MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguayan operators optimistic about the coming cruise season

At least 70 calls in Montevideo have been confirmed

Uruguayan cruise operators believe the coming season could unveil some interesting surprises in spite of the global recession. The fall in value of the US dollar compared to the strength of the Euro and Latinamerican currencies could see a drastic change in the nationality of visitors with Europeans and Latinamericans compensating the US deficit.

“We’re convinced that this season the majority of cruise visitors calling in Montevideo and Punta del Este will be coming from Europe and Latinamerica, relegating the US visitor which so far was the most numerous”, said Ruby Fernandez a Uruguayan cruise operator in the business for three decades.

Mr. Fernandez said that tight markets and tough competition have led to a drastic reduction in cruise prices. A cabin for two during ten days has a going basic price of 700 US dollars which includes four meals “and this is cheaper than staying at a hotel, plus the advantages of all the entertainments and leisure opportunities on board”.

Apparently this was what happened this summer in the Mediterranean, with cruises as cheap as 650 US dollars. “To survive in tough times, companies must be creative, slash costs and make products far more attractive, and this is what is happening”, added Fernandez who revealed that most South Atlantic cruises are fully booked.

Even in the dearer companies (Crystal Regent, Oceania Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn) with rates between 150/200 US dollars per day per person, a cruise of 8, 10 or 15 days is not excessive and affordable for many customers.

One of the attractions is the so called “all inclusive” bookings, which in the high income packages can include a special bonus to spend on board or have all land tours as part of the special price.

Special rates and a “travel card” are other benefits awarded to early bookings. The travel card ensures the holder that he will be refunded all he has advanced if he gives notice of not travelling with four days anticipation.

“The new aggressive sales policy, the cheaper dollar, makes us feel optimistic about the coming cruise season this summer in Montevideo and Punta del Este. It could work out to be a successful season”, said Ruby Fernandez.

Although definitive figures about the number of calls are not available, at least 70 have been confirmed, not including Norwegian Cruises, Princess lines, Celebrity, which could add up to 120 calls plus those planned for Punta del Este, according to Mr. Fernandez.

The 109.000 tons, 290 metres long “Star Princess” with 2.600 passengers is expected to be the largest cruise vessel to visit Montevideo in the 2009/2010 season

In related news, information from Europe indicates that the number of Spanish cruise visitors jumped this season 10% compared to a year ago, basically because of the “quality-price” packages offered by operators.

On board amenities, good food, limited luggage, the “all inclusive” benefit and accessible rates seem to have helped with full bookings of Mediterranean cruise vessels.