SEATTLE — Passengers on Windstar Cruises can now cruise and plan future voyages at the same time with a new Onboard Cruise Consultant (OCC) program, available now.

The program is designed to help guests consider their next Windstar cruise and drive recognition and benefits supporting travel professionals. When they book onboard with an OCC, they receive extra benefits, including:

• Reduced Deposit. Fully refundable based on the program’s guidelines, reduced deposits start at US$200 per booking compared to the normal 15% of the cruise fare.
• 5% Savings Onboard/Welcome Home. Guests who have sailed are eligible for the 5% Onboard/Welcome Home new booking savings, providing 5% off the cruise fare.
• 5% Savings Yacht Club Members. Current guests are automatically enrolled in Windstar Cruises’ Yacht Club Member program. Members are eligible for 5% off the cruise fare after promotional adjustments.

The OCC program supports travel agent bookings by assigning the new Onboard Booking to the travel agent of record on the guests’ current booking. When the initial booking of a guest is made by a travel professional, the agent will remain the ‘Agent of Record’ for the new OCC booking, and will receive full credit and full commission. An email from Windstar to the agent will confirm the booking with invoice and itinerary information, and remind the agent to follow up with the guests upon their return home.

“This is one more example of Windstar’s commitment to travel agents and our guests,” said Windstar Cruises President John Delaney. “In addition to the obvious benefits, our guests will be offered the extra value of our Yacht Club Membership, which provides additional value, savings and special courtesies.”

OCCs are highly qualified, added the company. They must all be seasoned cruise industry veterans, have impressive ship experience and tenure, and possess knowledge of the ships and itineraries.

The first OCC set sail on Star Legend on its Feb. 3 itinerary from Bangkok to Hong Kong. Within the next few months, three more OCC’s will join Star Breeze, Star Pride and Wind Surf, the largest of Windstar’s intimate, yacht-like fleet. Its remaining two ships will be evaluated for the program in the near future.