One of the UK’s leading independent cruise retailers, Gill’s Cruise Centre, has seen an increase in customers wanting to book all-inclusive cruise packages. These all-inclusive cruise options represent excellent value for money and enable customers to effectively manage their holiday budget, reassuring them of the full cost of holiday in advance whilst also taking advantage of the numerous on-board services and facilities…
One of the UK’s leading independent cruise retailers, Gill’s Cruise Centre, has seen an increase in customers wanting to book all-inclusive cruise packages. These all-inclusive cruise options represent excellent value for money and enable customers to effectively manage their holiday budget, reassuring them of the full cost of holiday in advance whilst also taking advantage of the numerous on-board services and facilities.
Currently, only a few cruise operators offer an all-inclusive option, however this trend in increasing customer demand could drive an increase in this offering. The all-inclusive cruise package is a particularly attractive feature for families who are able to pre-determine the cost of the holiday in advance.
In fact, some all-inclusive supplements can be an incredibly cost-effective option. Thomson Cruises will be offering an upgrade to all-inclusive on its Mediterranean Island Escape ship in 2010. Regent Seven Seas and Silversea also offer all-inclusive packages, and under the new brand name of Azamara Club Cruises, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines-owned company is adopting a primarily all-inclusive service from April 2010.
This unprecedented demand and movement towards the “value added” cruise has spurred an increase in cruise lines offering all-inclusive supplements and packaged elements. For example, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises all offer wine or drinks packages which feature different options and a good selection of liquor to choose from.
Alistair Gill, Chairman of Gill’s Cruise Centre comments on this emerging trend: “The all-inclusive package can truly enhance the cruise experience. Guests can take advantage of elements such as entertainment, food and drink, excursions and bus transfers from ports into town all within a fixed budget which means you can enjoy the stress-free cruise experience free of wallet-worries! This is becoming an increasingly attractive option, particularly in the tough economic climate when travellers are looking for the best value from their holiday.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
