Fred Olsen is launching a Suite Dreams package of extras to try to boost sales of its top-end cabins.
Two pages in the second-edition 2010/11 brochure are devoted to the package, available from January 2010. They spell out the benefits of having a larger cabin with more space and a balcony, as well as the various extras passengers will receive.
These include a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket, canapes served in the afternoon, a free pressing service for formal wear, discounts for using the laundry service and free access to port shuttle buses.
In addition, suites will be equipped with binoculars, a world atlas and country guide, and a pair of umbrellas for use ashore.
Fred Olsen general sales manager Lol Nichols said the cruiseline has a lot of suites to sell after stretching two of its ships, and always struggles to sell them on shorter cruises.
Both Balmoral and Braemar were cut in half last year and mid-sections inserted, increasing the passenger capacity and number of suites available.
Nichols said agents should point out the Suite Dreams benefits to clients as they might persuade customers to trade up, which would increase their commission on that booking.
He said: “Once someone has booked a suite and appreciated the pleasure of the extra space and a private balcony, and a whole host of attractive little extras, they will be reluctant to trade down.”
He added that Fred Olsen is offering early check-in, with lunch on board, to suite passengers on a trial basis across the fleet. “It is always very busy on turnaround days because we have ship visits, so we are testing it to make sure we can deliver on board.”
The second-edition brochure goes on sale on November 5.