A multitude of the globe’s giant cruise lines have unveiled their Black Friday specials, aiming to benefit their agent partners.
Originating from the US and marking the start of the festive shopping season post-Thanksgiving, Black Friday sees global companies slashing prices to boost sales before Christmas. The trend extends beyond traditional retail, captivating the travel sector, including cruise lines that entice clients with discounts and added incentives.
APT & Travelmarvel’s Exclusive Offers
Specialists in river and yacht experiences, APT & Travelmarvel, have initiated a concise two-week sale. Key inclusions are reduced fares, free business class upgrades, onboard credits, and the option of low deposits for 2024 holidays, made before 27 November 2023.
Their signature eight-day Reflections of the Rhine & Main cruise from Amsterdam to Nuremberg is available from £1,695 per person, down from £2,295. Guests additionally receive €100 onboard credit for various indulgences, finalised with a £99 deposit.
Azamara’s Double Upgrades and Credits
Azamara, known for small-ship cruises, introduces significant Black Friday offers that include double stateroom upgrades and $500 onboard credit. A discount of up to 15% off suites is also available for select 2024 sailings, covering regions like Australia and Asia.
Availability spans various international markets and requires booking between 15 November and 1 December 2023, enabling customers to explore places like Europe, South Africa, and South America.
Celebrity Cruises’ Agent Incentives
Celebrity Cruises is offering substantial incentives for travel agents as part of their Black Friday promotion.
Between 16 November to 5 December 2023, agents doubling their Celebrity Rewards for every new booking can benefit greatly. Clients concurrently enjoy up to 75% off the second guest, with an added $600 onboard credit per stateroom across itineraries set before April 2025.
Cruise Croatia’s Summer Savings
Cruise Croatia’s offer marks a significant saving opportunity with up to 30% off luxury small-ship sailings in 2024. The offer translates to savings of £800 and accommodates 20 departure points through the 2024 summer season.
Sailings between Split and Dubrovnik are included, and the deals are accessible from 20 November to 8 December 2023. This proposition allows customers to explore the Adriatic in a luxurious setting.
Cunard’s Rewards for Agents
Cunard is enhancing agent engagement through double Shine points for bookings tied to its Black Friday campaign. This initiative enriches travel agents’ earning potential during its promotion, running from 21 November to 4 December 2023.
Guests can enjoy savings on specific voyages departing between June 2024 and February 2025, with flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria among the choices. Accommodations may start as low as £499 per person for Mediterranean cruises.
Fred Olsen and Holland America Line Offerings
Fred Olsen is offering up to £300 savings per person on selected cruises. The sale includes additional discounts on suites and single cabins from 21 to 28 November. A highlight is the 13-night Winter Warmth cruise in the Canaries, starting from £699 per person.
At the same time, Holland America Line entices customers with an offer of up to $250 per person onboard credit for sailings from December 2023 onwards. This includes a wide selection of destinations, except for Grands and some 2025 voyages.
Oceania and P&O Black Friday Extravaganzas
Oceania describes its Black Friday sale as unparalleled, presenting discounts up to $5,400 per stateroom for 2024 voyages. The booking window is open from 14 November to 5 December 2023, featuring global itineraries extending up to 34 days. Among these is the Asian Gulfs & Deltas route.
P&O Cruises extends a 20% discount on selected holidays. This offer applies to Early Saver bookings until 27 November 2023, with inside cabins available for departures until November 2024, covering destinations like Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Additional Offerings from Seabourn to Virgin Voyages
Seabourn offers enticing benefits with veranda suite upgrades and up to $2,000 shipboard credit across nearly 400 global voyages slated for 2024. These deals are available through 27 November 2023, expanding options for luxury travel enthusiasts.
Virgin Voyages proposes a 30% discount on voyages from 16 November 2023 to 31 December 2024. Guests can also enjoy a bar tab of up to $600 depending on sail duration if booked by the end of November.
Promotional Schedule and Availability
The outlined Black Friday offers are designed to boost travel agent engagement and consumer interest, capturing clients with significant savings on future voyages.
Such initiatives demonstrate the cruise industry’s strategy to combine attractive pricing with extra benefits, expanding customer experiences across diverse geographies.
The Black Friday incentives from these prominent cruise lines illustrate the industry’s dedication to fostering agent relationships while attracting new clientele. By tailoring offers with competitive discounts and credits, both agents and customers benefit from unique travel experiences. Such strategic promotions are pivotal in enhancing customer loyalty and expanding market presence.
