Advertising Regulatory Board 'sinks' MSC Cruises ‘R1 promotional offer'

THE Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has found that cruise liner, MSC Cruises SA’s misrepresented the actual price payable in its “first guest pays R1” promotion.

- ZELDA VENTER

The advertisement was posted on Facebook and on its website. The complaint relates to the Black November promotional offer, promising a limited-time opportunity to enjoy a cruise from Durban aboard the MSC Opera.

It offered options ranging from short two-night trips to festive 14-night voyages. The promotional offer is, in particular, that the first guest will pay R1 for the cruise, with disclaimers noting that mandatory fees apply and terms and conditions are available via linked pages.

On the advertiser's booking interface, pricing options are depicted as ranging “from R1 910 p.p” for various cabin types (interior, ocean view and balcony) as well as “from R4 838 p.p” for longer cruises with onboard credit.

It is also depicted that “total prices for two guests ranging from R7 019 to R49 676, depending on the selected cruise and cabin”