As CLIA’s Cruise 360 event continues in Sydney, attracting a record turnout, Flight Centre brand New Zealand has reported a solid growth in its cruise business.
“We’ve seen really strong demand for cruise across our Flight Centre brand, with bookings up 30% year-on-year,” says Flight Centre brand New Zealand gm Heidi Walker.
“European cruising and closer-to-home sailings are incredibly popular, but we’re also seeing strong growth in Asia, particularly from Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.”
Japan’s cherry blossom season is still a big drawcard, adds Walker who also reports growing interest in luxury cruises visiting Indonesia.
Demand for premium and luxury cruising is also increasing, she says, as Kiwis look for personalised, all-inclusive experiences, smaller ships and unique itineraries. “Expedition cruising is another area that’s growing, with more travellers choosing fly-cruise itineraries to destinations like Antarctica via South America.”
Walker says the appeal for Kiwis is that cruise is ‘such an easy way to see multiple destinations in one trip’, including places and experiences that can be harder to reach on a traditional holiday. “It also offers great value for money, with much of the trip paid for upfront, and the strong number of repeat cruisers shows just how much people enjoy the experience.”
