Today, Cruise Holidays – the oldest and largest cruise specialty retailer in North America – announced the results of the 2006 Cruise Holidays Travel Trends Survey and for the second year in a row, the Caribbean ranks as the top cruise destination. In addition, new industry trends reveal a growing interest in longer cruises and more exotic itineraries. This survey was conducted from March 20 – April 4, 2006, in the United States and Canada, with 86% o the Cruise Holidays network participating.
“We’re pleased that the results confirm the anecdotal good news we’ve been hearing from our franchisees over the past several months,” said Peter Thomson, vice president and COO of Cruise Holidays. “While the Caribbean and Alaska continue to be favorite destinations, cruisers are looking for something new and different. They still want all that cruising has to offer, but are interested in exploring ports of call much further from home such as Europe, as well as emerging cruise destinations such as South America and Asia.”
Additionally, Thomson pointed to the extremely positive outlook Cruise Holidays stores have for the year ahead. “What differentiates Cruise Holidays is the level of cruise expertise that is recognized by our customers. In a year where most have conceded flat cruise sales, we’re proud that 77% o our franchisees told us that their bookings are even or up over last year and 95% sid they are optimistic or satisfied about their business for the coming year.”
Top Cruise Destinations
Two distinct questions were asked regarding the top cruise destinations Cruise Holidays stores are booking in 2006. One question asks for the singular most popular destination being booked so far in 2006. The second question asked Cruise Holidays stores to name a total of the five most popular destinations their customers are booking this year. What is most interesting about the second question is that cruising in the Mediterranean is one of the five most popular destinations now being booked by over 84% o Cruise Holidays stores – up from a mere 54.5% lst year. As with last year, the Caribbean and Alaska continue to be ranked one and two, respectively, on both questions.
Also noteworthy:
- Cruise Holidays stores are selling more 8-10 day (38% cmpared to 27% i 2005) and 11-14 day cruises (8% u from 3% lst year)
- The booking window for 92% o the respondents is four (4) months or longer; it is six (6) months or longer for 54%
- Itinerary and cruise line – as opposed to price – remain the two most important deciding factors when customers book a cruise
- Favorite European port: Rome (followed by Venice )
- Favorite Caribbean island or port: St. Thomas
- Emerging destination: South America
The following represents the questions and answers received from 107 Cruise Holidays stores that participated in the 2006 Cruise Holidays Travel Trend Survey (unless otherwise noted):
What is the top cruise destination you are booking for 2006? (Select One)
2006 Ranking/Destination Percentage
1. Caribbean 60.8%
2. Alaska 20.6%
3. Europe (Mediterranean) 5.6%
3. Mexican Riviera 5.6%
5. Hawaii 3.7%
2005 Ranking %
1. Caribbean (Western) 44.6%
2. Caribbean (Eastern) 18.8%
3. Alaska 12.9%
4. Mexican Riviera 9.9%
5. Europe (Mediterranean) 5.9%
Please choose the FIVE most popular destinations you are booking so far for 2006:
Five Most Popular: 2006 Percentage
1. Caribbean 95.3%
2. Alaska 90.7%
3. Europe (Mediterranean) 84.1%
4. Hawaii 58.9%
5. Mexican Riviera 37.4%
6. Panama Canal 30.8%
7. Europe (Baltic) 28.0%
8. Bermuda 26.2%
9. New England /Maritime Canada 8.4%
10. Europe (River Cruise) 7.5%
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