MSC Cruises has pioneered Open Booking, a programme allowing passengers to book a future cruise without choosing an itinerary, cruise or date.
The open booking ticket complements MSC Cruises’ Future Cruise programme, which gives passengers access to facilities to book cruises while onboard an MSC vessel.
The arrangement has benefits for travel agents as well. Agents who made the original cruise booking on which their passengers chose to buy an open booking ticket will receive full commission for the passenger’s next cruise once the ship and sail date have been selected.
The open booking ticket can be purchased with a deposit of US$100/€100/£100 (R1 900/R2 052/R2 396) per person and is valid for 12 months. Guests receive $200/€200/£200 (R3 800/R4 105/R4 792) in onboard credit if they select their next cruise in under 60 days. The ticket can also be used as a gift and transferred to friends or family members before the cruise is chosen.
“We want to offer our guests more flexibility in choosing their next ship and sailing date, and the Open Booking programme gives guests on board up to a year to make that decision while earning future credit for their next holiday at sea,” said the company.
