Carnival Cruise Lines reports record booking week

MIAMI, Fla.- Carnival Cruise Lines set a one-week reservations record booking 165,308 guests between Feb. 7-13, 2011, eclipsing the previous one-week reservations record set nearly four years ago.

MIAMI, Fla.- Carnival Cruise Lines set a one-week reservations record booking 165,308 guests between Feb. 7-13, 2011, eclipsing the previous one-week reservations record set nearly four years ago.

Bookings were at unprecedented levels across the line’s fleet, which operates three- to 16-day voyages from a wide range of convenient North American homeports as well as European cruises.

Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill noted that while the economy is improving, consumers are still seeking value โ€“ one of several factors spurring the record reservations activity. He cited strong travel agent support and targeted marketing and sales initiatives such as the company’s national “Didja Ever” TV and social media campaign, and a “72-Hour Sale” offering complimentary upgrades.

“Clearly, consumers are taking advantage of the incredible value that a Carnival cruise provides, not only in terms of our fun on-board experience but also our many convenient close-to-home departure points and wide variety of short itineraries,” Cahill said. “This activity reaffirms that even in today’s economic climate, consumers still want to have fun and view their vacations as an important part of their lives,” he added.

Carnival is “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Lineยฎ,” with 22 “Fun Ships” operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

The line currently has two new 130,000-ton ships on order โ€“ Carnival Magic, set to debut in Europe May 1, 2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

Carnival Cruise Lines reports record booking week

Despite the challenging economy, Carnival Cruise Lines is reporting strong booking volumes as prospective vacationers take advantage of some of the best vacation values in years.

Despite the challenging economy, Carnival Cruise Lines is reporting strong booking volumes as prospective vacationers take advantage of some of the best vacation values in years.

For the one-week period ended March 1, 2009, Carnival recorded the highest number of net weekly bookings in its history. Additionally, on a cumulative basis since mid-January, net bookings are up 10 percent compared to the same period in 2008, although pricing is at lower levels. Wave season typically runs from about mid-January through early spring and is traditionally the busiest, most important booking period in the cruise industry.

Last week’s record reservations activity encompassed all of the line’s 22-vessel fleet, which depart from a variety of convenient, drive-to homeports throughout the US.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO, attributed the increase in bookings to the line’s travel agent partners and consumers’ appreciation for the inherent value and affordability of a “Fun Ship” vacation, as well as aggressive marketing efforts. Among the marketing channels being utilized are broadcast, email, and on-line, along with targeted sales promotions, including a one-day sale.

“This record booking activity, while at lower pricing, is certainly encouraging. It tells us that despite the uncertain economic climate, consumers clearly need more fun in their lives and view their vacations as a valuable and necessary part of that,” Cahill said. “And Carnival’s unmatched combination of quality, affordability, and fun along with multiple close-to-home departure points and the greatest choice of short cruise options in the industry, make a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise the ideal getaway for today’s consumers,” he added.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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