Southeast Asian cruisers are now able to make direct online bookings with Princess Cruises for the first time.
The line has now launched an online booking capability in ASEAN but insists its travel agency partners are still key in the region.
"The digital age has brought a surge in travel-related online activity and we believe Internet-savvy travellers in Asia are ready for a direct online booking capability," said Farriek Tawfik, director for Southeast Asia at Princess.
"This does not in any way, change the important role that travel agents play as they continue to provide valuable resources to our guests and remain the mainstay of our business. Travel agents have supported us throughout this time and we will continue to build on our strong relationships with them."
"Since beginning homeport cruising from Singapore three years ago, we have seen an increase in the number of repeat cruisers and our website aims to attract these guests who will find our online booking services easy-to-use and interactive," he added.
Customers can view fares online for different stateroom categories and choose the location of their cabin from the website.
Online direct bookings still only makes up a fraction of total bookings – about 10% – in the cruise industry globally and even less for longer sailings.
