P&O Cruises announces fly-cruise programme
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Carnival subsidiary P&O Cruises has announced it is launching a Mediterranean fly-cruise programme for 2014/15.
The firm, which is known for operating mainly out of Southampton, currently offers a small, Winter Caribbean fly-cruise programme however this is the first time it will offer such a product to the summer, Mediterranean market.
“Every year we conduct market research,” explained P&O managing director Carol Marlow to Cruise News. “And this year it told us that there was enough people who wanted to fly direct to the sun, so that’s what we’re going to offer.
“It’s a key part of our programme going forward. We’ve been around for 175 years and this is the first time we’re pushing this as an option.”
The programme will be taking place on P&O’s Ventura, which is due to go in for a multi-million pound refurbishment later this month.
Guests will have a choice of either a seven or 14-night itinerary that will run from March to October. The cruises will sail roundtrips from Venice calling at Croatia, Greece, Corsica and Montenegro. The 14-night cruise includes nine calls while the seven-night voyage takes in five.
Passengers can choose either a cruise-only package, which starts at GBP499 per person for seven nights or, for an extra GBP250, add on a package which includes transfers and flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham.
“This is a real opportunity for agents to bring people to cruising for the first time or to encourage people who would normally go on package holidays to cruise,” added Marlow. “This is going to open P&O up to a whole new group of passengers. If it’s during the summer holidays then it’s a family holiday and if it’s either side then it would be ideal for couples. Either way it’s great value. “
P&O is also offering one to three-night city stays in Venice, Nice, Genoa or Milan.
The fly-cruises will be available to book from 8 April 2013.