Windstar Cruises has announced a new initiative to improve the booking experience for Canadian travelers. Effective immediately, the cruise line offers bookings in Canadian dollars, making it simpler and more convenient for Canadians to plan their vacations.
This new localized booking system automatically sets Canadian dollars as the default currency for all Canadian travel agencies, simplifying the process from the start. The system encompasses all pre-cruise purchases related to these bookings, providing a comprehensive and streamlined experience. While the default currency is now Canadian dollars, pricing in US dollars is still available upon request.
To celebrate this launch, Windstar is offering a special promotion for Canadian residents. This limited-time offer allows travelers to save up to 30% on select cruises to destinations like Iceland, the Mediterranean, and French Polynesia. The discount applies exclusively to new bookings made by individuals with a Canadian residential address. This offer is available until July 31, 2024.
“Canada is one of our most important markets,” says Windstar Vice President of Sales Dianna Rom. “We view it as a part of our primary North American business. But while Canadians are similar to our American guests in many ways, currency is one major difference. We’re very glad to provide information on our cruises with Canada-centric pricing to make it easier for Canadians to calculate the cost and value of their Windstar cruise experience.”
The currency settings can be adjusted at any point before a payment is finalized. Once a payment is made, the selected currency is locked in, along with the corresponding exchange rate. This rate is subject to monthly reviews and adjustments as needed. “If a booking is changed from CAD to USD, the price of the booking will not change with fluctuating bank exchange rates,” says Rom. “Once locked in, that will be the price of the booking in the selected currency.”
This new feature aims to enhance the value proposition for Canadian clients. Along with the new booking system, Windstar Cruises is also developing marketing materials priced in Canadian dollars. These materials, including CAD-priced flyers, can be accessed by travel advisors through the Windstar online Advisor Hub or by contacting Andrea Mendelsohn-East, Windstar’s Canadian Regional Sales Manager, at [email protected]
