P&O Cruises Australia received a record number of telephone calls yesterday from consumers enquiring about booking a cruising holiday.
More than 7000 calls were received by the call centre, making it the highest January booking day ever, an increase of 43 per cent on the previous record set in January last year.
Chief Executive Officer Ann Sherry said the popularity of cruising was growing steadily because Australians were searching for good value holidays.
"To record the strongest January booking day ever during an economic downturn is amazing and underscores the strength of the business," Ms Sherry said.
"There is all this talk of economic doom and gloom at the moment but P&O Cruises Australia has never been stronger because people want good value and relaxing holidays to amazing destinations.
"In these tougher times, value becomes more important than it has ever been.
"The appeal of a P&O Cruises’ voyage is that passengers pay in Australian dollars with the cost of the ticket covering accommodation, food and entertainment and international travel.
"Any additional onboard spending is in Australian dollars so there is no worry about fluctuating international currencies."
P&O Cruises will double its fleet from two ships to four with the arrival of Pacific Jewel at the end of the year and by a second superliner in 2010.
Australia is currently experiencing its largest ever cruise season with the country’s biggest cruise operator, Carnival Australia, carrying a record 168,000 passengers on its ships locally and an unprecedented 12 cruise ships from Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia and P&O Cruises UK visiting during the six months period.
For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 690 or visit www.pocruises.com.au