Cruising stronger and for longer
By: Katrina Archer and Bruce Piper, Cruise Weekly

Australians' demand for cruise holidays continues to boom, with record numbers opting for longer itineraries - but big discounts are still on offer for bargain hunters.

While the rest of the travel industry struggles in this economic climate, cruising is defying the downward trend and holding strong.

According to the major cruise lines, record numbers of Australians are purchasing cruise holidays, including longer and more expensive itineraries, while many others are attracted by the great value deals in the current market.

Bookings for Princess Cruises' annual world cruise from Australia, for example, reached record levels in June. More than 500 Australians got in early for Dawn Princess' circumnavigation voyage in May 2010 - this number was more than double the bookings made in any other month this year, according to the company.

Most of the bookings were for the full 104-night world cruise, while the 52-night line voyages between Sydney and Southampton and longer cruise sectors are also selling well.

"It is encouraging to see that some Australian travellers are becoming more comfortable in booking a long holiday, although value is still important," said Jenny Lourey, senior vice president of Carnival Australia, which represents Princess Cruises.

"Australians have been choosing to cruise in record numbers since 2002, and these bookings show demand for cruise holidays in Australia has not softened."

Princess Cruises has extended its bonus onboard credit offer for Dawn Princess' 2010 world cruise until 30 September, offering credit of $1000 per person to passengers booking the full world cruise and $500 credit for those sailing for more than 50 nights.

Fares for the full world cruise on Dawn Princess start from $19,199 per person twin share, with the voyage departing Sydney on 21 May. Ms Lourey said Sun Princess' 42-night 'Cherry Blossom' cruise to Japan in March 2010 - priced from $5999 per person - was also proving popular with passengers.

Meanwhile, the massive discounts and bonus offers continue to attract travellers looking for good value.

Yesterday, Fiesta Holidays announced a 'two for the price of one' deal for balcony cabins on selected MSC Cruises' Mediterranean sailings taken between January and March 2010, if booked before the end of this month.

Classic International Cruises has also declared a genuine free flight offer from Australia to Greece to embark on its 35- day voyage back to Perth.

Silversea Cruises has cut up to 50% off the price of selected itineraries, as well as changed its fare structure to reward people who book early.

Last week Viking River Cruises also introduced its best-ever early booking discounts, while in June P&O launched its earlybird sale and Crystal Cruises had a successful three-day sale.

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