By Joel Katz, Managing Director in Australasia, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Cruise Month has returned to Australia and New Zealand, giving us plenty to be excited about as we sail into a busy summer season of sailing.
Throughout October, CLIA cruise lines and travel agents will be celebrating all things cruise, mounting a succession of promotions that highlight the best cruising opportunities available in Australasia and around the world.
This year is an especially vibrant time for cruising and the possibilities are greater than ever. Locally, we can expect to see more than 60 cruise ships operating in Australian and New Zealand waters, including newcomers in our region like Silversea’s Silver Nova, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun, Cunard’s Queen Anne, Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess and Paspaley Pearl by Ponant.
Globally, we now have a bigger choice of cruise options than ever before. The CLIA cruise line fleet has reached more than 300 ships for the first time, and another 76 new-build ships are on the orderbook for delivery through to 2036.
With these ships come new levels of innovation in cruising. They bring new forms of technology to enhance the passenger experience, a greater diversity in cruising styles and choices, and new advances in sustainability. Cruise lines continue to introduce elevated culinary experiences, a greater focus on experiential travel, new ways to enjoy authentic cultural experiences, and new attractions like private islands.
Cruise Month is all about celebrating these and other innovations in cruising. Under the banner #LoveCruise, CLIA’s Cruise Month initiatives will cycle through four weekly themes, covering Ocean Cruising (29 September 29 – 5 October), River Cruising (6-12 October), Expedition Cruising (13-19 October) and Luxury Cruising (20-26 October).
We will have an expanded social media campaign using the hashtag #LoveCruise, digital advertising aligned with the four weekly themes, Cruise Month coverage in travel media, and Cruise Month promotions by CLIA cruise lines and travel agents.
Importantly, Cruise Month is a great opportunity to connect with a CLIA-accredited travel agent – a cruise specialist who has taken additional education and training to equip them with best cruise knowledge.
A CLIA-accredited agent can help travellers navigate the many different types of cruise holiday available in destinations around the world, and match them to the ship and cruise line that suits their own particular holiday style.
To find a CLIA travel agent, use the search function at www.cruising.org.au and look out for Cruise Month promotions throughout the month of October.
Happy sailing!