Dawn Princess

Princess Cruises have announced the launch of their eZAir program in Australia at the Carnival Australia Partnership Summit last week.

Currently offered in both the UK and US, eZAir aims to provide travel agents and their clients the ability to seamlessly coordinate flights with their cruise itineraries.

"Our customers in the UK and US have been very happy with the product and I think it will be well received in Australia," Princess Cruises CEO and president Alan Buckelew said.

Available in the first half of 2012, both travel agents and cruisers will be able to access flight availability and make instant flight reservations through the one online booking source.

Travel agents will also be able to offer flexible and restricted fares with the flexible option allowing cancellations and modifications to a flight up to 45 days before flying.

The restricted fares must be paid for at the time of booking and, whilst the less expensive option, they are non-refundable and may incur cancellation and change fees.

"We've updated our air program to give our travel agents and their passengers full control of flight arrangements," Princess Cruises commercial director Stanley Birge said.

"Until now, passengers have paid a set price for air and been given their flight details closer to sailing. Under eZAir travel agents can work with their customers to plan their entire vacation as they wish, with real-time access to flights and competitive airfares that are compatible with the cruise and other travel plans."