Royal Caribbean reports 40 per cent rise in bookings

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Low prices, added value and ongoing, high-profile advertising have boosted 2009 cruise bookings dramatically for Royal Caribbean International and its premium Celebrity Cruises brand in both the UK and Ireland.

During the ‘wave’ booking period of January-February, bookings increased by 40 per cent over the same period in 2008, according to Royal Caribbean’s associate vice president and general manager, Jo Rzymowska.

Most of the increase is being attributed to bookings on the Independence of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean International’s three massive vessels, which will be operating this summer from Southampton for a second season.

The announcement from Royal Caribbean follows the Carnival UK report of an increase of 25-30 per cent in bookings since Christmas.

Rzymowska said that cruising continues to be a popular option in the tough economic environment because of good pricing, increased on-board credits, free coach transfers and free parking at the port.

She added that as Royal Caribbean becomes an established brand in the minds of consumers, customers will ask travel agents to book their cruise on Royal Caribbean.

Increases in bookings through multiple agencies have contributed significantly to the boost in business, noted Rzymowska.

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