P&O Cruises is bringing forward its booking cycle by 6 months as it launches its 2018 cruise programme earlier than ever.
The cruise line usually goes on sale March or April for the next year, but senior vice president Paul Ludlow announced the UK market leader was bringing that forward by 6 months to September 19 due to demand and customer feedback.
The 2018 programme includes 36 school holiday cruises, the most ever; 7 new maiden calls; a new 30-day Canadian cruise on Arcadia; a new 12-night Norwegian Fjord cruise; and more evening and overnight calls.
The new ports will be Capri and Rapallo in Italy; Rovinj in Croatia; Kristiansund in Norway; and Gaspe, Sept-Iles and Iles de la Madeleine in Canada.
P&O Cruises will offer 26 evening calls, leaving ports no earlier than 9pm, and overnights in eight destinations – Alta, Amsterdam, Funchal, Hamilton (Bermuda), New York, Quebec, Reykjavik and St Petersburg.
Ludlow insisted the line hasn't had to lower prices to fill late space this year, due to more customers booking earlier and opting for ‘Select’ fares, which includes extra benefits such as priority on dining times and cabin upgrades. As a result, customers have more confidence in booking early, he claimed.
To mark the launch, P&O Cruises is giving away 180 prizes, from afternoon tea to a West End show with dinner. Book a summer 2018 cruise and log your booking to enter.