January and February are the
best months to snap up
cheaper fares as cruise lines
race to fill up a record number
of empty cabins.
THE proliferation of big ships in Australia will
see prices plunge over the next two months,
according to the head of the International
Cruising Council of Australasia.
Speaking to Cruise Weekly, ICCA chairman
Gavin Smith predicted “incredible value”
across all brands.
“2012 will bring more choice in cruising to
the Australian public than in any other time in
the industry’s history, with a number of
first-time, world-class cruise ship visitors still
to come from a variety of brands, with vessels
set to include Voyager of the Seas, Celebrity
Solstice, Carnival Spirit and Oosterdam,” he said.
“I anticipate that with so many
opportunities to go cruising, there will be
some very attractive pricing, most likely for
cruises towards the end of 2012 and the
2012-13 summer season.”
The best time to book is tipped to be during
the “earlybird sales”, traditionally launched at
the start of each year, Smith said.
“My prediction is that the industry will
respond to the increased volume of cruise
holidays by releasing never-to-be-repeated
pricing in January and February.
“They will all be out there with great deals,”
he said.
Heavy discounts are expected to be applied
to local as well as overseas departures,
particularly in Europe.
*Conditions: Price listed in Australian dollars and valid on 2012 sailings only. Must book and pay in full by 18 March, 2012. Price is based on Cat.D, November 12
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“The combination of our strong dollar and
greater availability should present good
opportunities to travel internationally, and
whereas in the past Australians have struggled
to get their accommodation of choice because
the inventory is so dominated by the
European market, I think they will now find
there are more beds available,” Smith said.
He acknowledged the challenging economic
situation in Europe and the US but said
interest in Australia and New Zealand
remained strong, evidenced by the recent
trend towards basing newer, better quality
ships in the region.
“2012 is a demonstration by the world’s
cruise lines of their recognition of Australia as
an important component of their deployments
in respect of the strength of the local market
and the interest in travel to Australia by
Americans and Europeans,” he said.
“It augurs well for the year ahead and
Australians can look forward to the benefits,”
he added.
