Book now or forever hold your peace; Silversea sets single-day call record

The fantastic incentives that luxury cruise lines are offering appear to be having the desired impact, which may be a signal to the cruise lines that they don’t have to be so generous.

Silversea Cruises is reporting that last week it set a corporate record for daily call volume, part of a three-week surge when bookings exceeded the same period of 2008 by nearly 150%. Silversea, like most cruise lines, particularly in the luxury segment, has been sweetening the pot to attract more guests.

The line has been offering 50 percent savings on more than 50 worldwide voyages. Also, the cruise line has recently expanded their popular $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit offer. For example, the $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit is available on Silver Whisper’s September 12, sevven-day cruise from Istanbul to Athens with calls in Marmaris, Symi, Volos and Nafplion.

The recent flurry of activity may indicate that travelers are feeling more confident about committing to a luxury vacation. Alternatively, it could be a sign that advance-booking trends are growing shorter and shorter.

Silversea’s onboard spending promotion allows guests to use the Onboard Spending Credit as they choose — without limitations. The credit can be applied toward any shore excursions or onboard services including spa treatments, dinner in the Relais & Châteaux Wine Restaurant, rare wines, premium spirits, boutique and Internet Café purchases. In addition, the offer can be combined with other available discount promotions, including Early Booking Incentive, Advance Payment Bonus, Silver Sailing, and Free Air programs.

The booking deadline has been extended to July 31, and it applies to itineraries on the all-suites ships Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Seychelles, South America, the Far East and the South Pacific. Of course, Silversea is an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise vacation business, having won numerous awards and earning top ratings from several publications.