Carnival Cruise Lines is reporting record wave season bookings, with strong reservations activity for 2010 departures. The line has reported that bookings from 01JAN thru 21FEB were at unprecedented levels for their 22 Carnival ships and as a result, have announced a general price increase will be implemented effective March 22nd on all summer sailings in June, July and August.
Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill said, "We're seeing significantly increased volume as consumers are taking advantage of the incredible value that a Carnival cruise provides. And while pricing hasn't fully recovered to 2008 levels, we are increasing prices and will implement an across-the-board increase effective March 22."
He said that the price increases will vary by departure date but will be up to 5%. Cahill attributes the record booking activity to a wide range of factors, including strong travel agent partner support, targeted marketing initiatives, itinerary enhancements and a variety of close-to-home departure points.
Wave season typically runs from about mid-January through early spring and is traditionally the busiest, most important booking period in the cruise industry.
