Silversea Cruises simplifies fares, offers guarantee

Silversea Cruises this month is rolling out what it says will be an easier-to-understand fare structure.

The line's new "Silver Privilege" fares offer a single price for cabins separate from extra add-ons such as optional air travel, transfers, hotels and land programs.

Silversea also is introducing a new Fare Guarantee program for all voyages departing on or after June 1, 2013, effective for new Silver Privilege bookings made starting this month.

Under the terms of the guarantee, customers who book early will be entitled to any future price reduction for the sailing. Customers must request an adjustment from Silversea if the fare for their cabin drops, and the line says it will make the adjustment by one of several methods that include a shipboard credit, suite upgrade, future cruise credit or fare reduction.

"By offering one simple price with our new Silver Privilege fares, we're making it easier for consumers to cut through the clutter that's in the marketplace and understand the actual price of the components of their vacation," Silversea executive Ellen Bettridge says in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Additionally, when these new fares are enhanced by our Fare Guarantee Program, our guests can plan their vacations far in advance, taking advantage of the best suite availability, and also enjoy the peace of mind in knowing they will be protected should those fares be reduced."