Holidays of Australia and the World are the cruising experts, so we know all the little tricks and tips that save you money on the high seas. Here we give you all the facts on how to get fabulous benefits next time you’re sailing.
Some people are so busy having the time of their lives on their cruise that they overlook big benefits that are right under their noses – Future Cruise Deposits.
Let’s face it, who hasn’t pledged or even planned their next cruise while sailing the high seas? So here’s good news – the excitement of being ‘in the moment’ can now be channelled in to the excitement of receiving great savings on your next cruise.
The whole idea of future cruise deposits is that while onboard you slap down a deposit for your next cruise. It’s not a lot of dosh either – mostly around $100 depending on the cruise line.
That $100 magically morphs into onboard bonuses – sometimes worth up to $200 per booking depending on the length of your future cruise and your stateroom type. Then you can use those credits on your next cruise. What’s not to like?
It’s simple. Your deposit gets deducted from the deposit on your next cruise (and with some cruise lines that’s the only deposit you’ll pay until it’s full payment time). In many cases you can opt to have a travel agent attached to your deposit and let your travel agent use the certificate when you’re ready to book.
The way we see it, there are two big benefits from future cruise deposits. Firstly, you can save a reasonable amount, that’s the no-brainer. Secondly it motivates you to get moving and plan that next cruise, before you get back to the hum drum of everyday life and forget all about it. Your cruise soon becomes a distant (but lovely) memory and all those well laid plans (and potential savings) are out the window, or rather, the cabin porthole!
We reckon every cruiser should get smart and grab these additional benefits and savings. So here we present a quick rundown of the future deposit programs from the big three cruise lines. But remember these programs are only available to passengers while onboard and you can’t purchase them on behalf of anyone who isn’t on the cruise.
Princess Cruises
Lay down $100 per person to receive shipboard credits of up to $150 per person. You can take up to two years to decide where you want to go and if you don’t in that time frame, your deposit will be refunded.
P&O
Your $100 deposit per person turns instantly into onboard credits of up to $150 per person depending on cruise length and stateroom type. You have up to four years to book and if you don’t book within that time, your deposit will be refunded. The offer is combinable with most other promotions.
Royal Caribbean International
Called a ‘NextCruise’ booking, $100 down per person can mean up to $200 per stateroom in onboard credits. It also means you pay a reduced deposit of $100 per person because no further deposit is needed until you pay your full payment. (Suite staterooms still require a full deposit). The deposit is non-refundable and your NextCruise open booking Certificate doesn’t expire. Something to note: technically speaking, a NextCruise is a reservation in Royal Caribbean’s eyes, so if there’s a deal that comes out that is for only new reservations you may not be able to combine it with a NextCruise Certificate.
WANT TO SAVE EVEN MORE?
Click here to see the current cruise specials at Holidays of Australia and the World.
Note: above savings are correct as at 16.05.17 & are subject to change.
Words by Alison Bennett for Holidays of Australia & the World.