| RCI extends cruise credits

ROYAL Caribbean International (RCI) has extended its future cruise credits, which are now able to be used on the cruise line’s newly announced 2022/23 Australia and South Pacific season (CW 19 Mar).

This extends the sailing window to 30 Apr 2023, and an additional 61 local cruise holidays.

Future cruise credits need to be redeemed before 30 Apr 2022, and can be combined with current promotions.

Travel partner base commissions also continue to be protected as per the existing Global Suspension and Cruise with Confidence conditions.

There is a future cruise credits redemption guide and FAQs available for travel partners on Homeport – rcihomeport.com.au.

Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) has pledged its support to the Shop Local Alaska program, the first major travel supplier to do so.

Created by Alaskan firms BuyAlaska and Voyij in response to the uncertainty of cruising’s return to the state this year, Shop Local Alaska directly generates revenue for port town businesses by marketing AK’s products to those interstate.

Shop Local Alaska offers a wide variety of products, including locally-caught fish, jewellery, native art and clothing.

Any Alaskan-owned business can list their products on the Voyij marketplace, with the program to be marketed to RCI and Celebrity Cruises passengers.

“We are thrilled to support the Shop Local Alaska campaign,” said RCG Associate VP Government Relations Wendy Lindskoog.

“It is a small way for our cruise lines and guests to stay connected to Alaska”.