MIAMI — Cruising on layaway? Leave it to Carnival Cruise Line to think of it first.

The line has launched a convenient new pay-over-time program that allows guests to pay for their cruise in three monthly installments, a move that’s being regarded as the cruise industry’s first layaway program.

With Carnival EasyPay, cruise payments can be automatically deducted from the credit card on file and applied to their current balance, interest-free, over a three-month period. Guests simply make their initial cruise deposit and then the balance of their cruise is charged in three equal payments, which are taken out automatically on the same designated day for three consecutive months.

Guests can either register for the program at carnival.com or via the line’s call centres. Travel agents can also sign up for Carnival EasyPay to process payments on behalf of their clients.

“A Carnival cruise is already the most affordable and value-packed vacation there is and with Carnival EasyPay we’re making budgeting and paying for a cruise even easier and more convenient,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Rather than having to remember to pay for their cruise, Carnival EasyPay provides guests with peace of mind knowing that their payment is being processed automatically. Carnival EasyPay certainly lives up to its name!”

Guests must make a required deposit on their cruise fare to be eligible for Carnival EasyPay. Additionally, the deposit due date must be at least 90 days before the final payment date. The first installment is charged to their credit card 30 days from the date of the deposit, with two additional monthly installments thereafter.

Carnival EasyPay is available at no extra cost, however, guests are responsible for any interest charges by their credit card provider.

Guests are prompted to select Carnival EasyPay in the ‘How Would You Like to Pay’ section of carnival.com when ready to make payment on their booking. They can also sign up for or cancel Carnival EasyPay after the initial deposit is made by visiting the ‘Manage My Booking’ tab on carnival.com.