The travel industry is reporting ‘Positive levels’ of holiday bookings in its peak new year selling period.
And cruises look to be the perfect credit crunch holiday solution.
A study by industry body the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) suggest that Egypt, Turkey, Orlando, long haul destinations and cruises are selling well.
The uptake for summer getaways comes after a surge of holiday offers by travel companies.
Despite the economic gloom, almost 70% of people are prepared to up their budget or spend the same as last year to ensure they have something to look forward to, according to an ABTA study.
Only nine per cent plan to leave their bookings to the last minute.
The ABTA Holiday Value Report found that with 66% of the population claim a “huge emotional high” from a summer holiday.
Almost half believe the break from routine is a vital escape valve to credit crunch pressures.
Those asked also rate the value of summer holidays three times higher than pay rises, according to the study.
With that in mind it is good to see cruise lines proactively talking up the cost benefits of cruising.
Cruises are able to combine the excitement of experiencing different cultures each day with the warmth of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean but all without having to worry about how the pound is looking against the euro or dollar, meaning more value for money.
That’s not to say that dollar-based lines such as Cunard, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises or euro-based ones like Costa and MSC are no longer a good deal, just that there’s more punch for your pound when not having to encounter unfavourable exchange rates.
A sterling-based cruise means avoiding more expensive currencies such as the euro, and to an extent the dollar, whilst also fulfilling the need for an inclusive price which gives much more certainty at the time of purchase.
This means that despite the value of the pound plummeting, cash-conscious travellers in dollar-based destinations in the Caribbean this winter can counteract currency fluctuations.
Both casual cruise line Ocean Village and Thomson Cruises are emphasising the value offered through all on board prices being offered in sterling.
Using pounds on board irrespective of where the ship is actually located, passengers on British lines such as those previously mentioned together with the likes of P&O Cruises and Fred Olsen Cruise Line can avoid becoming a victim of currency conversion shortfalls.
With Ocean Village, for example, there are no gratuities, in either dollars or sterling, to worry about on board.
Cruise holidays include flights, transfers, full board dining in a range of restaurants, plus entertainment and children’s clubs.
Even shore excursions are quoted in pounds and with many including lunch and drinks, expenditure in euros or dollars can be kept to a minimum.
As passengers pre-pay for virtually everything in sterling, they have a much better idea of the overall holiday cost before they leave the country.
And I’m glad to see Ocean Village head of marketing and communications Gill Haynes pointing out the important things in life – the price of a pint!
“As a result of the recent pound plummet, passengers on cruise ships that work in US dollars will be noticing a sudden surge in real costs on board,” she says.
“For example, six months ago, a $6 pint of beer on a competitor ship would have cost Brits around £3.50, but in the current climate, that same beer is now £4.60. On Ocean Village it has remained a steady £2.80 per pint.”
Cheers to that!
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