Globe and Mail. Saturday, September 5, 1992.
Cruise Notes
Wallace Immen

Liners vie to stay afloat during sinking economy

A super-abundance of ships and a lagging economy means there are plenty of cruise bargains available this fall.

Several lines are advertising two-for-one specials but these are only the tip of the iceberg, says Mary Jean Trankina, president of The Cruise Professionals of Mississauga, Ont., the largest cruise-only agency in Canada. There are many specials that agencies can't advertise, as well as discounts available only to high volume agencies, she says. The biggest discounts are available in cruise-only rates, so savings can be especially large if you can arrange you own airfare through frequent flier points or seat sales.

Cruise lines are also changing their strategies, Trankina says. The trend is for cruise lines to give large early-booking discounts rather than cutting prices to lure last minute bookings. One line is offering savings up $2,300 a couple if you book now for travel in Europe next year. She says if the price goes down for any reason before the cruise, her agency will make sure the customers get the lowest price.

It is still important to book with a Canadian agency, Trankina adds. Some U.S discount agencies that sold through 800 numbers went bankrupt recently and at least two cruise agencies in Miami lost their files during Hurricane Andrew. U.S agencies are also not able to book packages that offer Canadian dollars at par.

The Cruise Professionals is planning a cruise night on Sept.15 to help people plan their trips. Representatives from major lines will be at the Howard Johnson's Airport Hotel in Toronto beginning at 6:30 p.m. For information, phone (416)275-3030 or toll free(800)265-3838.


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