Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) forecasts smooth sailing for the summer season with research showing that 65 per cent of Aussie cruisers and non-cruisers are likely to book a cruise in the next two years, up from 64 per cent in December 2019.
The independent market research from July 2022 shows the level of enthusiasm for cruising among past Australian passengers has returned to pre-pandemic levels with 81 per cent keen to cruise again in the next few years.
Among Aussies who have never cruised before, sentiment has also rebounded strongly with 56 per cent of non-cruisers saying they were open to cruising, above the 43 per cent recorded in November 2021.
The findings come after a successful 2022 Cruise Month in September, which marked the first Cruise Month initiative since 2019 and brought together cruise lines, travel advisors and cruise fans to celebrate the return of cruising Down Under.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said the research was a strong sign of cruising’s resilience ahead of the 2022-23 summer season when 20 CLIA cruise lines will operate in Australasian waters.
“Australians and New Zealanders have always been among the world’s most passionate cruisers, so it’s great to see the enthusiasm among past guests is back at pre-pandemic levels,” Mr Katz said.
“Sentiment has climbed even higher in other countries where cruise operations have been running for some time, so we can be confident of a similar rise in our region as we move forward.
“The sight of magnificent international cruise ships back in Australian and New Zealand waters has created a huge sense of anticipation and cruise lines are reporting good demand for cruising over the coming summer and into the future.”
For more info, visit cruising.org.au
