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LIGHT AT THE END OF
THE TUNNEL?
The past two weeks have seen consistent reports of strong consumer bookings in
the cruise industry. The war in Iraq is over. US consumer confidence numbers sky
rocketed last week. The World Health Organization is making sounds like SARS is
being contained and Toronto is off the travel advisory list. Consumer spending
is up. Greenspan advises that the end of the war will signal the start of slow
but steady growth. These are all signs that the public in general is seeing life
getting back to normal and travel is on their agendas!
As we have been saying in past newsletters cruise pricing is currently at record
low, almost ridiculous, levels. We predict, as do others, that as bookings
increase and other indicators increase so will pricing. If price has been a
factor in making decisions about cruises, NOW is the time to take advantage and
book a cruise!
EITBM GENEVA MAY 20 TO 22, 2003
Worldwide Travel and Cruise will again be at the show. Please stop by our booth,
#2253, located by the French stand. Joining us on the booth will be Steve Bloss,
Martin Dock our UK and Europe representative and Kevin Wilks with the Vantage
Group owners of the MS River Odyssey. We look forward to seeing you and
assisting you with any of your cruise inquiries or questions.
NEW SHORT CRUISE OPPORTUNITIES AND
DEALS
SeaDream Yacht Club will be offering a limited number of 4 and 5 night cruises
in the Caribbean this coming winter season. These 110 passenger all suite
vessels offer all inclusive pricing. Having the ability to offer a shorter
cruise might put these two ships back into many budgets.
Star Clippers have numerous cruises of 2 to 5 nights available in the MED for
2003 and 2004. They also have a ship available for the Monaco Grand Prix in
2004.
Sea Cloud II, the luxurious 94 passenger sailing ship, has a 6 night slot
available in Mar 04.
Carnival Spirit has a one time 6 night cruise departing from San Diego in Oct 03
ports of call include Cabo San Lucas and La Paz
Song of Flower, 180 passengers, is available for charter for 4 and 5 night
cruises from Nice, France starting late Sept 03 for a limited series of cruises.
She also has one May 2004 date available.
EUROPEAN MEETINGS
The Vantage Group is making their newest river ship MS River Odyssey available
for meetings and incentives on the Rhine and Danube rivers for 2003 and 2004.
This elegant 168 passenger, 84 staterooms will be available for charter for 3 or
more nights effective immediately. Pricing is available with all meals or on a
bed and breakfast basis. The ship can be used as a stationary floating hotel or
provide short custom cruises. This 4+ star river ship offers a very competitive
rate when compared to comparable hotels plus the ability to have an exclusive
venue. Get full details at the EITBM Show.
NEWS FROM WORLDWIDE RESORTS
Worldwide and our resort partner, The Ocean Reef Club announce "Take the
Afternoon Off" group opportunity. For the balance of 2003, book your meeting or
incentive group at the Ocean Reef Club and receive one afternoon of
complimentary activities. Choose from a round of golf on one of Ocean Reef's 2
championship golf courses, a half-day deep sea fishing charter, a spa treatment,
or two hours of tennis. Room rates start at just $169 per night.
Located on over 4,000 acres of tropically
landscaped Atlantic coastline, the Ocean Reef Club is an exclusive resort
community that offers over 30,000 square feet of flexible function space as well
as state-of-the-art audiovisual and conference planning services.
SHIP AND PROPERTY REVIEWS
For
the latest ship and property reviews, please visit our website at
www.cruiseco.com and click on the Product Review tab. |
