Travelbiz E-Zine
20
February
2024

MSC Cruises launches ‘Open Booking’ programme

New scheme set to complement ‘Future Cruise’ programme.

MSC Cruises has launched a new ‘Open Booking’ programme for guests on board its fleet of ships to make a future holiday at sea reservation without the need to commit to a particular vessel, itinerary or sailing date.

The new initiative is designed to complement MSC Cruises’ ‘Future Cruise’ programme, which was introduced in summer 2023. With the open booking feature, guests can secure their next sailing holiday by paying a deposit of just £100 per person while on board. They will then receive a certificate granting them up to 12 months to select their preferred sailing date.

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.

Travel agents who made the original cruise reservation will also benefit from the ‘Open Booking’ programme and receive full commission once the ship and sail date is selected.

The open booking can also be used as a gift for family members or friends before the ship and sail date is chosen.

Steve Williams, Director of Sales at MSC Cruises UK & Ireland, said, “We want to offer our guests more flexibility in choosing their next ship and sailing date and the Open Booking programme gives guests onboard up to a year to make that decision while earning future credit for their next holiday at sea.”

MSC Cruises’ enhanced ‘Future Cruise’ programme, launched six months ago, benefits both travel agents and guests. When a customer books through an agency, it confirms their next sailing while onboard.

The original agents will receive full commission for any new booking made on board, benefiting from new aspects of the programme. These enhancements include greater flexibility, allowing reservations to be adjusted to meet the customer’s needs before final payment. Additionally, there’s an extended ‘best price guarantee’ timeframe and double points for guests enrolled in the line’s loyalty programme, MSC Voyagers Club. Furthermore, guests can combine market offers with the rewards scheme and have the freedom to select from the finest cabins and suites available.

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’ programmes are available at MSC Cruises’ website here and through MSC Book for travel agents here

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Riviera Travel Agents on the New Riviera Radiance Exclusive Fam Trip on the Blue Danube
    14th July 2025

    Riviera Travel Agents on the New Riviera Radiance Exclusive Fam Trip on the Blue Danube

    Riviera Travel proudly hosted its first group of travel agents on the brand-new Riviera Radiance, embarking on a spectacular seven-night familiarisation (fam) trip along the iconic Blue Danube r...

    Read more
    Wine at sea – Celebrity Cruises sweeps awards for 13th year running
    11th July 2025

    Wine at sea – Celebrity Cruises sweeps awards for 13th year running

    Celebrity Cruises continues to offer an unmatched wine program at sea, earning 21 honours at the 2025 Wine Spectator Awards. The brand pours the most recognised wine program at sea having now ac...

    Read more
    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Unveils The Gantry at LC-39
    11th July 2025

    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Unveils The Gantry at LC-39

    KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – The Gantry at LC-39, an immersive, interactive experience that reimagines the historic Launch Complex 39 gantry, is now open at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Locat...

    Read more
    Terrifier Film Franchise Added to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Lineup
    11th July 2025

    Terrifier Film Franchise Added to Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Lineup

    Welcome to the Funhouse. The twisted world of Art the Clown comes to life in this year’s all-new “Terrifier” haunted house inspired by the slasher film franchise that has consistently terrorised...

    Read more
    TPG & Irish Ferries Best Day Ever
    10th July 2025

    TPG & Irish Ferries Best Day Ever

    The Travel Partners Group, in proud partnership with Irish Ferries, pulled off what might just be our most epic day out yet! Sunday morning kicked off with the roar of excited agents descending ...

    Read more
    WIN a place on the Fam Trip of a Lifetime to Thailand first Winner will be announced on Friday !!!!
    10th July 2025

    WIN a place on the Fam Trip of a Lifetime to Thailand first Winner will be announced on Friday !!!!

    Travelbiz is giving YOU the chance to join Discover Travel & Emirates on an unforgettable Fam Trip to Thailand this September 17–24, 2025! Simply book any Emirates network flight through Discove...

    Read more