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More passenger reviews added to luxury cruise site
Friday, 24 May, 2010
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More consumer reviews and a revamped blog feature in a relaunched website by luxury travel agency White Star Cruises.
The WEXAS-owned travel specialist is looking to treble the 15 pages of consumer reviews by the end of the year.
The www.whitestarcruises.com site is claimed to be faster and easier to use with improved navigation, new destination maps and features, plus a separate river cruise section.
Special prices and exclusive offers are now in a more prominent position on the new-look site.
Sales of river cruises doubled last year and this trend looks to continue in 2010, according to general manager Scott Anderson.
He said: “River cruising is most definitely growing in popularity. Long gone are the days of three-star older boats plying the Nile, Danube, or Rhine.
“Today’s modern ships offer five-star accommodation, wonderful amenities and high quality food.
“Many also include shore excursions and wine with meals, adding to the great value. Sales for river cruises in 2010 have surprised us and show no sign of slowing.”
Anderson added: “Working closely with our cruise partners, our special offer pages are among the most popular pages on the site, illustrating that while ticket prices might be high, even at the luxury end of the market, people are looking to make their money stretch as far as possible.
“Elements such as upgraded cabins, free flights, onboard spending money, and free shore excursions make a big difference when it comes to confirming the sale.”
The site also features luxury cruise news, a cruise blog, and dedicated cruise line pages with information from the lines such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.
“People are now booking six months to a year in advance – especially so in the luxury market. The luxury cruiser knows that by booking early they will get the best price and the suite that they want,” said Anderson.
Alaska and South America are proving popular, while itineraries for the Black Sea and luxury Nile cruises are seeing “huge” year-on-year growth, according to the company.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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