Cruise market increases massively, but not just in Southampton

Alot of stats on cruising numbers have been about the UK market, with all the new ships hitting the seas it’s not surprising that the numbers are increasing, but where do these ships go in the winter and where are the ships that the new ones have replaced?

Here’s another stat that may answer these questions.

• The Chinese cruise market grew by 79% between 2012 and 2014.  That is HUGE!!!

Rising Sun

There appear to be a rising trend of the big cruise companies building new ships and home porting them in the Far East. With Royal Caribbean placing the Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas out there, 2 of their newest ships and biggest investments, the market can only be one that is growing, and fast.

Princess have also announced that there new addition the the fleet will be based in China when she is introduced in the Summer of 2017 .
She will be based in Shanghai, and will be the first year-round vessel designed and built specifically for Chinese guests.

“Deploying our next new ship in China underscores our strong commitment to growing the China cruise market and providing discerning travelers with amazing vacation experiences at sea,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises.

“And as this ship is still in the design phase we are looking forward to creating other new and exciting venues and experiences catering to the Chinese vacationer, which we will reveal in the coming months,” Swartz added.

The new offering will replace the successful Sapphire Princess, which has had a seen massive popularity whilst sailing in the Far East.

Celebrity have had the Millennium based in the Far East for some time, and  that has featured heavily on our Tailor-made cruises, offering great itineraries in 5 star accommodation. Win win.

So with the Chinese market of cruisers growing, and the fact the world cruise market wanting to visit the Far East (polled top in our recent cruise survey of dream destinations) I cannot help but think that the usual thoughts of, Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise, may be a thing of the past. Growing number of beds to fill, means more niche itineraries becoming mainstream. Happy days!!

Whist speaking to a customer recently, I was informed that the Chinese love to spend money, so we are to expect bigger casinos and expansive shops on these ships. If they love to spend, the cruise lines love to take, so a match made in Heaven!!