Cruiser Passengers are among the biggest users of  lay-by travel, which automatically deduct small amounts from your account so you don’t feel the pinch.
While the trend is catching on with travel agencies, two in particular have branched out into lay-by cruising.
LayAway Travel, which launched last week offers a number of cruises from Carnival and P&O departing from Brisbane and Sydney.
My Layby, whose parent company is Chrisco, can finance a cruise from any company. The company works closely with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Carnival, P&O and Princess.
Robyn Ball, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Chrisco said the number of families financing their holidays through lay-by is increasing, especially cruise getaways.
“Christmas is an expensive time of the year and especially travelling. By offering people a lay-by system to pay for their holidays means that they don’t have to cough up one big lump sum when booking,” she said.
“The most popular itineraries are short break cruises as well as holidays to the South Pacific. The most popular cruise brand our customers are buying is P&O but we are able to finance and help people purchase a cruise from any company. – whether it be family, premium or luxury cruises.”
Ms Ball said that Chrisco’s travel agents are able to tailor your cruise holiday so your flights as well as pre and post accommodation are financed into your lay-by.
“We set up a payment schedule so you pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly and we can also set up direct debit from your account. We generally offer payment schedules of up to a year but some extend up to 63 weeks.
“It’s all interest free so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. In the weeks before the cruise, you’ll be in contact with your agent who will then finalise payment and details with you.”
LayAway Travel which launched earlier this month offers a number of itineraries including a four-night Hamilton Island cruise, a seven-night Barrier Reef cruise onboard the Pacific Aria as well a number of Carnival holidays. There is an eight-night New Caledonia cruise sailing from Sydney. Payment plans start from as little as $1.25 per person, per day.
Chrisco’s My Layby offer a 15-night Azamara cruise worth $13,628 for two people. The cruise departs Sydney and calls at a number of destinations in Australia before sailing to some of the best areas in New Zealand. Payment plans start from as little as $131.04 per person, per week over a year.
For more information about LayAway Travel, click here. Or if you’re after a My Layby cruise then click here.