Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has some great news for travel advisors this wave season. It recently conducted a survey of 4500 travellers, including those from Canada, the US, UK, several European countries, plus Australia and Brazil.
As the cruise industry is finally putting the pandemic in its wake, the new CLIA data shows consumer demand for cruise travel is even outpacing pre-pandemic levels.
It reveals that, for UK consumers, for example:
91 per cent of respondents who have cruised previously said they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 14% increase from 2019; and
72 per cent of new-to cruise consumers are open to cruising, a 1% increase from 2019.
Of these two groups, 58% say they will book a cruise in the next two years.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents who have cruised previously said they later returned to a destination they had first visited via cruise ship, with the Mediterranean and Caribbean as the most re-visited destinations.
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “With the crucial Wave booking period now well under way, 2023 is shaping up to be a very positive year for the cruise industry, so we’re thrilled to see this level of interest and demand from holidaymakers. The incredible array of cruise ships, destinations and onboard experiences means there really is something for everyone who is considering a sea getaway.”
