TORONTO — MSC Cruises’ new ‘Open Booking’ program aims to make booking a future cruise – while already onboard a cruise – even easier.

Passengers sailing on any of MSC’s ships can make a future cruise booking without the need to commit to a particular vessel, itinerary or sailing date.

The new initiative aims to complement MSC Cruises’ ‘Future Cruise’ program introduced in summer 2023.

Passengers pay a reduced deposit of $100 per person onboard their cruise and are given a certificate that allows them up to 12 months to choose their next sailing holiday.

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. Or they can book within one year and still enjoy up to $100 in onboard credit.

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

“We want to offer our guests more flexibility in choosing their next ship and sailing date and the Open Booking program gives guests onboard up to a year to make that decision while earning future credit for their next holiday at sea,” says Ian Patterson, Country Manager, MSC Cruises Canada.

Travel advisors who made the original cruise reservation will also benefit from the ‘Open Booking’ program, receiving full commission once the ship and sail date is selected.

MSC Cruises’ improved ‘Future Cruise’ program, launched six months ago, benefits travel agents and the line’s guests when a customer who had used an agency for their holiday at sea books their next sailing while onboard.

The original agents receive full commission for any new booking made onboard with new aspects of the program, including a reduced ‘onboard-only deposit’ per person for their next cruise, greater flexibility so a reservation can be changed to suit the customer’s needs prior to final payment and an extended ‘best price guarantee’ timeframe.

Other benefits include shipboard credit for a client’s next cruise, double MSC Voyagers Club points and the ability to combine market offers with the rewards scheme, plus guests can also choose from the best selection of cabins and suites.

Guests onboard MSC Cruises’ ships have access to itinerary information and best offers through its onboard Future Cruise teams and every new open and future cruise booking will generate an email confirmation to their travel advisor.

Full details of both the ‘Open Booking’ and ‘Future Cruise’ programs are available at MSCCruises.ca and through MSC Book for travel agents.