Sales of Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, have slowed in the past six weeks after an initial flurry of bookings.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line vice–president and general manager UK and Ireland Jo Rzymowska said sales for the new ship –and across the whole fleet –had suffered in the past six weeks because of the economic downturn.
She said bookings got off to a promising start when calls to Royal Caribbean International’s call centre rose by 57% week on week when the new ship went on sale in September.
“People booked because they wanted to be the first ones on Oasis of the Seas, but sales have slowed in the last few weeks,” she said.
At the moment, 30% of the ship’s capacity for its inaugural 2009 season has been booked. However, Rzymowska is confident bookings will hold up in 2009.
“What’s happening in the economy is going to affect everyone. However, people will be very conscious of what they’re getting for their money and cruises are incredibly good value. We will benefit from people downgrading fromsix-star luxury ships like Azamara.”