Several cruise operators have extended their wave booking incentive offers beyond their original finish date amid soaring sales and changing booking behaviours.
The Scenic Group, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Ambassador Cruise Line and A-Rosa River Cruises are now continuing their wave campaigns through February.
Andrea Stafford (pictured), director of trade sales for Scenic and Emerald Cruises, explained the company had extended its wave season campaign because customers were taking more time to research their holidays.
“The Scenic Group extended its wave period from the end of January until the end of February as trends suggest that travellers are taking their time to research before booking,” she said.
“We have also added a choice of offers for February so that our guests can tailor their holiday to their preferences.”
Fred Olsen claimed a record first month of the year, including a 50% spike in bookings from customers who have never sailed with the line, compared to pre-pandemic January 2020.
Managing director Peter Deer said: “To build on that momentum, we have extended our cruise sale into February with a selection of new offers so that even more people can plan adventures to look forward to this year.”
Ambassador extended its turn-of-year offers to February for sailings departing from April 3, 2023, until January 4, 2024.
A-Rosa extended its wave offer following the launch of its brochure last week.
Until the end of February, agents who make an A-Rosa booking will receive early booking discounts, free UK airport lounge passes for their clients and £50 Love2shop vouchers for themselves.
UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe said the decision had been taken to ensure agents continue to get rewarded for any sales they made.