Cruise Industry Starts New Year with Optimism as Demand Holds Steady, Despite Travel Sector Woes

Despite a hard-hitting year to the travel industry, cruising has proven to be surprisingly resilient compared to other sectors, in part due to the unmatched value it offers consumers holding tight to their budgets. Making cruising even more irresistible, Travelocity(R) (http://www.travelocity.com) is kicking off the 2010 wave season with a positive outlook and some of the most extensive discounts the industry has seen.

Travelocity already offers everyday cruising discounts worth up to 80 percent off brochure rates, allowing customers to save an average of $1,000 or more by taking a cruise versus a land vacation. Travelocity's Cruise Super Sale exclusive bonus offer, made in conjunction with American Express(R), can mean hundreds of dollars in additional savings alone. Customers who book a qualifying cruise with their American Express Card by February 11, 2010, for sailings departing between March 1, 2010, and August 31, 2010, receive onboard credits for up to $500*, based on the length of the cruise and stateroom purchased. All Cruise Super Sale bookers will also receive a 15% discount on shore excursions through Port Promotions.

Total Stateroom Price    Onboard Credit

$750 - $1,499.99         $50

$1,500 - $2,999.99       $100

$3,000 - $5,999.99       $200

$6,000 - $7,499.99       $400

$7,500+                  $500

*Offers are per stateroom, not per person and include all destinations and cruise lines with the exception of Disney Cruise Lines. For more information on these exclusive offers including a list of qualifying sailings and to book a cruise with your American Express(R) card, log onto http://www.travelocity.com/supersale.

"The value of a cruise vacation is undeniable, and just got better, considering the Cruise Super Sale offers are in addition to the special offers from the cruise line, such as on-board credits, upgrades and reduced rates," said Alex Goldman, vice president of cruises for Travelocity.

The Cruise Super Sale is also backed by Travelocity's Low Price Guarantee on cruises, which promises to refund the difference between the price paid on Travelocity and any qualifying lower rate found within 24 hours of purchase for the same date, ship, and cabin category. See www.travelocity.com/guarantee for complete terms and conditions of the Low Price Guarantee. Travelocity has never charged cancel or change fees, and has recently eliminated cruise booking fees, making cruising even more affordable in 2010. With the industry's most comprehensive options for a cruise vacation and exclusive partnership discounts, Travelocity is the only destination for travelers looking for unmatched value.

"There's a lot for cruisers to be excited about this year, from the record values to the convenience of growing home-port locations and new fleets of top-of-the-line ships," said Goldman. "Meanwhile, the savings just keep getting better with the elimination of Travelocity cruise booking fees, giving consumers even more confidence to purchase travel."

About Travelocity Global

Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler's champion -- before, during and after the trip -- and provides the most comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry (http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in the world with annual gross bookings of more than U.S. $10 billion. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business(R) for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.

SOURCE: Travelocity

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