Carnival Cruise Lines Have Record Week

Go figure. Just when all reports show that American consumers are holding tightly onto their purse strings and eliminating all non-essential expenses, Carnival Cruise Lines reports their best ever booking week. Now, historically, the first quarter is the best of the year for cruise bookings as families set their travel plans for the year. Still, who would have thought that 2009 would bring a record for what is basically a luxury item.

According to Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO, bookings are up 10 percent from the same period in 2008. Says Cahill, “This record booking activity, while at lower pricing, is certainly encouraging. It tells us that despite the uncertain economic climate, consumers clearly need more fun in their lives and view their vacations as a valuable and necessary part of that. And Carnival’s unmatched combination of quality, affordability and fun along with multiple close-to-home departure points and the greatest choice of short cruise options in the industry, make a ‘Fun Ship’ cruise the ideal getaway for today’s consumers,” he added.

Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 “Fun Ships” operating voyages ranging from three to 16 days in length to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Europe, and Bermuda. Cruises may be booked with most travel agents, by calling 1-800-Carnival, or by visiting the lines’ Web site.

(photo credit: Newscom)