| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 19/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 28 |
| Copyright: Other |
Market expansion
Royal Olympic eyes UK for winter programme
Report by TANYAJEFFERIES
ROYAL Olympic plans to actively promote a winter programme aimed at the UK market for the first time.The company’s forthcoming new ship, Olympic Voyager, will carry out a series of South American flycruises out of Fort Lauderdale between December this year and April next year.
Royal Olympic will also be marketing a 60-day circumnavigation of South America on Stella Solaris to UK holidaymakers.
Head of UK operations Vic Howlett said the company had not tried to push a winter programme in the UK before now, because air rates had been too expensive. However, this year he had been able to secure some competitive deals on flights out of London Gatwick and Manchester.
“I have managed to negotiate some very attractive air rates with Delta into Fort Lauderdale, and also with the Embassy Suites hotel in Fort Lauderdale,” he said. “This has enabled us to come out with a product that will sell in this market, particularly as we have a new ship this year.”
The 840-passenger Olympic Voyager, which is due to be launched in Athens on June 24, will carry out three itineraries this winter.
A 20-day Amazon River flycruise, which includes a call at Manaus in Brazil, starts from £1,956 per person. Departure dates from the UK are December 22, January 8 and 25 and February 11.
The ship will also carry out three 15-day Orinico River cruises starting at £1,425 and departing on December 10, February 28 and March 23.
Two 14-day Maya cruises calling at Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, Jamaica and Key West depart on March 12 and April 4. Prices start at £1,451.
Meanwhile, the circumnavigation cruise of South America on Stella Solaris leads in at £4,357.
Howlett: the addition of Olympic Voyager has enabled the cruiseline to expand its product range