new ‘Open Booking’ program, which will allow guests on board its fleet of ships to make a future reservation without the need to commit to a particular vessel, itinerary, or sailing date.
Open Booking allows guests to pay a reduced deposit of US$100/100/100pp on board their cruise, following which they are given a certificate that allows them up to 12 months to choose their next sailing.
Guests receive up to US$200/200/200 of onboard credit per cabin if they select their ship and departure date within 60 days of making their Open Booking.
They can also book within one year and still enjoy up to US$100 in onboard credit.
The Open Booking can also be used as a gift for family members or friends before the ship and sail date is chosen.
Travel advisors who made the original cruise reservation will also benefit from the Open Booking program, and receive full commission once the ship and sail date is selected.
The new scheme, which is set to launch in Australia, will complement MSC’s ‘Future Cruise’ program (CW 26 Jul 2023), which was introduced last year, and offers travel advisors full commission when their guest books their next sailing while on board a ship.
“We want to offer our guests more flexibility in choosing their next ship and sailing date and the Open Booking program gives guests on board up to a year to make that decision while earning future credit for their next holiday at sea,” MSC said. MS