An initiative designed to simplify flight bookings linked to cruises has been introduced by Holland America Line.
The ‘Flight Ease’ air programme is available for departures from the autumn.
A ‘flexible fares’ option fits flights to any schedule while ‘restricted fares’ are a cost effective choice for those sure of their travel plans.
Flexible fares provide the greatest leeway for changes with no fees to adjust a flight schedule and air fare payment is only due with the final cruise payment.
Similar to other low-fare tickets, restricted fares are generally a lower price, have cancellation fees of up to the full cost of the ticket that apply from the time of booking and require full payment at the time of booking.
Flight Ease, available via HAL’s Polar Online booking system, features update flight schedules that only include those flights that arrive and depart in time for the specific cruise booked.
Competitive pricing and flight inventory from multiple carriers is also presented. Flights booked through Flight Ease feature 24-hour assistance for questions and ‘next port protection,’ which means that in case of an airline delay or cancellation en route to a cruise, HAL will take care of any flight changes necessary to join the cruise at the next available port of call.
Cruise holiday packages will be protected by the cruise line’s Atol.
The cruise line’s sales, marketing and guest relations executive vice president Richard Meadows said: “With one-stop shopping, Flight Ease provides convenience, competitive pricing and peace of mind.
“Our goal is to make reserving all aspects of a cruise holiday, on behalf of your clients, an easy experience, and Flight Ease makes booking the air travel component a simple and full-service process.”