Why aren’t you booking On Board??

I never cease to be amazed by the number of clients (some being seasoned cruisers) who are unaware that you can book future cruises on board and whats more, they give you freebies for doing so!

Here’s the low down on what a few of the cruise lines offer for a little bit of loyalty commitment.

P&O Cruises – If you book a P&O Cruises Select Fare or Early Saver fare the first two passengers on each booking receive on board spending money, the amount of which depends on the length of the cruise up to £100pp. You are also entitled to a low deposit of £50pp for any cruise, excluding world cruise/sectors or cruises over 50 nights. Cunard and Princess cruises operate a very similar policy but the on board credit is in US Dollars.

Royal Caribbean International – Receive an onboard credit of up to $500 per stateroom, Low deposits from just £25 per person, Flexible and changeable booking until the final payment date.

Celebrity Cruises – Receive up to $500 on board spend instantly, to spend on your current cruise! Reduced deposit from just £29 per stateroom, your ‘Cruise Now’ booking is combinable with one other offer (dependent on promotion at the time) such as Complimentary Beverage Package or additional on board Spending money. You will also have the flexibility to change your reservation up to 57 days prior to departure with no amendment fees, saving up to 10% on shore excursions for your next cruise & much more.

Norwegian Cruise Lines – Receive on board credit for every deposit paid towards a future cruise. Put down 1 deposit and receive $100 on board credit, put down 4 deposits and receive $500.

I know many of us don’t go on holiday having already chosen the next one, so its worth mentioning that you don’t have to pick a cruise and make a booking on a particular sailing either, you can just pay a deposit which will be assigned to your loyalty membership numbers ready for when you decide on which trip to take next, you usually have between 1 and 4 years dependent on the cruise line to make your decision and put the deposit towards a booking which is plenty of time to peruse the brochures and pick out your favourite.

But what if you like your cruise consultant and don’t want to book direct and have to deal with call centres? No problem. Make your booking on board and ask for your booking to be managed by your usual agent. The cruise line will notify your agent of the booking/deposit and they can continue to look after you as though they made the booking for you. Its as simple as that.

Now who wishes they knew about this for the last cruise they went on? I think its a great way to get a better deal from the cruise lines, but what do you think? Do you already take advantage of the scheme or would you rather shop around when you get home? Id love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this one.