Oceania Cruises has announced it will introduce pre-paid gratuities on all UK and Ireland bookings from 1 January 2024 in a bid to make pricing clearer for guests and trade partners.

“We are delighted to bring pre-paid gratuities to the UK market and believe it represents a huge opportunity for our valued trade partners,” said Jason Worth, vice president of international sales, Oceania Cruises.

The announcement follows the launch of the line’s simply MORE offer, which introduced free roundtrip airfare, free airport transfers, free shore excursions and free beverages to all cruise packages departing 1 October 2023 and beyond.

Oceania Cruises to ‘elevate offering further’

“We understand the popularity of more inclusive pricing as guests like to know the upfront cost of their holiday as far as possible,” Worth added. “Following the success seen from the introduction of simply MORE this summer, we wanted to elevate our offering even further.”

The luxury cruise line has also expanded its UK sales team, appointing Mark Godden as sales manager, with Sam Richardson and Kim Gough also coming on board as Oceania looks to strengthen its trade ties.

Richardson has been appointed as the brand’s regional sales executive with a focus on the north, while Gough joins as inside sales executive.

Richardson, who previously held roles at Ambassador Cruise Line and World Travel Holdings, will report directly to Craddock and will be on the road supporting travel partners.

Prior to joining Oceania’s UK sales team, Gough supported the line’s central Europe sales operation. She is based in the company’s Southampton head office and reports to senior sales support executive Leah Williams.