MSC Cruises’ new “Open Booking” program allows guests to make a future holiday at-sea reservation without the need to commit to a particular vessel, itinerary or sailing date. The initiative complements MSC’s ‘Future Cruise’ program. Notably, travel advisors who made the original cruise reservation will also receive full commission on the new cruise once the ship and sail date is selected.

The open booking means that guests simply pay a reduced deposit of CDN$100 p.p. on board their cruise and are given a certificate that allows them up to 12 months to choose their next sailing holiday.

Guests receive up to $200 of onboard credit per cabin if they select their ship and departure date within 60 days of making the onboard open booking. Alternatively, they can book within one year and still enjoy up to $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.

“We want to offer our guests more flexibility in choosing their next ship and sailing date and the Open Booking program gives guests onboard up to a year to make that decision while earning future credit for their next holiday at sea,” says MSC Cruises Canada country manager Ian Patterson.

Future Cruise program

MSC Cruises’ improved ‘Future Cruise’ program, launched six months ago, benefits travel agents and the line’s guests when a customer who had used an agency for their holiday at sea books their next sailing while onboard.

The original agents receive full commission for any new booking made on board with new aspects of the program including a reduced ‘onboard-only deposit’ per person for their next cruise, greater flexibility so a reservation can be changed to suit the customer’s needs prior to final payment and an extended ‘best price guarantee’ timeframe.

Other benefits include shipboard credit for a customer’s next cruise, double points for the line’s loyalty program MSC Voyagers Club, the ability to combine market offers with the rewards scheme and guests can also choose from the best selection of cabins and suites.

Guests onboard MSC Cruises’ ships have access to itinerary information and best offers through its dedicated onboard Future Cruise teams and every new open and future cruise booking will generate an email confirmation to their travel agent.

Full details of both the ‘Open Booking’ and ‘Future Cruise’ programs are available at MSC Cruises’ website and through MSC Book for travel agents.