Jetsettersblog

Silversea Cruises enhanced its Early-Booking Incentive and Advance Payment Bonus programs for voyages in 2010. The new savings are designed to reward travelers who plan, book and pay for their vacations a year early.

The company’s current Early-Booking Incentive ranges from 10 to 30 percent off the published cruise fare, while the Advance Payment Bonus provides an additional 5 percent savings for guests who make full payment six months prior to sailing.

Starting with voyages in 2010, the Early Booking Incentives will range from 15 to 35 percent and a new Extended Advance Payment Bonus will offer a second savings level of 15 percent for payments made in full one year prior to sailing.

“We recognize that given the current economic environment, travelers may be tempted to postpone their purchase decisions, including vacations,” said David Morris, Silversea’s executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.

“Yet it is times like these when people are most in need of an uplifting diversion, so we want to encourage travelers by offering our best deals early. Our enhanced Advance Payment and Early Booking programs are designed to help consumers firm up their travel plans as early as possible in order to take advantage of very generous fare discounts. When guests book and pay in full a year before sailing, they can enjoy savings of up to 50 percent and better appreciate the tremendous value of an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for additional tactical promotions like our ‘Silver Sailings’ discount program.”

Silversea will announce its 2010 schedule shortly and start accepting reservations on Jan. 12, following a private presale this week to members of the company’s Venetian Society past-guest club. For guests seeking the new Extended Advance Payment Bonus on voyages departing during the first quarter of 2010, an introductory grace period will allow them to receive the 15 percent savings on top of the applicable EBI discount, provided they make full payment by March 31.