SPECIAL SURVEY

Cruise holidays better value
now than 10 years ago

August 29, 2008 - Forget the credit crunch ... cruising is much more affordable today than it was ten years ago.

Research conducted by P&O Cruises has discovered that a two-week cruise holiday this summer in an ocean view cabin setting you back £1,579 per person should, based on actual cost of the same holiday in1998, actually be costing £2,520.

Says P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale: "The cumulative inflation rate between May 1998 and May 2008 is 32%, so if cruise holidays had increased accordingly, then our prices should be more than double those in this summer's brochure. In actual fact, this year's prices are more than £900 cheaper per person, almost £2,000 cheaper for a couple than ten years ago."

An ocean view cabin for two people on Oriana this year costs £3 158 - 37% less than ten years ago when the same cabin would have cost £5 040.

Esdale adds: "Household expenditure on everyday items has practically doubled, while cruise holidays have become more affordable than ever. Considering a cruise holiday today includes accommodation, almost all food, entertainment and even flights, the research proves the exceptional value it provides at a time when the credit crunch is hitting our wallets in every aspect of our daily life.
"Passengers can eat in the restaurant of a celebrity chef, try bungee trampolining and circus skills, enjoy a martini in a contemporary designer bar or see a West End style show at minimal cost."

This view is endorsed by Virgin Holidays Cruises managing director, Robin Deller who says: "At Virgin Holidays Cruises we have seen a significant increase in cruise sales in 2008. We believe this is mainly due to the fact consumers are now fully aware that a cruise holiday really does provide the best value for money. This trend seems set to continue as more innovative ships appealing to the 'new to cruise' passenger and to families enter service."

P&O Cruises has set up a dedicated web page so holidaymakers can look at the value for money offered by a cruise holiday.