03 November 2008

Cruise line offers 'cancel for any reason' policy

A luxury cruise line is providing passengers with the ability to alter their or defer their travel plans for up to 18 months.

The 'Cancel for Any Reason' cancellation waiver policy from SeaDream will run until the end of the year before being re-assessed

Provided they do so up to 48 hours prior to the date of departure, passengers can protect 100 per cent of their fare, including government, port handling and service fees, and roll the sum forward as a Ã¢â¬Ëœyacht creditÃ¢â¬â¢ to be used against a future sailing of their choice departing up to 18 months beyond the date of their written cancellation.

The cost is $50 per person - minimum $100 per cabin - per voyage.

When passengers elect to re-book within the specified 18-month roll-over period, the credit is applied as a fare reduction on the new booking, according to the company.

But if the re-booking cost is less than the original, any balance is forfeited. If the re-booking costs more than the original sailing, passengers must pay the difference.

The scheme is valid for all new 2008, 2009 or 2010 voyages booked together with any existing 2008 and 2009 booking where the passenger has paid their deposit but is yet to pay the balance.

Ian Buckeridge, SeaDreamÃ¢â¬â¢s head of UK business, said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœEven in these unsettled economic times we have seen clear evidence that travellers are both resilient and pragmatic about wanting their holidays Ã¢â¬' our simple Cancel for Any Reason offers them an extra reassurance in the rather stressful times we are experiencing now.Ã¢â¬~

by Phil Davies