We asked the experts, what does the year ahead hold for cruising?
Ann Sherry, CEO, Carnival Australia:
“With more ships sailing in local waters and an ever increasing
number of repeat passengers, I think we’re going to see a real focus on
destinations in 2013. Passengers are looking for new itineraries and
different ports and they also want to deepen their cruise experience
by engaging with the communities they visit. The ships will remain
important, but the destinations will really complete the holiday.”
Tammy Marshall, Senior Vice President, P&O Cruises:
“We have a record number of short P&OSeabreaks on offer this year
and I think they’ll continue to be in strong demand throughout 2013.
On the destination front, sales for our new port of Moreton Island are
booming, so it’s certainly hot, and our PNG cruises have also proved
incredibly popular.”
Adam Armstrong, Commercial Director, Royal Caribbean:
“Australia is one of 2013’s hot destinations. We’ve entered a brave
new era in Australian cruising and all eyes are now on our part of the
world, especially now that world-class cruise ships like Celebrity
Solstice and Voyager of the Seas are based here, as previously you’d
have to travel to Europe or the Caribbean to experience ships of their
size and standard.”
Alan Stuart, Commercial Director, Princess Cruises:
“With the Australian dollar staying strong, we’re seeing a lot of
growth in our fly-cruise market, especially to Europe. In particular, our
shorter sectors in and out of Rome on our 90-night Grand Europe
Round World Cruise have been a real hit. Australians love a bit of
adventure too and I’m tipping that our new South America cruises on
Crown Princess will sell well this year – particularly the 49-day
itinerary, which includes a fabulous overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro
during Carnival.”
Brett Jardine, General Manager, ICCA:
“While Europe generally continues to be in high demand amongst
Australian cruisers, I think northern Europe is a bit of a sleeper and
may be the real star this year. It’s a region many Australians are keen
to explore and cruising is one of the best ways to do it.”
Christian Schweitzer, Marketing Manager Australasia, Avalon
Waterways:
“Destinations outside Europe will become more important among
river cruise passengers, especially given the high level of repeat
cruisers. Avalon recently released new itineraries on the Mississippi
and has had an exceptional response. Bookings on other rivers like
the Mekong and Yangtze and among the Galapagos islands are also
very strong right now.”
John Molinaro, General Manager, Uniworld Australia:
“We have seen a growing trend emerge among experienced travellers
who are seeking unique ways of exploring places that they have
previously loved visiting. As such, Italy as our newest destination for
2013 has received a great response to date, and as result we
anticipate a similar interest in our Bordeaux itinerary ahead of 2014.”
Jackie Charltona, Managing Director, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji:
“Fiji will remain a hot destination in 2013 and business from the USA
is up. New interconnecting rooms now cater for families, plus
completed renovations throughout the ship make Reef Endeavour
ready to accommodate a busy year.”
