£10 million early booking push by Carnival UK

Carnival UK is spending £10 across its four cruise brands in its biggest January promotion to boost 2007 bookings.

P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Ocean Village and Cunard will all be pushed as the UK cruise market is expected to grow by 8% to 1.35 million next year.

In addition to print and broadcast advertising, consumers will be able to find out more about cruises through new brochures and educational brand DVDs available in travel agencies and direct from the brands; fully transactional websites; and a P&0 Cruises roadshow held across regional destinations throughout the UK.

Highlights of the activity throughout ‘Wave’ – the traditional January-February peak booking period for the cruise industry – include:

*P&O Cruises: £3 million advertising campaign, savings of up to 45% and complimentary on board credit of up to £125 per person on world cruise sector holidays in 2008.

*Cunard: Savings of up to 50% on QE2 voyages. Also, free shore excursions; on board credit of up to $1,800 per person and flight upgrades are available on selected full world cruises and line voyages up to the end of January, and reduced or complimentary regional coach connections are offered on selected Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossings. 

*Princess Cruises: Free regional coach transfers to Southampton or free car parking in Southampton on Sea Princess cruises; savings of up to 45% and exclusive luxury direct flights for the new Emerald Princess Mediterranean itineraries.

*Ocean Village: Up to 45% discount, £50 off Stay & Cruise on 2007 Mediterranean programme and £50 saving off balcony cabins on Ocean Village Two 2007 Mediterranean programme.

Carnival UK managing director David Dingle said: “People who book early will continue to have the best range of choice of cabin, of ship and of itinerary. They will also get the best price, as fares will once again rise going forward into the season. 

“There are some great incentives in place to encourage early bookings, and we are launching a massive campaign to highlight these to potential passengers.

“This is especially true for families. They have the best chance of getting free, or heavily discounted, child places available on family cabins by booking well ahead.”

Passenger Shipping Association director Bill Gibbons said: “It is important that cruise companies invest in communicating with potential passengers to highlight the benefits of a cruise holiday over a more traditional land-based stay.

“In busy booking periods like the New Year, holidaymakers should know that if they book early they won’t be disappointed come summertime.”

Report by Phil Davies