08 APR 2019: The cruise industry has always maintained that there are oceans of opportunity for agents to sell the sector, from appealing to the vast majority of consumers who have never before set sail to discovering new niches, the latest ships and an ever-expanding roster of exciting destinations.
And while no one would suggest that river cruising is a new trend, Cruise Line International Association’s latest Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report suggests that the pastime is still currently one of the hottest trends in the cruise industry.
In fact, CLIA reports that nearly four out of five travel agents (79%) surveyed for the Outlook report stated a river cruise is a great way to introduce “new to cruise” travellers to the pastime.
Agents further said that river cruises are ideal for clients looking for new or different experiences, smaller ships, destination immersion and a relaxed way to see Europe. As a result, Europe is seeing an uptick in popularity with river cruises on the Continent having seen 53% year-over-year growth to eastern waterways (Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Elbe) and 30% growth to western channels (Soane, Seine, Loire) as well as a 24% growth to the south (Douro, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne, Po).
“The results of last quarter’s survey were no surprise,” said Rob Huffman, Vice President Sales, USA, Scenic Group. “We’ve seen tremendous growth for both of our river cruise brands – Scenic and Emerald Waterways – on the traditional European routes like the Danube, as well as on newer routes like the Douro.”
Additional report findings include:
• Cruise Bookings and Spending Soar: Four out of five travel agents (84%) stated bookings are up when compared to last year. Additionally, 83% reported spending is up, as well. More than a quarter of agents (28%) reported clients are spending greater than 10% more than one year ago.
• Alaska Reigns: Alaska has been consistently the top growth destination for the last three years of the report. More than two-thirds of travel agents (67%) reported seeing increased interest in the Northern-most US state. Alaska has gained an even wider margin than in the past. “Alaska is selling like crazy right now and families are liking the big ships travelling to Alaska,” reports Amy Madson of Cruise Inc.
• Destination Interest Up Double Digits: Some cruise destinations have seen a double-digit spike in interest from just a year ago. In Mediterranean Europe increased interest has jumped from 25 to 42% (up 17%) over the past year. South America has seen growth in interest from just 9% last year to 20% today.
• Travel Agent Knowledge and Advocacy: Overwhelmingly, travel agents stated the most beneficial attribute for travel clients is the ability to providing valuable experience and product knowledge (86%). Agents also reported another travel agent benefit is the ability to leverage relationships and expertise if something goes wrong (81%).
Meanwhile, AmaWaterways reports that is seeing more and more young people from Generation Z (those born from the mid-1990s to mid-2000s), on board their river cruises as part of multigenerational family groups. According to a 2017 study by New Horizons, they are enticed by one-of-a-kind destinations and excursions they can remember (and share on social media), and value being able to participate in more in-destination activities. While members of Gen Z might not be purchasing their river cruise vacation themselves, they have a big impact on family vacation decisions and are set to become the largest consumer generation by 2020, notes the survey.
CRUISECOMPETE
Online cruise marketplace CruiseCompete has also weighed in with its current cruising trends outlook with its March CruiseTrends report, offering a detailed picture of cruise consumer behaviour for the month. The data is mined from quotes requested by more than 1.5 million North American users of the site:
Most Popular Cruise Lines
1. Premium/Contemporary: Royal Caribbean Int.
2. Luxury: Oceania Cruises
3. River: American Cruise Lines
In second place is Carnival Cruise Lines for premium/contemporary, Cunard Line for luxury, and Viking River Cruises for river.
Most Popular Cruise Ships
1. Premium/Contemporary: Symphony of the Seas
2. Luxury: Queen Mary 2 3
. River: Queen of the Mississippi
Next in popularity are Anthem of the Seas for premium/contemporary, Crystal Symphony for luxury, and American Duchess for river.
Most Popular Cruise Regions
1. Premium/Contemporary: Caribbean
2. Luxury: Europe
3. River: Europe
Next in popularity are North America for premium/contemporary, North America for luxury, and North America for river.
Most Popular Cruise Departure Ports
1. Premium/Contemporary: Fort Lauderdale
2. Luxury: Miami
3. River: Amsterdam
Next in popularity are Miami for premium/contemporary, New York for luxury, and New Orleans for river.
Most Popular Cruise Ports Visited
1. Premium/Contemporary: Cozumel
2. Luxury: Havana
3. River: Vienna
Next in popularity are Nassau for premium/contemporary, Kotor, Montenegro for luxury, and Cologne, Germany for river.
Most Popular Countries Visited
1. Premium/Contemporary: Bahamas
2. Luxury: US
3. River: Germany
Second are Mexico for premium/contemporary, Greece for luxury, and United States for river.
Most Popular Cabin Types
1. Premium/Contemporary: Balcony
2. Luxury: Balcony
3. River: Balcony
Number of Cabins Requested
1. Premium/Contemporary: 1
2. Luxury: 1
3. River: 1
Second are two cabins for premium/contemporary, two cabins for luxury and two cabins for river.
Most Popular Cruise Itinerary Lengths
1. Premium/Contemporary: 7 nights
2. Luxury: 7 nights
3. River: 7 nights
Second are five nights for premium/contemporary, 14 nights for luxury, and eight nights for river.
Most Popular Sailing Months Requested
1. Premium/Contemporary: March 2019
2. Luxury: July 2019
3. River: July 2019
Booking window of time
1. Contemporary/Premium – 205 days
2. Luxury – 229
3. River – 201