Cruising report

APT has reported an overwhelming response for its Kimberley cruising program, with 2014 sailings trumping previous years as more Australians choose to holiday at home. Speaking with travelbulletin, APT marketing manager Justine Lally made special mention of the touring firm’s Kimberley program, describing it as a stand out performer in 2014. “We were in growth overall for 2014, but our Kimberley program has really boomed and is now among our top growth destinations,” she said. “Whether it’s the Australian dollar or a change in traveller trends, it’s probably a reflection that more people are choosing to holiday at home.” However, Lally added that 2014 also had its challenges. “2014 was an unpredictable year for us and the industry as a whole,” she said, referring to plans to delay construction of a new ship which was set to launch in Russia this year. “Russia remains an uncertainty at this stage. Ship builds are challenging because decisions have to be made so far in advance... It’s very unpredictable.” APT expects to have more information in the first quarter of 2015 on whether construction will continue as planned, Lally added. In the meantime, APT has turned its focus to expanding its European river cruise portfolio with itineraries that explore more “regionalised areas”. APT was the first touring firm off the mark with its European River Cruising preview brochure for 2016. Now on agency shelves, it features a range of itineraries with a strong focus on the Bordeaux region of France.