Stand-by for eye-watering cruise savings

Travellers able to fill a vacated cabin at short notice can secure a cruise for as low as $89 per day with Holland America Line — as long as you’re fully flexible with your travel dates.

The offer works by booking a spot on a waiting list for select sailings available on HAL’s Standby Program, including its 35-day Australia Circumnavigation, 14-day New Zealand Holiday and many other itineraries.

The choices are an Inside/Ocean View stand-by list for $89 per person per day, or the Verandah stand-by list for $129 per person per day.

Selected guests are notified two to seven days before sailing.

If you are not confirmed on the cruise up to 90 minutes before departure you can choose to stay on the stand-by list or receive a full refund if no space becomes available.

If no veranda staterooms are available, guests on the Verandah list will be offered an Inside or Ocean View cabin at the reduced rate of $89 per person per day.

A Holland America spokesperson says the Standby Program is perfect for those living near departure ports including Perth, or those happy to book last-minute flights to the embarkation point.

The program is available for new bookings on select HAL cruises only and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

HAL’s spokesperson Alex Pikardt says: “The Standby Program is ideal for those who are ready to embark on a last-minute adventure and experience the stunning destinations we visit, all while enjoying significant savings.”

For details visit, www.hollandamerica.com/en/au/cruise-deals/standby-program.