Holland America Introduces New Standby Program for Last-Minute Cruises

Holland America Line has unveiled an enticing offer for travellers seeking flexible cruise options.

How? By introducing a new standby program featuring fares as low as $49 per person, per day. The catch? Passengers need to be comfortable with short-notice travel plans.

By joining a standby list for eligible sailings, guests will receive notifications approximately seven days before departure, confirming if they've secured the heavily discounted fare.

Initially launched for Alaska itineraries in August, the program has now expanded to encompass various destinations, offering travellers unexpected savings opportunities.

Dan Rough, Vice President of Revenue Management at Holland America Line, highlighted the mutual benefits of the Standby Program:

"We see Holland America Line’s Standby Program as a win-win for guests and our business. Circumstances may arise for booked guests where they have to cancel a cruise the week before sailing. The Standby Program allows us to fill those cabins with people who have already committed to going and who presumably live close enough to the port that they can make last-minute travel arrangements."

How does the Standby Program operate? Interested travellers can enlist in the standby list for a cruise through their travel advisor, with the program aimed at individuals residing within reasonable driving distance from a port. Eligible sailings cover a range of departures through April 2024, encompassing Caribbean cruises, voyages along the California coast, trips to Hawaii, and more.

However, there are specific terms associated with the program. Participants must be at least 21 years old and are required to pay the reduced fare in full (based on double occupancy) upon joining the standby list. Payment doesn't guarantee a confirmed spot, and refunds are issued if travellers are not cleared to sail. Once approved, passengers cannot request removal from the list, and opting out after approval means forfeiting the paid fare.

While the $49 per person, per day rate excludes taxes, fees, and port expenses, it does offer the perk of free sailing for third and fourth passengers in a stateroom, excluding additional costs.

What else is there to know? Guests booking through the program will receive automatic stateroom assignments and won't have the option to upgrade accommodations. For travellers keen on monitoring cruise fares themselves, platforms like Cruisewatch offer tools to track price fluctuations.

As cruise prices continue to rise, Holland America's Standby Program presents an attractive opportunity for spontaneous travellers seeking budget-friendly voyages and thrilling last-minute adventures on the open seas.

Holland America Line has dominated the cruise industry for half a century. By booking your sea voyage with the company, you will find some of the most roomiest and most comfortable ships at sea, as well as award-winning service, great food, a vast variety of activities and enrichment programs, and captivating itineraries all over the globe.

 

Source: eu.usatoday.com