p22 Cruise Mar12 9/3/10 13:40 Page 20
Cruise
Chris Gray
020 7921 8003
cgray@ttglive.com
For the latest cruise news, visit ttglive.com/cruise
This meant it could keep prices higher than
those of its first campaign, when transatlantic
sailings were offered from £699.
He estimated that as a result, yields were at
least 10% higher this year, with transatlantic
sailings and Cunard’s 2011 world cruises selling
particularly well.
“What we are seeing is that the Cunard Sale
has captured people’s imagination,” he said.
“They are now looking out for it and waiting
to book.”
Curtis also praised the strong support this
year’s campaign had attracted from the trade.
“The response from agents was even greater
The Cunard Sale offered transatlantic crossings onboard the Queen Mary 2, above, from £899 than before and I think this was because it was
the second year,” he said.
Cunard Sale set to
“The sales message is simple, and that makes
it easy for agents to engage in and communicate
to their customers.”
Curtis said Cunard would launch more promo-
be annual event
tions later this year, although details have yet to
be confirmed.
A key focus will be the launch of the Queen
Elizabeth on October 11, and details of its maiden
Sara Macefield.
It was modelled on the famous Harrods Sale voyage are due to be unveiled “soon”.
CUNARD chiefs are looking to make the Cunard and offered various reductions which included The line is continuing to push its agent training
Sale an annual event after revealing that this savings of up to £300. Transatlantic crossings packs, launched at the end of 2009 with 10,000
year’s promotion brought in higher yields and onboard the Queen Mary 2 started at £899. distributed to retailers.
stronger support from agents. Cunard head of marketing Richard Curtis said It is also planning to repeat a poster promo-
The three-month promotion, which ended on better advance sales meant the line went into tion which showcased the benefits of the Cunard
February 28, was the second the brand has run. this year’s promotion more than 10% better sold. ships aimed at counter staff.
Swan 2010 river cruises ‘sell out’
In brief
SWAN HELLENIC has sold out its 2010 river cruise ■ Hebridean Princess returns to work
programme. Customers wanting to go on one of Hebridean Island Cruises’ ship has come back
the itineraries on the Danube, Rhone and Rhine into service after a major refit. The work on
this summer are now being put on a waiting list Hebridean Princess is part of a four-year pro-
in case of any cancellations. gramme to comply with new regulations. The
The boom in sales has prompted Swan Hellenic ship’s public rooms have been renovated while
to launch its 2011 programme of cruises earlier the lighting has also been upgraded. Other work
than usual. has included an overhaul of the ship’s engines.
Managing director Colin Stone said the
company had already secured “significant the A-Rosa fleet which feature all outside cabins, ■ Costa Cruises signs up to Abta
bookings” for its 2011 schedule. including some with Juliette balconies. Carnival Corporation-owned Costa Cruises has
“There was strong demand for our 2010 river Packages include excursions and transfers joined Abta. Managing director Marco Rosa said:
programme, so we are not really surprised at the plus all tips onboard and ashore. A guest speaker “Our decision to add the association to our existing
level of interest already expressed in next year’s and cruise director also accompany each voyage. bonds with Atol and the Passenger Shipping
cruises,” he said. Customers can choose to either fly or take a train Association is part of continuous efforts to offer
“In 2011, we are offering one cruise on the to the cruise departure points. industry-leading service to our passengers.”
Danube, one on the Rhine, and three on the An eight-day river cruise on the Danube in May
Rhone to satisfy demand.” 2011 starts from £1,425 per person including
ttglive.com
For the very latest cruise news,
Swan Hellenic’s river cruises use ships from flights or rail travel. visit ttglive.com/cruise
22 12.03.2010
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