Cruise lines aren’t the only ones benefiting from the growing cruise market Down Under, as tour operators step in to get a bit of the booming action.
Singapore Airlines Holidays has entered a new partnership with Princess Cruises designed to target Aussies seeking international cruise holidays.
Particularly, cruise holidays in Asia.
According to CLIA Australasia’s latest figures, there’s growing demand in the Australian market to cruise from Asia.
In 2013, Asia holds five percent of total Australian cruise passengers. The destination also saw a 28 percent increase in Australian cruisers compared to 2012.
As well as meeting demand for flights and cruises to the destination, the partnership also supports Princess’ growing operations in Asia.
In November this year, Princess homeported its first vessel from Singapore.
The announcement comes as Princess settles into its first season sailing out of Singapore.
Sailing out of Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Sapphire Princess has conducted several Southeast Asia cruises over the season calling at Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
As part of the agreement, Singapore Airlines Holidays and Princess Cruises will offer the Australian market competitive land/air/cruise packages in 2015.
Among them is the ‘Treasure of Asia’ package onboard Dawn Princess.
Departing from Fremantle on 25 July, the cruise will stop in Bali, Phuket, Penang and Langkawi before finally reaching Singapore.
There guests will have four nights to explore the city before hopping on a flight back to Perth.
The package will cost clients $4,490 per person twin share and includes one-way economy class airfare from Singapore to Perth; a half-day tour in Singapore; daily breakfast in Singapore; all main meals; entertainment; and the cruise.
Princess’ Brett Wendorf said the line is ‘overjoyed’ by the partnership, which he expects will make it easier and cheaper for Australians to fly and cruise in Asia.
“Cruising in Asia is about to witness substantial growth, and with our beautiful Sapphire Princess based out of Singapore, we see working with an Asian specialist operator and wholesaler as a way to provide the industry and travellers with innovative and dynamic product.”
Brett Wendorf, Princess Cruises Head of Sales
The union also marks two golden anniversary celebrations with Princess Cruises celebrating 50 years of operation and Singapore celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence.
Meanwhile, last week at Cruise3sixty, Princess Vice President Australia and New Zealand, Stuart Allison told attendees that the company plans on making cruising easier for Australians by bringing the Australian dollar onboard year-round and seasonal ships.
Click here for images from Cruise3sixty or here for more information.
