Record bookings for UK cruiselines

UK cruiselines have seen record bookings for 2010 and 2011 departures, despite the credit crunch, it has been reported.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines told Travel Mole that bookings are "well ahead" this year compared with where the figures were in the same period of 2008.

In the week leading up to June 29th the firm's bookings were the second highest they have ever been, with the previous week achieving the third highest level of bookings.

Marketing director Nigel Lingard said that since the 2010/11 brochure was launched on June 22nd the firm has experience "exceptionally good booking trends".

"It is evident to us that our existing customer base, as well as those new to cruising, have realised what tremendous value a cruise holiday is," explained Mr Lingard.

He added that as nearly all of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' voyages depart from the UK they are convenient to customers and incur no hidden costs for transport to foreign ports.

"Plus all on board prices are in sterling making it very easy to budget for spending money before you leave home," the cruise expert added, commenting on the weak exchange rate of the pound against the euro and dollar at the moment.

Managing director of Cunard was similarly delighted with trading conditions.

Carol Marlow said: "We were the first to offer a world cruise back in 1922 and guests still seek out that civilised and authentic Cunard experience.

"Queen Elizabeth, whose keel was laid in Italy this week, will take her maiden word voyage in 2011."

Nigel Esdale of P&O said that the figures from cruise companies across the board are indicative of growth in the travel industry as a whole and should give heart to other sectors of the industry.

He said this growth was fueled by a growing appetitive among British travellers to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences and pick up some summer sun at the same time.

The cruise expert noted that his firm now has four ships sailing roundtrip from Southampton visiting a total of 89 ports in 46 countries enabling it to offer customers more choice than ever before.

Meanwhile, the Passenger Shipping Association has reported an 11 per cent yearly growth in custom in the cruise industry during 2008 for the second consecutive year.

The organisation expects things to level off in 2009 and pick up again in 2010.