Cruise sales growth slows in Australasia

THE latest figures from Cruise Weekly’s annual industry survey conducted in conjunction with StollzNow Research show that sales in both the ocean and river cruise markets appear to have slowed over the last four years.

Still extremely healthy figures showed 51% of agents had seen an increase in ocean cruise sales over the last 12 months - a slower growth rate than in earlier years.

River cruise was similar, with 38% of agents experiencing a sales increase - versus 46% who saw their river cruise sales climb in 2016 when the annual survey was first conducted.

This year’s poll has introduced a new methodology to measure the travel industry market share of players in both the ocean and river cruise sectors, with Princess leading in ocean with an estimated 15% share, ahead of P&O, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America and Norwegian.

In river cruising, APT was the leader with an estimated 20% market share, with Scenic and Viking Cruises not far behind on 17% each, followed by Travelmarvel with 10%, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise and Avalon Waterways both on 9% of the river cruise market.

On the question of competitive commissions for river cruises, U by Uniworld ranked first with a favourable 75% rating from agents, followed by Crystal River Cruises on 73%, APT cited by 70%, just ahead of Tauck and Viking next in line with 69%.

With regard to the most efficient online portal, Scenic scored the best rating of 71%, while Evergreen Tours/Emerald Waterways came in second with 67%, trailed by APT on 62%.

The most highly rated river cruise webinars belonged to Crystal Cruises on 67%, with Scenic next on 52%, and U by Uniworld in third position on 50%.

To enquire further about purchasing the report, email research@traveldaily.com.au.