RCCL has developed a special 10-day fly/cruise package for the Norwegian market on seven-day Caribbean cruises starting January 1988 on the Song of America and the Sovereign of the Seas and on the Nordic Prince for New York/Bermuda cruises. Prices range from $1,470 to $2,259 per person, double occupancy.
The program is part of RCCL’s effort to expand its European passenger base.
In Norway, RCCL’s program is being compared to the attractive packages that for years have attracted thousands of Norwegians (and Swedes and Danes) to the Canary Islands and to Southern Spain.
The 10-day fly/cruise package includes roundtrip airfare Oslo-Miami; overnight hotel accommodations in Miami; transfers between the airport/hotel/ship; and upon the return to Miami a day hotel room before the flight back.
For the New York/Bermuda cruises, the package also includes hotel for one night upon arrival in New York and all transfers.
“Since our capacity will increase 55 percent with the 2,282 passenger (double occupancy) Sovereign of the Seas, we need to stimulate business to increase our volume. We can reap the benefits of a lower dollar and subsidize roundtrip flights from Norway to Miami” said Rune Flesland, RCCL Director.
RCCL’s goal is to get 1,000 Norwegian passengers in the first year.
The line is also expanding its promotional efforts throughout Europe to expand its European passenger base by 50 percent in 1988. Last year, the line sold 8,000 berths in Europe. This year, it expects to sell five percent of its capacity in Eruope.
Being promoted in Europe is a 12-day land/sea package with optional pre- and post-cruise stays.