Expedia Group Unveils Flex Pay to Enhance Cruise Booking Experience

In a bid to revolutionize the cruise booking experience, Expedia Group, a global leader in travel technology, has announced the launch of Flex Pay. With this innovative payment option, travelers can now spread their cruise expenses over a period of 3 to 24 months, making dream vacations more accessible than ever before.

Launched on March 5, 2025, Flex Pay will serve travelers booking cruises through various Expedia Group brands, including Expedia Cruises, Expedia.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Cheaptickets. The new payment solution partners with Upgrade to implement its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) model. This collaboration promises to simplify the payment process, allowing individuals to finance experiences in a manageable way, thus appealing to a broader audience.

Making Travel Dreams a Reality

Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia Cruises, emphasized the company's belief that travel should be within reach for everyone. "With the introduction of Flex Pay, we're not just offering payment options; we're opening doors to experiences that once may have seemed out of reach. By allowing travelers to spread costs over time, we're making dream cruises more attainable and enabling the exploration of the world on one's own terms,” Eichhorst stated.

Flex Pay expands on Expedia's existing financing offerings, which are designed to help travelers manage their budgets more effectively while enjoying dreamy cruise adventures. Whether they're navigating the Caribbean waves, cruising along the Mediterranean coast, or exploring European rivers, travelers can now take advantage of flexible payment plans to embark on unforgettable journeys.

A Win-Win Partnership

With its innovative financing solutions, Flex Pay is becoming a game-changer in the cruise industry. It has successfully established itself as a leader in cruise financing, emphasizing affordability and flexibility, which is crucial for today’s travelers. The no-interest financing options provided by Flex Pay have been shown to significantly boost booking volumes and conversion rates, with increases of 15-25%. "We are excited that Expedia Group has chosen Flex Pay to power their cruise booking," said Tom Botts, President of Flex Pay. "This partnership builds on the success of our cruise division, which achieved a 23% year-over-year growth in bookings in 2024."

The combination of no-interest loans and onboard financing makes it easier than ever for travelers to book cruises with more than 20 brands available on the Expedia Group platform. This ensures that the joy of travel can be experienced by many, taking the stress out of financial planning.

About Flex Pay and Its Mission

Flex Pay is a pioneering Buy Now, Pay Later solution offered by Upgrade, Inc. The company is dedicated to providing affordable and responsible credit solutions, having issued over $36 billion in credit to more than 6 million customers since its inception in 2017. Headquartered in San Francisco, Upgrade also operates out of Phoenix, Montreal, Atlanta, and Irvine. It has aimed to empower mainstream consumers by offering them the ability to manage their financial obligations more effectively.

About Expedia Group

Expedia Group, Inc. operates a wide array of travel-related brands, built on the belief that travel is a force for good. Its platforms allow users to experience the world in unprecedented ways, while also fostering lasting connections. Notably, the company's flagship consumer brands include Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. For further information about Expedia Group and its services, travelers can visit expediagroup.com.

As travel continues to evolve, options like Flex Pay are set to shape the future of booking by prioritizing consumer accessibility and satisfaction. With such advancements, travelers can now finally plan their ideal yacht vacations without the burden of immediate full payment, enriching their travel experiences significantly.