When you think of T-Mobile, the first thing that probably comes to mind is, of course, its mobile phone service. But a new member’s perk has recently launched where they want to encourage you to book a cruise with T-mobile. But should you? Let’s take a look.
Over the past 33 years, I have lost count of the number of cruises I have booked. I’ve also booked them in lots of different ways. I’ve booked with travel agents, personal vacation planners, direct with the cruise company, and through online ticket consolidators.
But never in those 33 years have I booked a cruise with my mobile phone company. But now, the telecom giant T-Mobile is making waves by suggesting that we should.
T-Mobile Move Into The Online Cruise Market
As part of its “T-Mobile Tuesdays” initiative, the company has partnered with Cruisebound to offer its customers a new platform for booking their next cruise.
According to T-Mobile,this development is more than just a novelty; They reckon it’s a significant shift that could change the way we book cruises. Hmmm. Not 100% sure about that, but let’s continue.
T-Mobile Tuesdays is a program that offers weekly perks to T-Mobile subscribers. These perks have traditionally included free food, discounts, and chances to win prizes. Now, the company has added the ability for its members to book cruises at what they claim are discounted rates.
Who Are Cruisebound?
Cruisebound is a recent addition to the cruise booking industry, having launched its services in January 2023. The company was established by Jeff Boyd, the former CEO of Booking Holdings, with the goal of simplifying the process of planning and booking a cruise.
The company boasts a very interesting list of investors and advisors, who clearly have a lot of experience in the travel industry, both on and offline.
The platform developed by Cruisebound allows users to compare offerings from major cruise lines, making it easier to find a cruise that suits their preferences and budget.
The company also provides customer support, with assistance available via phone or live chat. This collaboration with T-Mobile is a significant step for Cruisebound, as it rapidly expands its reach while providing additional value to T-Mobile subscribers.
Why Should You Book a Cruise With T-Mobile?
I’m not a T-mobile customer, as I can’t give any direct feedback on the service. However, I have checked out Cruisebound.com and I love how they let you search for cruise prices that includes the port fees and taxes in the price.
There is nothing worse than thinking you have an amazing deal, only to remember you have to add the port fees and taxes on.
The new feature can apparently be found in the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, under “Travel”. You would then click the cruise tile, and hit “Book Online.” You’ll then be directed to the new platform where you can compare prices, itineraries, ships, and cabin types from many of the major cruise lines.
Like most cruise travel websites, the platform also offers personalized discounts based on categories like age, military service, and past cruise reservations.
T-Mobile and Cruisebound claim that one of the most enticing aspects of this new service is the potential to earn up to $1,000 in onboard credit.
As I am sure you know, onboard credit (OBC) can be used for a variety of onboard expenses, such as excursions, food, drinks, and even your gratuities.
However, here’s the deal. To earn their advertised full $1,000 credit, you would need to spend at least $30,000 on an eligible cruise sailing. Therefore, the amount of onboard credit most customers will earn will likely be a lot less.
When Is A Tuesday Not A Tuesday? When’s It’s a T-Mobile Tuesday!
Although T-Mobile’s service is called “T-Mobile Tuesdays”, the new cruise booking service isn’t limited to Tuesdays. (Well thank God for that! Can you imagine, waking up on a Wednesday morning with a sudden urge to book a cruise – then realizing you can’t LOL).
While this new service is undoubtedly an exciting development for T-mobile cruise fans, it’s important to consider it within the broader context of the cruise booking landscape.
Each cruise line has slightly different policies, which can affect the price and flexibility of the booking. T-Mobile’s new service help simplify this process by providing a one-stop platform where customers can compare options and make informed decisions.
What’s Unique About This Service? Time Will Tell
Many other online services like cruiseline.com and cruise118.com offer a one-stop cruise booking service, so I’m not sure where I am really seeing a competitive advantage here. Unless of course there truly are additional discounts and OBC that is only available to T-mobile customers. (If you are a T-mobile customer and have checked this out, let us know in the comments!)
It’s worth noting that the service currently excludes Disney Cruises, which is a significant player in the market.
Clearly, T-Mobile’s new cruise booking service is an interesting development in the cruise travel industry. It will be interesting to see if any other cellular players who offer similar customer perk programs follow their lead.
So. Should You Book A Cruise With T-Mobile?
So my advice, if you are a T-Mobile Customer, is to do your research. Check the new offer through the app, get a quote based on a specific cabin, and see what’s included in terms of onboard credit. Also consider what aftercare service you might get. Will it be with T-Mobile or Cruisebound. Try phoning their help line. What are the wait times like?
Then compare that with an offer direct from the cruise line, and also your favorite travel agent or online booking service. Then decide if you want to book a cruise with T-mobile or not.
