It’s travel fair season again – and this year, cruise passengers can save up to 15 per cent on the cost of their holidays.
Singapore and Malaysia have fairs running next month – with Singapore particularly blessed, as they have two almost back to back.
The fairs are the best place for first-time cruisers to find cheap deals and get information about cruise lines, according to Chan Brothers, one of the leading cruise sellers in Singapore.
Over the next three weeks, the National Association of Travel Singapore (NATAS) and Chan Brothers Travel will be hosting travel expos for major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Dream Cruises.
NATAS held a travel expo earlier this year, which saw cruise package sales increase by 10 per cent from last year. Travellers who booked their year-end cruise packages received “early bird” discounts of five to 15 per cent.
Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel and Dynasty Travel who will be holding their own expo, also on Sunday said that travellers can find some very cheap deals.
Nancy Koh, the Assistant General Manager at the Chan Brothers Worldwide Cruise Centre said travellers can also get information about what is the best cruise for them.
“Cruise deals at Chan Brothers Deals Of The Season Travel Fair, include cruise holidays at $10 for the second traveller for Costa Cruises, cabin upgrades and included gratuities for Princess Cruises, 50 per cent off second traveller for Celebrity Cruises and cruise holidays at $9 for kids for Royal Caribbean International. Customers can speak to a specialised team of cruise specialists who understands passengers’ requirements, budget and comfort level before recommending the suitable cruise vacation, including recommending the ideal pre and post cruise accommodation and shore excursions.
“The travel fair has established itself as the main travel event of the industry or the largest consumer travel fair to be organised by a single travel agent at an independent exhibition hall venue. It is closely watched by both trade and media, and held as a barometer of travel sentiments. In fact, staunch patrons of our travel fairs look forward and countdown to them as they know very well that the best deals are found at the event.”
Earlier this year, Albert Ho, the executive director of Citystate Travel told the Straits Times most of the bookings for cruises were sailings from Singapore
“The bulk of the bookings were for cruises sailing out of Singapore to regional destinations like Langkawi, Phuket and Port Klang,” he said. “Prices are the lowest they’ve ever been because of the slowing economy. We don’t know if demand will pick up later this year.”
- NATAS’ travel expo from August 12-14 at the Singapore Expo Hall 3. MORE
- Chan Brothers Deals of the Seas Travel Fair will be held on July 31 10am – 8pm, Suntec Singapore Level 4 Hall 404. Travel Revolution will be held between August 19-21 at the Marina Bay Sands B2 Expo Halls D-F
- MATTA Fair will be held at the PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE in Kuala Lumpa over three days beginning September 2.