River cruising and Alaska are hot, CLIA agents say

So said North American travel agents polled by Cruise Lines International Association for its latest Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report.

Rivers draw new cruisers

Nearly four of five agents (79%) surveyed stated a river cruise is a great way to entice travelers who are new to cruising. Agents further identified river cruises as ideal for clients looking for new or different experiences, smaller ships, destination immersion and a relaxed way to see Europe.

Demand for river cruises has grown 53% year-over-year to eastern waterways (Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Elbe) and 30% to western channels (Soane, Seine, Loire) as well as 24% to the south (Douro, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne, Po).

'The results of last quarter’s survey were no surprise,' said Rob Huffman, VP sales USA, Scenic Group. 'We’ve seen tremendous growth for both of our river cruise brands—Scenic and Emerald Waterways—on the traditional European routes like the Danube, as well as on newer routes like the Douro.'

Higher sales and spending

In other survey results, four of five agents (84%) reported cruise bookings are up compared to last year. Additionally, 83% said spending is up, as well. More than a quarter of agents (28%) reported clients are spending greater than 10% more than one year ago.

Alaska streak continues

Alaska has been consistently the top growth destination for the last three years of the report. More than two-thirds of travel agents (67%) reported increased interest in the northernmost US state. CLIA said Alaska has gained an even wider margin than in the past. 'Alaska is selling like crazy right now and families are liking the big ships traveling to Alaska,' according to Amy Madson of Cruise Inc.

Greater interest in Med, South America

Some cruise destinations have seen a double-digit spike in interest from just a year ago. Interest in the Mediterranean has jumped from 25% to 42% (up 17%) over the past year. Interest in South America has grown from 9% last year to 20% today.

Interest in Hawaii is up 9 percentage points (24% from 33%), in the Panama Canal up 9 points (23% from 32%), Canada/New England up 8 points (31% from 39%) and Northern Europe up 7 points (25% from 32%). Interest in Australia/New Zealand rose 6 points (18% to 24%).

The Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report is a quarterly study conducted by CLIA. Information is based on online survey responses from the CLIA Travel Agent Research Panel, which consists of 1,300 North American agents.

The full report is here.

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