CUNARDLine is planning to slash prices by 10%-20% in 2000 in a bid to boost sales volumes out of the UK.
General sales manager Neil King said Cunard expected to reach 25,000 UK bookings in 1999, a 10% rise on last year. However, he is aiming to increase volumes by a further 15% in 2000.
Cunard undertook a stringent discounting policy this year under the banner ‘simplicity pricing’, which allowed customers to make savings of up to 55% on cruise prices. For 2000, early-booking discounts of up to 20% are available. In Cunard’s latest Fleet Preview 2000 brochure, the average selling price is £3,500 for a 16-night cruise on Caronia, and £1,500 for a seven-night cruise on QE2.
Caronia is currently sailing under the name Vistafjord, but this will be changed in December. Cunard’s three other ships – Sea Goddess I and II and Royal Viking Sun – will sail under the Seabourn Cruise Line brand from the end of this year.
QE2’s programme in 2000 includes a world cruise, 19 transatlantic crossings and two 16-night cruises between Southampton and Cape Town.
Caronia will be sailing in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the Baltic.