Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is kicking off the New Year with the launch of enhanced “Early Booking Incentive” and “Advance Payment Bonus” programs for voyages in 2010. The new savings options are designed to generously reward those travelers who plan, book and pay for their vacations a year early.
The company’s current Early Booking Incentive (EBI) discount ranges from 10% to 30% off the published cruise fare, while the Advance Payment Bonus (APB) option provides an additional 5% savings for guests who make full payment six months prior to sailing.
Starting with voyages in 2010, the Early Booking Incentives will range from 15% to 35% and a new Extended Advance Payment Bonus (XAPB) will offer a second, more generous savings level of 15% for payments made in full one year prior to sailing.
“We recognize that given the current economic environment, travelers may be tempted to postpone their purchase decisions, including vacations,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. “Yet it is times like these when people are most in need of an uplifting diversion, so we want to encourage travelers by offering our best deals early.”
Added Morris, “Our enhanced ‘Advance Payment’ and ‘Early Booking’ programs are designed to help consumers firm up their travel plans as early as possible in order to take advantage of very generous fare discounts. When guests book and pay in full a year before sailing, they can enjoy savings of up to 50% and better appreciate the tremendous value of an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for additional tactical promotions like our ‘Silver Sailings’ discount program.”
Silversea will announce its 2010 schedule shortly and start accepting reservations on January 12, following a private presale this week to members of the company’s Venetian Society past-guest loyalty club.
For guests wishing to benefit from the new Extended Advance Payment Bonus on voyages departing during the first quarter of 2010, an introductory grace period will allow them to receive the 15% XAPB savings on top of the applicable EBI discount provided they make their full payment by March 31, 2009.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard five intimate, all-suite vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.
