Travel agents key to robust growth for cruise industry

Travel agents key to robust growth for cruise industry
By Daisy Melwani


The global cruise industry can expect another bumper year for business in 2015, with a record 23 million expected to set sail this year, 4% up year-on-year.

The latest data was released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in its annual State of the Cruise Industry Report, and shows a jump of more than a million ocean cruise passengers forecasted in 2014.

“Cruise lines are enticing more global travellers to sea with new, exotic locations, and the debut of 22 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2015 – a total investment of more than US$4 billion by member cruise lines,” CLIA stated.

Closer to home, CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said regionally it is “another big step forward for the entire industry”.

The Mediterranean, Asia and Australia are all set for an influx in 2015 with 52 ships to offer 1065 Asian cruises with capacity for 2 million passengers.

However, the Caribbean wins as the top cruise destination in the world, and will take market share in 2015 with more than a third of the global deployment capacity in its waters.

When it comes to booking a cruise holiday, the report found travel agents were the key to driving and filling customer demand.

“While the internet and mobile devices have overtaken how consumers make purchases, travel agents continue to be the most popular and best way to book a cruise,” the report stated.

The report collated research from around the world to put toward its key findings, and with 22 new ocean, river and speciality ships expected to set sail this year, it states less focus has been given to size and more on unique design and amenities.

Following this trend, speciality cruises are expected to continue its popularity achieving 21% growth annually since 2009 to 2014.

Cruise lines will also continue to bow to customers’ demands, responding with key innovations that are “meeting the needs of today’s passengers”, including bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and phone connectivity, multigenerational appeal, themed cruises and “foodcations”, the report stated.

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