Canadians are booking cruises again at pre-pandemic levels according to First in Service, which is reporting that two-thirds of its advisors in a recent survey said that demand for the sector has bounced back. Data also reveals that the Mediterranean is top cruise itinerary booked and that luxury and small ship experiences are increasing in popularity.

When F1S Canadian advisors were asked to compare their cruise bookings to the same time in 2019, 64.7% indicated that they were even or up compared with four years ago, with a plurality (41.1%) characterizing bookings as “up.” When the same advisors were asked to compare their cruise bookings for this year versus 2022, an even greater 64.7% said they were “up.”

The Mediterranean ranks as the most sought-after itinerary among F1S’ Canadian clientele as 58.8 % of the F1S cruise advisors named it among the top three cruise destinations they are booking in 2023. The rest of the top five includes Caribbean (41.2%), Alaska (29.4%), European river (13.0%) and Maritime Canada/New England (8.7%). Other cruise itineraries that were named include: Antarctica, Arctic, Baltic, Greenland, Japan, Mekong, South America, and world cruises.

According to the F1S advisors, Barcelona is the most popular pre- or post-cruise destination (18.8%), followed by Fort Lauderdale and Miami (tied with 14.7% each).

“While the cruise industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic, it is now proving its tremendous resilience among our Canadian clients, who are literally seeking out opportunities around the world and from pole to pole,” noted Fernando Gonzalez, CEO of First in Service. “Although many of our customers are taking to the sea on some of the latest, greatest mega-ships, a large cross-section is opting for the smaller, more intimate ships, whether for river or seafaring cruises.”

When F1S advisors across Canada were asked to share the style of cruise they were booking for their clients with the option of selecting all options that applied, an overwhelming 76.5 % named “ocean” among their choices. The following selections were made:

• Ocean – 76.5%
• River – 47.1%
• Small Ship – 47.1%
• Expedition – 23.5%
• Specialty – 11.8%
• Yacht – 5.9%

According to the survey, 8-14 night cruises are the most popular length of cruise itineraries booked by a huge majority (88.2%), followed by 7 or less (5.9%).

F1S advisors were also asked to name any additional cruise trends they are experiencing, with a consensus noting the increase in demand for high-end, luxury cruise experiences.

“Clients are booking higher cabin categories to truly enjoy the onboard experience, including priority dining reservations, private transfers, access to exclusive lounges and pools, and enhanced in-room features with spa-like bathrooms,” noted F1S Canada advisor Linda Montemarano.

“Luxury cruising is very popular, specifically on Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises,” added Vivien Rethazy, F1S Canada advisor.

First in Service surveyed advisors across the three segments its serves: business, luxury/premium leisure, and entertainment travel; 79.3% of the advisors who completed the survey actively book and sell cruises.

Ensemble

Riviera River Cruises reports that it has become a preferred supplier for Ensemble Travel Group. The UK-based company, which has been in operation for nearly 40 years, says it prides itself on offering unique itineraries that allow guests to get the most out of their European vacation as well as working exclusively with travel advisors like the members of Ensemble.

“We’re delighted to partner with Ensemble as it is one of the most recognized and respected agency groups in the US and Canada,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ VP Sales and Marketing North America. “At Riviera, we’ve been actively marketing in North America for a little over five years, and in that time we’ve been dedicated to the travel advisor community here. We don’t market directly to consumers unless it’s in tandem with our partners, and any direct booking inquiries we receive are passed along to preferred advisors at commission.”

Riviera offers 22 itineraries on 10 European rivers throughout the year, including departures for solo travellers with no single supplement and holiday season cruises. Its fleet of 12 ships is one of the youngest in Europe, with each ship featuring spacious cabins and suites, and facilities such as a fitness centre, sauna, massage room, salon, and a plunge pool or hot tub, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.

Dining on board includes fine culinary experiences from breakfasts to four-course dinners in the main restaurant, as well as a more informal stern restaurant and complimentary room service for breakfast. Unlimited house wine, draught beer, soft drinks, and juices are available at lunch, and those as well as unlimited cocktails, mocktails, house spirits, mixers and more are available from 6 p.m. to midnight. Coffee and tea are available through in-cabin facilities or a 24-hour self-service station.

Riviera includes daily excursions led by knowledgeable local guides, but also leaves time for guests to explore destinations on their own by using one of its complimentary bicycles or arranging for additional activities on an at-cost basis through the ship’s concierge.

Riviera also offers cruises along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast aboard six 38-passenger yachts.