Royal Caribbean to trial new fly-cruise booking tool in UK and Ireland

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd is to trial a new booking platform with more than 350 travel partners in the UK and Ireland, allowing them to book fly-cruise packages more quickly and securely.

The new AirWaves platform has been developed following extensive research and feedback from agent and travel partners over the past 12 months. It will be available for the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises brands.

Travel agents can use the integrated AirWaves platform to research, refine and book a tailor-made fly-cruise itinerary for individual customers in just four simple steps. This removes the need for multiple systems or processes.

Addressing the need for more flexibility over departure airport, AirWaves can find flights from up to 30 regional UK & Ireland airports and will have access to published, private and low-cost fares. The platform also enables travel agents to book pre- or post-cruise stays at more than 2,500 hotels near ports, as well as either shared coach transfers, or private cars, minibuses and limousines.

All bookings made via AirWaves are protected by ATOL or ABTA bonding, while travel agent partners will benefit from full commission on the cost of the entire cruise holiday including flights, hotels and transfers.

Royal Caribbean will begin the AirWaves trial on 1 August and expects to see an increase in fly-cruise sales once the platform is on general release later this year.