Carnival Cruise Lines set a one-week reservations record booking 165,308 guests between Feb. 7-13, 2011, eclipsing the previous one-week reservations record set nearly four years ago.
Bookings were at unprecedented levels across the line’s fleet, which operates three- to 16-day voyages from a wide range of convenient North American homeports as well as European cruises.
Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill noted that while the economy is improving, consumers are still seeking value – one of several factors spurring the record reservations activity. He cited strong travel agent support and targeted marketing and sales initiatives such as the company’s national “Didja Ever” TV and social media campaign, and a “72-Hour Sale” offering complimentary upgrades.
“Clearly, consumers are taking advantage of the incredible value that a Carnival cruise provides, not only in terms of our fun on-board experience but also our many convenient close-to-home departure points and wide variety of short itineraries,” Cahill said. “This activity reaffirms that even in today’s economic climate, consumers still want to have fun and view their vacations as an important part of their lives,” he added.
Carnival is “The World’s Most Popular Cruise Line,” with 22 “Fun Ships” operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.
The line currently has two new 130,000-ton ships on order – Carnival Magic, set to debut in Europe May 1, 2011, and Carnival Breeze, scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.
