2013 is predicted to be a big year
for small ships, adventure
expeditions and Northern Europe.
THE world’s highest rated cruise lines have
emerged from a challenging period to see
stronger demand from consumers.
Karen Christensen, Silversea’s GM Australasia,
told CW “We are definitely experiencing an
increase in guests wanting a truly memorable stay
but with greater expectations of value for money”.
“Guests will be looking for those additional
luxurious touches thrown in along the way, like
personal butler service for every suite and
stocked mini-bars with guests’ preferred
tipple.”
Christensen also believes Silversea’s allinclusive
offer will appeal to a wider range of
travellers.
“With the increased popularity of adventure
travel, we expect this level of luxury to be a
huge attraction for potential clients looking for
an expedition cruise experience,” she said.
Seabourn’s Director of Sales, Tony Archbold,
tipped Antarctica to be “very hot” this year.
“There’s a lot of excitement about Seabourn
Quest’s Antarctica debut in November,” he said.
“Our recent fleet expansion has seen us
introduce an array of new cruises, and
northern Europe is another region that’s
proving popular as a result – I think we’ll see a
lot of Australian passengers sailing the waters
of the Baltic and Scandinavia this year.”
Jackie Foggitt, who represents Sea Cloud Cruises
in Australia, also selected Northern Europe as
“very popular for the Australian market”.
Julie Denovan, Director Business Development
Australia & New Zealand, SeaDream Yacht
Club, noted that early bookings were booming
for its new itineraries in Asia and Australia, as
well as a 2014 return to London and the Baltic,
on its 100-passenger megayachts.
“SeaDream is seeing more small groups of
friends and family, often celebrating a special
occasion,” she added.
Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd is seeking a more
international mix for its new all-balconies ship
launching this year.
“Europa 2 will be positioned as the modern,
lifestyle-orientated sister ship to the world’s
only five-star-plus ship, the MS Europa, and
will cater to a sophisticated and cosmopolitan
audience,” said Gerd Wilmer, the company’s
Australian representative.
Andy Lovering, Director of Sales and Marketing,
Star Clippers, forecast “a fair wind and following
seas” for its luxury/adventure clipper ship niche,
with 45% repeat guests.
