Cruise Critic has analysed its website data to reveal when Kiwis and Australians are most likely to book their cruise, what destinations they are looking at, and what complaints they have post-cruise.
Looking first at what months to secure bookings, based on clicks from Cruise Critic to cruise line websites, the busiest months were Jan, Feb and Aug, with big cruises trending in Jan, and luxury cruises in Aug. When it comes to river cruising, it is Jul and Aug that see interest peak.
Ocean cruising accounted for 54% of interest, thanks to its accessibility in large part, with family the most prominent growth sub-category over the past 12 months.
. . . In Demand
Top destinations overall included Australia and New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia, especially Japan, as well as the Mediterranean and Europe, Cruise Critic told delegates at CLIA’s Cruise360 in Sydney. Cruise Critic also shared review data to show what those from this market care for, and what they don’t, with Kiwis appreciating service, as well as feeling safe and looked after.
As for where agents can make the cruise a better experience, it says there are some complaints over shore excursions, largely due to a lack of awareness, and of course onboard spend in USD. Agents are encouraged to have conversations on these topics with clients before they departed.
