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Plain OTA vs Versonix OTA

Seaware OTA application implements public OTA API. This API is supported and updated by the Open Travel Alliance, and Versonix is working with the Alliance to update the API and include new features that are not yet included.

In the gap between the alliance releases a new OTA API version there would be sometimes features that are supported in Seaware (Core and OTA) but not yet included in the public OTA API. These are marked in our API specification (XSD files) with the word "VXAddition" and constitute a difference between "Plain OTA" and "Versonix OTA" versions of the API.

Which Version Should You Use?

The API can operate in two modes, configured for your integration:

  • Versonix OTA (with VXAdditions): Provides extended features beyond the standard OTA specification
  • Plain OTA: Strictly follows the public OpenTravel Alliance API specification

During onboarding, you'll work with the integration team to determine which mode best suits your needs:

  • Choose Versonix OTA if you want access to the latest features (premium dining, extended search options, etc.)
  • Choose Plain OTA if you need strict schema compliance or are integrating from a platform with rigid OTA requirements

Identifying VXAdditions

Fields and features that require VXAdditions mode are marked with "VXAddition" in the XSD schema documentation. When reviewing the API specification, look for this annotation to understand which features require Versonix mode.

Features Requiring VXAdditions

Here is a tentative list of features that require VXAdditions mode:

  1. Ship Room (facilities): Extended facility information
  2. CabinUnhold: Support GTY cabin un-hold
  3. Generic categories support: Generic category codes
  4. Premium dining support: vs just seating/standard dining
  5. Rule based transfer option support: Advanced transfer options
  6. Shorex package code for booking: Without it booking shorexes is impossible if there are multiple packages set up with same Package Type and date/time
  7. Guest sub party shorex availability search: Search shorex for subset of guests
  8. Search shorex availability for existing booking: Query shorex for modifications
  9. Shorex/land/hotel date time range: Extended date/time parameters
  10. Returning Group name in responses: Group identification
  11. Returning sailing classification and other aux parameters: Additional sailing metadata
  12. Availability search by cabin reserve type: Filter by reservation type