Global demand for cruising impacting capacity in local markets
As the global roll-out of vaccine commences, there has been a subtle shift in consumer confidence with cruise bookings for 2022 and 2023 picking up as people start making their future travel plans. According to Michelle Black, MD Viking ANZ, this should be a wakeup call for AU and NZ travellers.
“It is more important this year than ever before that anyone wanting to travel when the borders open does not delay in securing their preferred date for 2022 and 2023”, said Michelle Black MD, Viking ANZ. “With no international travel from Australia and New Zealand for what could be 18 months, the demand for staterooms once the hold on travel is lifted will be huge.
“Australian and New Zealand travellers need to be aware that capacity is already tight for some of our most popular itineraries. The demand for cruising is global and the UK and US markets, where cruising sentiment is generally more positive, are starting to lock in their future cruise plans”, she said. “We know that the past 12 months has caused what we term “cancellation fatigue” amongst travellers, however people need to be aware that they might miss out if they delay any longer”.
Demand for cruising, once the global green light has been given, is obvious with Viking’s 2021/22 and 2022/23 world cruises selling out in record time. With more Aussies and Kiwis on these departures than ever before – the competition for the available staterooms and departure dates is highly competitive.
“Agents with clients looking to travel in 2022 and 2023 need to be aware that we are selling out”, said Ms Black. “We have made it easier than ever for agents to sell a Viking cruise – with amazing savings, our Risk-Free Guarantee, $500 deposits, and a range of flexible features. The future of cruising is once again looking strong and the Australian and New Zealand markets should take advantage of this resurgence”.
For additional information, contact your Viking Commercial manager to discuss how they can assist your business.
