Cruise holiday bookings are rising this winter according to Travel Counsellors
Cruise bookings are on the up according to leading independent travel company, Travel Counsellors, having seen a 35 per cent rise compared to the same period (year to date) in 2019.
The company has reported a growing demand for this type of travel across all cruise segments, as both loyal cruisers and those new to the market ‘set sail’ for the added value and diversity this holiday offering brings. In September 2022, traditional cruise types have all seen a rise in total gross sales compared to 2019 with mainstream cruises up by 31 per cent, premium cruises up by 39 per cent and luxury cruises up by a huge 137 per cent.
In addition, there is growth in those booking cruises closer to travel, with 32 per cent of bookings made through Travel Counsellors in the last 28 days for winter 2022 trips and 48 per cent for the 2023 summer season.
Janet Whittingham, Head of Cruise at Travel Counsellors, comments: “It’s fantastic to see such a brilliant resurgence from an industry that was one hardest hit by the pandemic. I think travellers appreciate the range and variety that cruising offers, and with many looking to try something new it’s a great option with some very competitive pricing.
“We are seeing both new to cruise and repeat customers taking to the seas, and more so wanting the advice and experience of an expert who can advise on the cruise product that will suit them and be there to look after them throughout their voyage. With more cruise ‘masters’ than any other company, booking a cruise with the support and expertise of a Travel Counsellor really gives customers that reassurance, and with the breadth of cruises on offer there is something for everyone. It’s fair to say cruising is certainly back on the agenda moving forward.”
Travel Counsellors has also reported the average cruise booking value in September 2022 up by 17 per cent compared to September 2019, as people look for more experiential travel across the board. This comes as the company, which has over 1900 travel counsellors worldwide, amassed £700 million in new bookings this year, over 20 per cent up on full year figures for 2019, with September sales up to £75m alone.
About Travel Counsellors
Travel Counsellors is a leading independent travel company delivering bespoke corporate and leisure travel services since 1994. The company has over 1,900 travel franchisees across six countries (UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa, and the UAE), supported by colleagues in its UK headquarters and overseas offices.
Last year, Travel Counsellors processed 48,410 refunds, rebooked 13,790 customers and credited 11,003 travellers for future bookings. Holidaymakers gave Travel Counsellors a five star, ‘excellent’ rating on Trustpilot as a result. The company operates its own ATOL supported financial trust which safeguards customers from any failure of a travel supplier involved in their booking.
Most recently, Travel Counsellors scooped the prize for Best Place to Work in Travel 2022 at the TTG Travel Industry Awards. Three time winners at the 2022 Agent Achievement Award for best home working agency, CLIA’s Cruise Master Award and Tipto Independent agent of the year. Also winners of the Queen’s Award for International Trade (2020 and 2014-2019), Queen’s Award for Enterprise (2003-2008), Best National Travel Retailer in the British Travel Awards (2019 and 2020), Best Independent Travel Agency in the British Travel Awards (2018), Growing Business of the Year in the Amazon Growing Business Awards (2018), National Business Award for Customer Focus (2017) and BVCA Management Team of the Year (2017 & 2018). Listed in Sunday Times Fast Track for International Growth (2011- 2013, 2015 – 2018) and Sunday Times Top Track 250 (2016 – 2020). Named as Telegraph’s Britain’s 1000 Brightest Businesses, London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Businesses to Inspire Britain and 1000 Businesses to Inspire in Europe, and winners of the Best Homeworking Agency in TTG (2016 – 2019) and Travel Weekly (2015 – 2019).
