| Aussies backing Cunard

THE Australian market continues to strongly support Cunard Line, senior vice president Liz Fettes told Cruise Weekly, despite the brand having ended its seasonal home port program in the country (CW 06 Nov 2023).

Australian booking trends see the market often book longer cruises (CW yesterday), and in higher stateroom categories, Fettes revealed, making them valuable guests for both the cruise line and travel advisors.

“The Australian market has done really well in over-indexing on grill suites, which is totally ownable,” Fettes enthused.

Cunard’s Mediterranean program also continues to prove popular among Aussies, she said.

The next step will be welcoming aboard travel advisors to experience the product and ensure the cruise line retains strong ties to the Australian trade, Fettes said.

“There’ll be opportunities where we’ll do seven-night famils, get them educated on the product in a destination that their clientele already loves,” she said.

The cruise line is also planning to expand its virtual ‘Afternoon Tea with Cunard’ event into an in-person occasion.

Fettes said this would likely take place in the second half of this year or into 2027.

“This is us just doubling down with partners, how we still stay relevant, how we make sure that we’re retaining the guests that have sailed with us and continue to build that trust in loyalty,” Fettes explained. MS