First Choice claims to have secured a 15% share of the flycruise market since the launch of its cruise programme last April.
Speaking at the inaugural cruise of Bolero, managing director Dermot Blastland said bookings for its first ship have exceeded expectations with occupancy rates for the first month running between 85% and 90%.
“We are very pleased as we entered the market in a tough year. The early indicators showed that summer ’99 was down 40% for the flycruise market although the market has picked up since Christmas,” said Blastland.
Market share is expected to rise to 18% next year with the introduction of a second ship, Ausonia, operated by Louis Cruises.