Holland America Line says it has launched a new Early Advantage Programme to encourage guests to book early for 2013 cruises and enjoy lower fares, free upgrades and flexible deposit terms whereby guests can make changes to their booking and pricing without penalty, prior to balance due date.

Managing Director UK, Lynn Narraway, said:  “Summer 2012 has been very successful for Holland America Line and we have achieved a healthy growth in UK business, although we have seen a predominantly later booking pattern.  At this time, we want to assure guests of the advantages of booking early - and give agents the opportunity to benefit by promoting these early booking offers to their clients”.

“By booking early, clients can already plan ahead and receive the accommodation of their choice, however now with Holland America Line, on selected sailings they can benefit from “early advantage” special reduced fares, free upgrades and a new flexible deposit policy”.  For example a 7-night Norse Legends departing 4 May 2013 from Dover onboard ms Ryndam now leads in at £699pp and includes a free upgrade from inside to ocean view accommodation.  A 10-night Panama Canal Sunfarer cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale onboard ms Zuiderdam on 15 February 2013 leads in at £1,049pp cruise only for an inside stateroom and £1,249pp for ocean view with free upgrade from ocean view to verandah stateroom.

Holland America Line guests booking 2013 cruises will now pay a lower 15% deposit rather than the previous fixed amount.  Guests who book early on selected cruises+ can also be assured by Holland America Line’s new flexible deposit policy, which allows them to make changes to their cruise booking at no charge up until 90 days prior to sailing or final payment date (whichever is first). The “Early Advantage” promotion is available on selected sailings and may be withdrawn at any time.