What do I need to do to get you to book your first cruise?

The cruise market is still growing year on year which puts us in a fantastic position but there are so many of you out there that are yet to experience this fantastic way of holidaying.  I went to Cuba myself this year for two weeks and it reminded me why I cruise instead.  Don’t get me wrong, Cuba was beautiful – it’s the Caribbean!  But it just wasn’t a cruise.

I came across this article today:

http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/from-the-deal-experts/the-evolution-and-future-of-the-cruise-industry/

There are some very interesting facts in here but the thing that stood out the most for me was the following:

• One in eight package holidays taken is a cruise

And this quote by the lovely Jo from RCI:

“I wake up each morning wondering how I am going to get that extra seven — Jo Rzymowska, Royal Caribbean International, UK & Ireland, Associate Vice President and General Manager”

What are the rest of you doing and why aren’t you cruising?  Is there a particular reason? Something that’s putting you off?

Over the past year or so, we’ve seen the ‘notorious’ Getaway vs Vantage fare dilemma thanks to P&O and Cunard (and to a certain extent, Princess Cruises).

In the last few weeks, Cunard have had offers from £399 for a 12 night five star full board cruise sailing from Southampton and the £499 offer on the iconic Transatlantic sailing including the flight to/from the UK.

At prices like this, I’m sure that a lot of ‘cruise virgins’ have taken the plunge and booked or at least been tempted.  Is this the way the cruise lines are going to get more first time cruisers on their ships?  And if so, this is great for the cruise market, right?

Or is it?

A lot of the feedback I have had from regular cruisers is that not only do these prices rile them as they’ve booked in advance only to then see the same cabin type on the same cruise reduced to half the price but it’s also been mentioned on a few occasions that these ridiculously low prices ‘attract the wrong type of clientele’.

We all know that there is a certain type of etiquette and decorum expected when on a cruise of this type (with Cunard in particular) so is this the way it’s going?  You couldn’t get 12 nights at Butlins for £399 and certainly wouldn’t get all of your meals included, world class entertainment, 5 star luxury and the opportunity to visit some fantastic destinations.

Thankfully, Cunard and P&O have turned this around and are now offering the lower prices the further in advance you book with the new Early Saver fare.  Similar to the Getaway price-wise, they’re rewarding their loyal customers with a better fare for booking in advance.  And with fantastic low prices for next year now, I’m sure they’re hoping to attract their fair share of ‘new to cruise’ passengers too.

“Cruisers can cheer the good news that they’ve never had it so good — the average fare is now 22% lower than five years ago — The Daily Telegraph Cruise Style, August 17 2013.”

There is still a big misconception out there that ‘cruising is expensive’.   Cruising may be more costly than your average ‘bucket and spade’ holiday to Magaluf but it’s also exceptional value for money.  It’s just hard to get this message across to cruise virgins.

Survey results showed that only 6% of people asked thought that cruising was suitable for families?  Really?  That shocked me.  With the likes of Royal Caribbean and NCL and their childrens facilities, how is this so?  The cruise industry has changed A LOT since the likes of Titanic.  There are now more ‘family friendly’ cruise ships out there than there are ‘adults only’ ships.

Cruise Holidays are fantastic for families.

I’m looking for feedback.  What made you decide to do your first cruise?  What advice would you give a cruise virgin?  And if you’ve never cruised before, what do the cruise lines need to do to get you to book your first cruise? Please get in touch and let me know your views.