Cruise prices for Oceania Cruises have doubled on certain sailings in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, the lines senior vice-president has revealed. <\/p>\n
Bernard Carter, who is also managing director EMEA, told agent partners during a ship visit onboard Nautica in Southampton last week that Brexit had caused a range of issues. We are selling some cruises at double the price we did last year partly because of Brexit and partly because of changes in strategy on our part. <\/p>\n
Later speaking to TTG, Carter said Oceania was one of the first to break ranks and raise prices following the referendum result last June. [After the vote], any brand priced in US dollars experienced an immediate change. We made a move in September to realign to the new exchange rate And in some circumstances we are selling at double the price rate compared with last year. <\/p>\n
It comes after Carter admitted the line had been forced to drop prices in the UK to attract British passengers and fill ships following a slump in demand from the US last year, as Americans shied away from Europe amid fears over terrorism. <\/p>\n
Last year we attracted lots of new British and European guests to the brand... We had to the market was very suppressed because the Americans werent coming to Europe. <\/p>\n
He added however that despite the price fall last year, Oceania prices were now higher than in 2015. <\/p>\n
Theres no denying that 2017 is a challenging year but our revenue yield per day is significantly up year-on-year. That is in part thanks to our trade partners. This time last year we had 88 sailings on special offer, today we have a quarter of that, he added. <\/p>\n
When we launched in the UK in 2005, we were cheaper than the US. Now we are heading towards the same levels on the whole as they are. <\/p>\n
Carter also said Oceania was unlikely to follow sister line Norwegian Cruise Line in introducing all-inclusive fares. <\/p>\n
The line already offers free unlimited internet onboard in addition to its OLife Choice programme, which enables guests to choose from free shore excursions, a free house beverage package or a shipboard credit. Carter said: We have set ourselves aside to be the cruise line of choice. <\/p>\n
Early last year we introduced OLife, as we felt that people need choice. <\/p>\n
I would never say never [regarding all-inclusive], as we listen to our customers, but the message we get is that they like their freedom. <\/p>\n
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TTG Media | Travel industry, travel agent and tourism news, events ... - TTG<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cruise prices for Oceania Cruises have doubled on certain sailings in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, the lines senior vice-president has revealed. Bernard Carter, who is also managing director EMEA, told agent partners during a ship visit onboard Nautica in Southampton last week that Brexit had caused a range of issues. Continue reading