Luxury cruise bookings spurred by offers

Sunday, 22 Sep, 2009 0

Special advance booking offers are helping drive sales for luxury cruises, according to an upmarket agency.

White Star Cruises claims promotions and marketing activity has led to 30% growth in luxury cruise sales for next year.

Customers at the top-end of the cruise market are becoming more tuned in to the benefits of booking early – aided by promotions from lines such as Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

General manager Scott Anderson said: “Customers are still booking luxury cruises for 2009, however the bulk of our business is for 2010 – we are up 30% year-on-year.

“This is driven by the offers launched by the lines and people are realising that to get the best price and the best suite they need to book well in advance.”

Unusual top destinations for 2010 include the Black Sea and yacht harbours of Italy.

“However, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean will continue to be the staple destinations. But for winter, the luxury cruiser is now looking further afield and South America, Middle East, Australia and the Far East are gaining popularity in the luxury sector, and the cruise lines are responding with some fantastic itineraries,” Anderson said.

Luxury river cruising is gaining popularity for European rivers, and exclusive Oberoi packages on the Nile are attracting interest, he added.

“Another popular trend is people are looking for tailor-made luxury cruise holidays,” said Anderson. “We can add our chauffeurs, meet and assist services at airports, VIP lounges at the airport, offer flights from a large number of carriers, private transfers, pre and post cruise stays, spas and boutique hotels all added to the basic cruise.

“Our customers are increasingly wanting these extra services – at the top-end of the market the cruise forms the basis of the trip and around it they add on in extras to suit their every need.”

by Phil Davies

Phil Davies

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