How to keep clients coming back for more Mediterranean cruises

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Almost two-thirds of all those who cruise in the Mediterranean sail on big ships that hold thousands of passengers and visit the likes of Naples, Livorno and Marseille, because those are the ports large enough to take big ships – and most travellers want to tick off Pompeii, Florence, Pisa and Provence.

That might suit first-time cruisers, but agents should be looking for something different for clients coming back for a second, third or even fourth visit. They can suggest smaller ships, little-known and less-crowded ports, or trips with a twist – a food-themed voyage, say, or one with walking tours instead of coach trips.

Single-country cruise itineraries

Most cruise itineraries visit multiple destinations, but what if customers prefer a voyage where they can get to know a single country in depth? Azamara’s country-intensive cruises allow them to do just that. Since they cruise along just one coastline, ships can stay late or overnight in lots of ports, letting passengers see and do more.

The line has 18 intensive cruises this year, mostly in Spain and Greece, but a few in France, Italy and Croatia too. There are 19 to come in 2026, when Croatia loses its standalone cruise status and is paired up with neighbouring Montenegro.
azamara.com

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