The latest survey fromLuxury Cruise Retailer Mundy Cruising, shows that neither political or economic instability nor an increase in the cost of living will stop customers taking a cruise within the next year: 92% state that political instability does not affect their travel plans, whilst 82% are phlegmatic about economic instability and 80% state that increases in the cost of living will not hold them back.
The outcome of years of covid misery has been a determination to travel and an eagerness to make up for lost time with bucket list trips alongside close to home indulgences.
Answers to other questions suggest that the Mediterranean continues to be a favourite destination, as well as European river cruising, and local itineraries in the British Isles, Baltic and Norwegian Fjords, but more exotic travel is back on the radar with over 40% planning to prioritise once-in-a-lifetime trips including the Polar Regions (9%), Japan (10%) and South America (9%).
They are also trading up, with over 30% actively planning to travel in a higher grade of accommodation than before the pandemic and 47% looking to travel on smaller ships, with inclusive pricing becoming increasingly important.
Whilst the summer months are overwhelmingly busy (as we would expect for all those European travellers) over 38% will travel in the early part of 2023, over 50% between October ’23 and March ’24 and over 59% are planning ahead for summer 2024 and beyond.
When it comes to identifying what motivates them to choose a particular cruise, Mundy clients are overwhelmingly focused on excellent service levels with 82% identifying the Staff to Guest Ratio as somewhat or very important when choosing their cruise ship. But whilst covid worries are not preventing them from travelling, 80% are still looking for focused Covid 19 policies on board ship.
Health and wellness are on the agenda, with 27% looking for Spa and Wellness facilities and 23% for healthy dining options, whilst green issues appear to have slipped since last year with just 26% agreeing that this is important against 31% who disagreed.
Good news for the consultants at award-winning Mundy Cruising is that their clients trust them over their friends and family when it comes to choosing a cruise ship or cruise line, with 53% rating their travel agent’s recommendation against 30% for family and friends.
When asked to raise other important questions, respondents indicated a high level of interest in cruising for solos.
Director of Sales and Marketing Alex Loizou said:
‘After such a difficult time for the cruise industry, we are delighted to see the business come storming back which such enthusiasm. This year we have won two prestigious awards – Luxury Cruise Agent of the Year from TTG Luxury and Best Specialist Cruise Agent from the Wave Awards – but no award surpasses the pleasure of our amazing 4.8% Feefo ratings, frequent unsolicited letters of appreciation and the in-depth conversations with our clients about their recent – and of course their future – travel experiences.’
For further information about Mundy Cruising, call 020 7399 7670 or visit www.mundycruising.co.uk and www.mundyadventures.co.uk
