Cruise market showing strong advance bookings

The cruise market is showing strength in the current economic downturn, and advance bookings on P&O Cruises are one example of how the industry is faring. Last week, when the cruise operator put its 2010 full world voyages on sale it sold £14 million in bookings in one day alone.

Monday, 15 September was the first day of sales for the cruises, which saw nearly 1,000 customers booking at an average per-person price of £14,000.

The managing director of P&O Cruises, Nigel Esdale, commented: “In a time of economic instability, and when everyday budgets are being tightened, it is remarkable how resilient the cruise market can be.”

Contained in the 2010 brochure are the first full world voyage for the Arcadia and a “connoisseur” voyage for the more experienced cruise traveller on the Aurora.

Both itineraries depart from Southampton, and are scheduled for January 2010.

Esdale added: “Whilst world voyages do attract a number of passengers new to cruising, they are of particular appeal to our more experienced clients who have the time and inclination to be away for long periods of time.”

He went on to say that it is likely the full world cruise market is more immune to the economic downturn, and that this could be the explanation for the highly successful launch of the new brochure.

Thanks to www.travelmole.com for the quotes above. For more information please visit their website.

www.pocruises.com