National Cruise Week features discounts and offers

The ongoing National Cruise Week in the UK is the second chapter of the cruise awareness initiative launched last year. The promotional event will continue until 27th September, and features a number of offers and discounts for would-be cruise goers.

The Passenger Shipping Association, which organises the annual awareness campaign, is offering a swathe of incentives on its website, including free flights, free upgrades, discounts and other perks.

The association represents the majority of UK cruise lines, and a number of cruise lines have thrown in a variety of perks into the mix. Luxury line Crystal Cruises is offering £610 onboard credit per passenger. The offer is valid on all existing and new bookings. Italian Costa Cruise will give passengers booking during the National Cruise Week £300 onboard credit, on selected departures.

British line P&O is offering discounts on Mediterranean, Baltic and Caribbean cruises. Luxury line Regent Seven Seas will offer free flights and onboard credit on select cruises.

This has been a mixed year for cruise lines, with one and a half million Britons taking cruises. On the flip side, some travel agents have complained that heavy discount practices have eaten into their margins. It has certainly been a good year for consumers, as many have reportedly received enormous discounts without even pushing for them.

The numbers of Britons taking cruises is expected to rise by 12% next year. Cruise companies are also anticipating a rise in popularity for river cruises, as more people become acquainted with the benefits of smaller ships offering more intimate experiences.