Regent to include business-class air in cruise fare

Regent
Seven Seas Cruises will bolster its reputation as the most inclusive cruise
line by adding complimentary business-class air, starting in 2017.

Passengers will be able to take
advantage of the offer from 26 North American gateways and it will apply to
all European, Asian and South American voyages where a guest would need to
travel on an intercontinental flight in order to board, or return home from a
Regent ship.

Every class of cabin on Regent
ships will be included.

The offer makes Regent the only
cruise line to offer business-class air to every passenger on every
intercontinental flight. Previously, Regent offered free coach-class air fare
and business class was offered for upper suites to Europe, as well as in
promotions that priced it at $499 to $999, Regent President Jason Montague
said.

Montague said some 80% of Regent
passengers take business class already when flying to meet a Regent departure.

Cruise prices will rise “marginally” to reflect the cost
of the perk, Montague said. “It’s not going up
significantly.” 

Business class to Europe at retail
typically costs $3,000 to $4,000 roundtrip. It offers roomier seats that
recline into beds, as well as other comforts and benefits.

Montague said that passengers who want to use points to pay for air, or don’t need the bundled business
class for some other reason, can get a cruise-only fare with an air credit of
between $2,500 and $7,000, depending on the destination.

As is the case now, travel sellers
will not earn commission on the air portion of the purchase price. But
Montague said the new offer will enhance the overall appeal and value of a
Regent cruise, making it an easier sell.

“Once we educate both consumers
and our partners on the true value proposition that we offer, and when they
look at the price point of everything that’s included, it’s an outstanding
value compared to anyone in the cruise space when you’re talking about bigger
suites,” Montague said.