The boss of P&O Cruises has outlined how airport chaos and the cost-of-living crisis are driving new-to-cruise bookings on the line’s latest vessel Iona.
Around half of the 5,200-passenger ship’s guests are new to cruise which is “slightly more than that the fleet average”, president Paul Ludlow told Sky News’ Ian King Live programme on Monday (July 18).
“Iona is our newest ship in the fleet and she’s heading to Norway right now,” he said, adding: “We’re seeing about 50% of her guests being new-to-cruise which is slightly more but not too different from the fleet average.
“We’re welcoming thousands of people on to their first cruise this summer.
“Really people are desperate to get away and cruise is very en vogue at the moment.”
But he admitted that fuel and other costs were having an impact, he added: “There are cost pressures on our business like many others in the UK but we’re fortunate that we’re seeing great demand at the moment so that is helping offset some of those costs.
“We’ve got the economies of scale which mean that we can keep those price points low for our customers.”
He went on to say that cruise offered better value for money that other holiday types.
Ludlow (pictured) said: “I think the chaos at airports and the cost-of-living crisis have all led people to P&O Cruises and the cruise industry.
“The ease of starting your holiday from Southampton and the incredible value for money we offer, people are desperate to get away and they can count on us. Cruising is doing very well.”
He admitted that labour shortages had hit the line “at the start of the summer” but said it had now overcome the challenge as time went on.
“This summer and going into the autumn, we’re looking in good shape,” he said.