| Katz: Huge opportunities await

AS the cruise industry prepares for yet another big year of growth, there are plenty of untapped opportunities for the market, according to Cruise Line International Association Australasia MD Joel Katz.

“A huge driver of this growth will be the new-to-cruise guest,” he told Cruise Weekly.

“Aussies love to cruise and we have always had one of the highest market penetration rates in the world, but that still leaves many millions of Australians who have yet to take their first cruise.”

The number of first-timers is increasing around the world – 31% of passengers over the past two years sailed for the first time, up from 24% in 2019.

“That means it’s a great time to suggest a cruise to travellers who haven’t sailed before, and there are plenty of new developments in cruising to help entice them,” Katz added.

Meanwhile, the old stereotype of cruise being just for older travellers continues to shift, with the average age of an Australian cruise passenger now being 48.4, down from 50.4 in 2019, and almost a third of cruisers are aged under 40.

“So much has evolved in cruising over recent years as cruise lines develop a greater focus on experiences, dining, interior design, technology and other elements that appeal to younger travellers, making new generations a huge opportunity,” Katz explained.

Meanwhile, he pointed to upcoming trends this year including the growth of fly-cruise, the considerable investment in river cruise products, brands and destinations and the potential for the luxury cruise market.

“Luxury cruising has been growing rapidly and the number of ships in the world’s luxury fleet has more than tripled since the start of last decade,” Katz added.

“Cruise specialist travel agents often tell us luxury lines are in demand and the higher cabin grades sell out first, which is an indicator of the potential in this segment. ”

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