Cruising 2017 And Beyond, What Does All This Mean For You.
Late December 2016 saw the release of the annual Cruise Industry Outlook Report from CLIA which analyses statistics and trends that are likely to emerge over the course of the next cruising year.
As in most years previously, the report was particularly optimistic. It showed a range of positive trends from more itineraries on offer to local industry growth and further investment worldwide into better infrastructure to meet the growing demand for diversity in cruise markets.
But what does this all mean for you?
To take the grunt work out of trying to understand the figures, we have broken down the trimmings of the report into 5 key benefits Aussie cruisers will see as..
1. More options, more buying power
2. Increase in uptake from Asia means more itineraries for Australians
3. Adventure cruising to become more accessible
4. Overnight stays and longer shore excursions
5. Smooth booking experience with more travel agents to work with
1. More options, more buying power
Australia has long been a destination for cruising, both domestically and for tourism. As this trend continues to grow (almost 1,000,000 Australians – approximately 4% of the population will take to the seas this year) so will the itineraries on offer along with better pricing and overall buying power of the everyday cruiser.
We have seen this already from the investment in new cruise terminals in Queensland, as well as dedicated regional vessels from Carnival and P&O Cruise Lines. Royal Caribbean have begun to operate more in the South Pacific as well with more sailings from Celebrity and Azamara brands and the first taste of super cruising with the world’s premier mega-liner; The Ovation of the Seas.
2. Increase in uptake from Asia means more itineraries for Australians
Asia has been flagged as the fastest emerging market in the cruise industry with the demand for more itineraries seeing regularly scheduled European and Alaskan voyages being repositioned to meet growing demand.
The numbers are staggering (close to a 26% growth per year for the last 4 years) and with our close proximity to the region an inevitable range of amazing new ports and untouched itineraries in the orient will begin to emerge, offering Aussie cruisers the chance to experience cruising like never before.
As an added benefit to this, off season cruising and the presence of more specialized vessels in the region will mean more select and unique itineraries begin to emerge in Australian waters as well.
3. Adventure cruising to become more accessible.
The trend for adventure cruises has been on the rise steadily over the past 10 years with more people seeking unique experiences and itineraries outside of traditional holiday destinations.
The big ticket items in this category are destinations such as Antarctica, The Northern Territory and even private island experiences that are starting to be offered by some companies.
The growth in popularity (as well as proximity of Australians) to many of these destinations means once again greater affordability and means of access to these locations, backed by a combined industry total investment of $6.8 Billion in specialty ships to meet the growing need and requirements for voyages of this type.
4. Overnight stays and longer shore excursions.
Overnight stays on port calls are officially on the rise as cruise lines begin to integrate more excursions and experiential activities into itineraries abroad.
This change in tact has seen a rise in popularity reported from various leading liners and is sure to excite many cruisers and travel enthusiasts alike as more unique itineraries that could only be experienced from cruising begin to emerge.
Cruise passengers can now make the most of their stay in ports of call. This especially benefits Aussies who prefer traveling for a longer period.
5. Smooth booking experience with more travel agents to work with.
The CLIA membership community has 15,000 travel agencies and over 25,000 travel agent members worldwide.
Australians that are sailing away for the holidays will find it easier to book the perfect cruise with the matchmaking expertise of cruise travel specialists. Eight out of 10 CLIA-certified travel agents are also confident they’ll see an increase in bookings from last year.
First-time Australian cruisers can enjoy a hassle-free vacation by working with travel agents. The rise in cruise travel agents can attract even travel enthusiasts that usually plan their trips on their own to let someone take care of their bookings.
Cruise Vacations, after all, should be a time for relaxation, reflection their just a great way to holiday.
Information supplied by: www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising! And www.dccruising.com.au