Island Cruises’ ship Island Escape is to go all inclusive for next summer in a bid to attract first timers on board.
All food and drinks will come as part of the cruise price in a move parent company Tui Travel claims is unique to the UK informal cruising market. This is in addition to tips and service charges being included.
Prices lead in at £779 for a seven-night fly-cruise from Palma based on a May 7, 2013 departure flying from Bournemouth.
Ten new ports of call into Island Escape itineraries for next summer and winter 2013 including Kusadasi in Turkey, Calgari in Sardinia, Piraeus for Athens, Corfu, Katakolon and Mykonos in Greece, Calvi in Corsica, Ibiza in Spain, Nice and St Raphael in France.
The 1,544–passenger ship will sail from Palma and Limassol in Cyprus with bookings for next year opening on April 25. Pre-registrations are being taken from today (Wednesday) through Thomson and First Choice agencies.
The majority of new ports of call will be available as part of a 13-night ‘Temples and Tavernas’ itinerary from March 13 taking in Kusadasi, Mykonos, Katakolon, Corfu, Piraeus, Rhodes, Naples, Civitavecchia (for Rome), Ajaccio in Corsica and Mahon in Menorca.
All inclusive cruise and stay holidays are also being introduced based on the 4T-rated Platja D’Or hotel in Alcudia and Aparthotel Playa Mar in Puerto Pollensa, Majorca.
Thomson and Island Cruises’ managing director Fraser Ellacott said: “All Inclusive is a very popular option with our customers already, so it makes perfect sense to offer it as standard.
“We are the first to be providing this option in the UK informal cruising market.
“Couples and families now won’t have to worry about budgeting for their drinks, snacks, meals and tips on board, as this will all be included in the price of their holiday.
“By going all inclusive we also hope to appeal to ‘new to cruise’ customers looking for an informal and laid back cruise with top-class entertainment, 24 hour dining and fantastic ports of call.”