Bookings frenzy for Queen Mary 2
Carnival Australia says it experienced its biggest ever day of cruise sales this week as consumers rushed to book onboard the historic circumnavigation of Australia by Cunard’s Queen Mary 2.
The voyage, which will take place in February 2012, opened for sale at 9am on Tuesday and within 15 minutes 450 staterooms had been booked.
Cunard said it was now compiling waitlists for passengers wanting to join the liner in Fremantle and Adelaide.
Jenny Lourey, senior vice president of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said the company had been overwhelmed by the response.
“Yesterday was our biggest ever day for cruise bookings across all our brands, with sales on Queen Mary 2’s voyage around Australia leading the way.
“There may still be some element of uncertainty in the economy but it seems consumers are very bullish when it comes to cruising.”
Lourey said almost 75 per cent of the passengers that have booked on the historic sailing have never cruised before.
About 40 per cent are aged between 40 and 60 years, and almost two-thirds have booked a balcony cabin.
About half the bookings came from four key travel agents.
Ian Jarrett
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