New research conducted by P&O Cruises claims cruise holidays are better value now than a decade ago.
The report says the cost of cruises has dropped significantly and is no longer the preserve of the rich, while everyday household items and food have increased in price.
A two-week cruise this summer in an ocean view cabin costs £1,579 per person based on the average cost of a P&O cruise – the actual cost of the same holiday ten years ago was £2,520.
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said that if prices had risen in accordance with inflation they should be more than double the cost they are in the company’s summer brochure. The cumulative inflation rate between May 1998 and May 2008 is 32%, according to the Office of National Statistics.
Esdale added: “In actual fact this year’s prices are more than £900 cheaper per person, almost £2,000 cheaper for a couple than ten years ago.”
An ocean view cabin on P&O Cruises’ Oriana this year costs £3,158 – 37% less than a decade ago when the same cabin would have cost £5,040.
In comparison, Esdale said, food and household goods have almost doubled.
- A loaf has bread has risen from 48p ten years ago to £1.08
- A pint of draught bitter has increased from £1.70 to around £3.00
- Unleaded petrol has risen from 67p a litre to £1.12
P&O said the figures showed the continuing value for money of cruise holidays during the current credit crunch. It has set up a value for money web page on its website.