Tag Archives: all inclusive

MSC pushes summer 2021 ex-UK sailings with an all-inclusive offer

Posted on by
Reply

MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica photo credit to Dave Jones

Summer 2021 ex-UK sailings are included in a new all-inclusive promotion launched by MSC Cruises.

The early booking promotion sees a premium drinks package included as part of the price on more than 1,000 departures between April and November 2021 from multiple embarkation ports across the world.

The initiative, which covers bookings made until December 2, includes all 22 MSC Magnifica sailings from Southampton on the ship’s second full ex-UK season as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean fly-cruises.

UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “After receiving feedback from our agents, as well as loyal customers, and taking into consideration the market landscape we’ve decided now is the right time to launch our latest promotion.

“We are seeing a definite appetite for booking holidays for 2021, however the feedback from the market has been that it has to be the right product at the right price.

“Our all-inclusive promotion is always incredibly popular, however now more than ever it’s important for guests to know that everything is taken care of.

“The all-inclusive price includes service charge and a premium drinks package so there really is nothing additional guests need to worry about.

“We understand the need from consumers to have a product that is great value, easy to understand and flexible which is why we think this promotion, combined with our stress-free cruising programme allowing flexible booking terms is the right promotion to stimulate bookings.”

He added: “We think this promotion provides a great opportunity for agents who we know are receiving enquiries from guests interested in a cruise to convert that initial interest into bookings, and ultimately to get their customers a great deal.”

Sailings from Southampton lead-in at £319 per person for a two-night mini-cruise.

A seven-night cruise on one of the flagship MSC Grandiosa starts at  £644pp.

Norwegian extends Cuba cruises through 2018

Posted on by
Reply


Photo credit Dave Jones, Norwegian Sky departing the Port of Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line will further extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba through 2018, with 33 new voyages.

This year’s Norwegian Sky sailings are scheduled through December 2017, and cruises will resume March 26, 2018.

Thirty-two of the 33 new voyages will include an overnight in Havana and a call at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.

The format on the Sky will continue to include alcoholic beverages in the cruise fare.

Norwegian will offer a selection of 15 half- and full-day shore excursions that are compliant with the U.S.’s rules about people-to-people travel in Cuba.

Sales for the new cruises open April 20.

Norwegian Cruise Line goes all-inclusive

Posted on by
Reply

Norwegian Cruise Line goes all-inclusive to compete with land-based holidays

Image result for norwegian cruise line
Norwegian Bliss due to cruise in 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line is “upping its game” as it unveiled a major change to its pricing policy by making all cruises fully all-inclusive.

Bookings made in the UK and Ireland across all 14 of Norwegian’s ships are now classified as Premium All Inclusive.

The line announced the new pricing package at an event in Baker Street in London. Senior vice president, international for the line Frances Riley said this was the next ‘natural step’ for Norwegian.

“In recent years we have upped our game with our ships and with our hardware, this is now about innovating the experience for our customers.

The all-inclusive pricing means items that were formerly ‘extras’ are now included in all cruise prices.

These range from a wide variety of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to unlimited juices, water and soft drinks for children, as well as all service charges and gratuities.

Norwegian said the extras in total were worth about £1,200 per stateroom. The policy takes effect from Thursday April 6.

Premium All Inclusive applies to all staterooms, including studio, inside, ocean view, balcony and mini suite accommodation.

Guests staying in the higher-level haven or suite accommodation will additionally benefit from a dining package, 250 minutes of free internet and $100 onboard credit.

The line said it was introducing the change to stay competitive with all-inclusive holidays on land.

Premium All Inclusive has already been rolled out in several European markets including Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France on sailings to all destinations.

The new strategy means the lead-in price for a comparable seven-night sailing in the western Mediterranean rises from £609 to £739. But Norwegian said it worked out cheaper than making a cruise-only booking and purchasing the extras separately.

Nick Wilkinson, senior director and general manager for northern Europe, said: “We are confident that Premium All Inclusive, and the relaxation and peace of mind it offers, has the power to inspire your customers to book with you.

“We will support you with our comprehensive Partners Toolkit.

“Also, our business development team will proactively assist you with maximising the opportunities it offers.”