Aussies’ love of luxury impacts global cruising

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Australians love the finer things in life, and nowhere is that more evident than in cruising patterns.

Recent years have seen an unprecedented boost in luxury cruising in both Australia and New Zealand, so much so it has prompted the world’s leading operators to increasingly bring their newest and most luxurious vessels down under for the summer months.

Cruise operators are also offering value-added extras as part of the world’s largest cruise promotion – Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) annual Plan a Cruise Month.

As part of its Plan a Cruise Month activity this October, CLIA Australasia joined forces with the world’s largest cruise site, Cruise Critic, to conduct a poll on luxury cruising.

The local poll found that the destination (42 per cent) and an all-inclusive offering (39 per cent) were the biggest deciding factors for Australians and New Zealanders when booking a luxury cruise.

Onboard services and facilities (16 per cent) also played a part in the decision process.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia and Asia Managing Director Joel Katz said there was a misconception that a luxury cruise came with a high price tag just because it was luxurious, when in reality all-inclusive products represented a great value way to travel.

“Luxury cruise lines are taking on the world’s finest resorts, offering French champagne on tap, restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs and something their land-based rivals can’t compete with, a new destination every day.

“A luxury cruise truly offers the ultimate, relaxing escape for travellers who love the finer things in life and with many operators including excursions, fine dining, drinks and sometimes even Wi-Fi, an all-inclusive luxury cruise offers incredible value, especially when compared to a similar land offering,” Katz said.

Luxury cruise promotions available to Australian and New Zealand CLIA accredited agents during Plan a Cruise Month include:

  • Crystal is offering savings of US$1000 onboard credit per stateroom on select 2017-18 cruises
  • Azamara is offering an upgrade to Club Verandah for the price of a Club Interior room on select 2018 Europe voyages, as well as up to US$100 onboard credit
  • Paul Gaugin is offering US$100 onboard credit per person for any 2018 cruises booked in October

“Because luxury means so much more than just the finest linens, luxury lines are increasingly offering their guests the chance to truly immerse in a destination with exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences.

“In line with land-based trends, luxury cruise guests can enjoy special private behind-the-scenes tours of world heritage-listed sites, visits to a local market with a celebrity chef or the chance to be regaled with tales from idols and icons.”

“Whether it’s preferable to join a boutique vessel carrying a few hundred guests or a luxury liner offering opulence on a grand scale, on an indulgent itinerary to any corner of the world from Asia to Alaska and Africa to Antarctica, there truly is a luxury cruise for every taste and style,” Katz added.

Plan a Cruise Month takes place each October with CLIA offices around the world working with CLIA accredited agents and CLIA member cruise lines to promote cruise holidays.

Click here for more info about Cruise Month. 

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