UK cruise lines claim record early bookings
Thursday, 03 Jul, 2009
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UK cruise lines are claiming record early bookings for 2010 and 2011 departures.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines described advance bookings for 2010 as being “well ahead of those a year ago”.
P&O Cruises and Cunard Line said reservations on July 1 for 2011 round the world cruises were 47% ahead with 2,044 people booking, against 1,385 bookings for 2010 voyages made this time last year.
Fred Olsen bookings for the week to June 29 were at the second highest level in the company’s history. The previous week was the third highest.
Marketing director Nigel Lingard said: “Our 2010/11 brochure was launched on June 22, and ever since we have been enjoying exceptionally good booking trends.
“It is evident to us that our existing customer base, as well as those new to cruising, have realised what tremendous value a cruise holiday is.
“Nearly all of our cruises depart from the UK, so they are convenient and there is no additional cost for air transportation, plus all on board prices are in sterling making it very easy to budget for spending money before you leave home.”
And he added: “Many of our target market have also finally decided to take the plunge for this year, so we are seeing a surge in late bookings for summer sailings.”
Cunard president and managing director Carol Marlow, said: “We are delighted to see this great response to the Cunard world voyage programme.
“We were the first to offer a world cruise back in 1922, and guests still seek out that civilised and authentic Cunard experience. Queen Elizabeth, whose keel was laid in Italy this week, will take her maiden word voyage in 2011.”
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: “We hope that the figures for both companies are indicative of shoots of growth for the travel industry as a whole, and show the resilience of the cruise sector.
“The appetite to take that ‘once in a lifetime’ voyage is far from in decline, and for many experienced cruisers a world voyage is becoming a regular winter holiday experience.
“The appetite to take that ‘once in a lifetime’ voyage is far from in decline, and for many experienced cruisers a world voyage is becoming a regular winter holiday experience.
“The success of this launch day suggests that cruising is more immune to the current economic climate and that holidays are still a priority.
“P&O Cruises is the world voyage expert and has used this wealth of experience to create this, the largest and most varied programme for 2011.
“With four ships sailing roundtrip from Southampton visiting a total of 89 ports in 46 countries we are able to offer more choice, more destinations and more holiday options than ever before.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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