CUNARD is slashing its millennium prices by 20% as part of a repositioning of its Seabourn and Cunard brands.
A company spokesman said the move was part of the luxury cruiseline’s plans to compete with rivals and attract first-time cruise passengers.
“We need to expand our passenger base. We can’t rely on our regulars to keep coming back,” he said.
He denied that lower pricing would devalue the Cunard and Seabourn brands, pointing out that the company planned to significantly enhance its product over the next two years. QE2, Royal Viking Sun and Vistafjord are all due for a refit during this period. Prices for Seabourn Sun will start from ú145 per person per day which includes wines at dinner, gratuities, all meals and onboard entertainment, flights, overnight hotels and transfers.
Cunard is dropping a two-year complimentary alcohol policy on Seabourn cruises from January 2000, although free wine will still be served at meals.
At the same time, tips will start being added to guest accounts automatically on Cunard cruises.
n Cunard’s flagship QE2 will start the millennium with a 99-night world cruise from New York to Southampton on January 6. Prices start from ú16,275.