Flywire: Rebranding cruise operator payments
Cruises have had a rebrand. Once synonymous with retiree travelers, cruise companies are seeing interest in their trips surge among younger travelers, those aged 18-34. In Flywire’s 2024 Global Travel Report, WTM revealed that 64% of travelers in that age group were more interested in cruises than before the pandemic, and that 82% of them were likely to take one in the next 12 months. Key drivers include the successful efforts of cruise operators to broaden appeal, demand for slow travel and off-the-beaten track experiences are key drivers for the demographic changes.
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Payments is a critical but often overlooked element of customer experience, and a common stumbling block for cruise operators taking payments from travelers across the globe. A Flywire-commissioned survey of nearly 700 luxury travelers found that while this age group are the most likely to say they are planning to spend more on their vacations than in previous years, they want their payments to be simple and secure.
Finding a better way to handle payments, allowing guests to pay in their own currency using their preferred payment method, giving complete cost transparency and real time progress updates, will mean guests are impressed with their experience before they’ve even stepped on board.
Payments solved with Flywire
Designed to meet the unique needs of travel businesses across the globe, Flywire’s seamless payment platform streamlines and enhances the payment process so travel businesses can focus on what matters most – delivering unforgettable client experiences and driving growth.
Backed by a powerful Global Payment Network, Flywire enables cruise operators to take payments from over 240 countries and territories, in more than 140 currencies. Flywire clients also benefit from:
Elevated client experience & increased conversion rates
Offering travelers the ability to pay in their preferred local currency boosts conversion rates and guest satisfaction. Flywire’s flexible payment options — including bank transfers, cards, and alternative methods — help increase bookings and ensure a seamless payment journey for guests.
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Reduced payment costs
The global, regional and local banking relationships that make up Flywire’s global payment network, merchant card fees and bank wire costs are significantly reduced, saving businesses money and enhancing profitability.
Simplified processes & time savings
Automated invoicing, payment matching, and reconciliation reduces manual payment processing, errors and administrative overheads. By streamlining processes, businesses save valuable time that can be reinvested in growing their operations.
Secure, fast and transparent payments
Flywire takes security seriously. With robust anti-money laundering programs, compliance measures, and industry-leading security protocols, Flywire ensures that payments are safe and secure for both businesses and guests. With Flywire’s real time payment updates, both clients and their guests have full transparency, and by facilitating faster payment settlement timelines, Flywire gets the money where it needs to be, as quickly as possible, allowing businesses to focus on delivering exceptional experiences.
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Dedicated customer support
Flywire’s platform is designed with the unique needs of travel businesses in mind. It easily integrates with existing systems, and Flywire provides dedicated support from experts who understand the intricacies of the travel and hospitality sectors.
“We are extremely impressed with Flywire. Guests and staff find it user-friendly, and the responsive support from the Flywire team makes all the difference. The software is great, but the team truly elevates our experience.” – Michele Brambilla, Group CFO of Aqua Expeditions.
With its advanced technology, optimized payment network, and industry-specific expertise, Flywire helps travel businesses improve operational efficiency, enhance guest satisfaction, and reduce costs — all while ensuring the security and compliance of every transaction. By embracing Flywire, businesses can offer a seamless, modern payment experience that meets the evolving needs of today’s global travelers — enhancing every step of the journey, from booking to payment.
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