Cruise lines these days seem to be in innovation mode, coming up with new services and selling points, such as the ‘work-at-sea’ concept at Virgin Voyages, and now, two new ideas from Holland America and Princess, both brands under the Carnival umbrella.
Princess has teamed up with Florida’s high-speed Brightline railroad to offer a Rail & Sail option that allows passengers to check their bags at any of Brightline’s five stations, and have it delivered aboard their ship at either Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral cruise ports. As part of the deal, Princess will offer coach service to the ship from the station for the passengers.
Holland-America, meanwhile, is offering ‘standby cruises’ at $49 per night per person on a number of its cruises as a way of filling cabins rather than overbooking and taking a chance on the expenses of bumping a paid passenger. Standby passengers, typically living near a port, sign up in hopes they’ll get a call a few days in advance telling them they’re in. The $49 rate includes normal shipboard amenities, but not alcohol or shore excursions, which can be added at extra cost.
Image: APK/Wikimedia Commons
