Paperless tickets join downsized ranks
Sadly to some, upscale Cunard has joined the list of cruise lines no longer providing paper tickets to passengers.
The move is part of its ongoing commitment to provide “excellent customer service” and is one of several enhancements to its documentation procedures, according to the cruise line.
Though few travel sellers were surprised by the move, many lamented the passing of an era, and said the move makes more work for them, according to Travel Market Report.
One travel seller said that agents should charge the cruise lines a ticketing fee, while another said she may be forced to start charging her clients a document fee.
“Most of the cruise lines are doing it [switching to e-tickets] because it is another way to cut costs in a poor economic environment,” said Donna Johnson, president of Red Bird Travel Plus.
“I think that it is probably an inevitable change for all the cruise lines, as the mainstream and premium lines have already made that move, and other luxury lines are offering it as an environmentally-sensitive option,” said Amber Blecker of a Colorado CruiseOne agency.
“However, Cunard’s respect for cruising’s great traditions makes me a bit surprised they are the first luxury line to go to fully electronic documents.”
Said Nancy F. Yoffe of Cruise Planners:
“There is a certain excitement and anticipation that comes with receiving cruise tickets. Holland America used to send such beautiful tickets but now, they send nothing.”
“The days of the hallowed tradition of a beautifully-presented cruise documentation package are soon coming to an end,” predicted Blecker.
By David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers