Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) says its bookings trends reflect consumer research which shows Brits want to compensate for lost time during the pandemic by spending more on holidays.
A poll commissioned for the cruise line found that the average person intends to spend an extra £167.40 per year on international trips as travel resumes.
The survey was carried out among 2,000 adults and showed that the most popular activities for their next holiday are: spending time with friends and family (68%); relaxation (66%); and fun (65%).
Eamonn Ferrin, NCL’s vice-president and managing director in the UK, Ireland, Middle East and Africa, said: “Holidays abroad are a top priority for many, with millions of Brits eager to get away and break free from 2020, when it is safe to do so.
“After a year without travel, at NCL we are seeing pent-up demand with new and loyal guests planning ahead and giving themselves something to look forward to.”
NCL will restart operations from July 25, with seven-day Greek Isles itineraries, and its newly launched Norwegian Prima sailings in 2022 are “selling out fast”.
Ferrin said: ““We are seeing strong demand for future cruises. In fact, sales for our 2022 and 2023 sailings are showing significant gains compared to prior years.
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“Our recently announced Norwegian Prima has set the single-best booking day and best initial booking week for any of our newbuild sales in our 54-year history.
“Norwegian Bliss, which debuted in 2018 and previously boasted our biggest booking day ever during her unveiling, has now been outpaced by Norwegian Prima, which has doubled the prior record.
He added: “We expect holidaymakers to be investing in ‘bucket list’ trips in the coming years. In May 2023, Norwegian Prima will depart on an awe-inspiring 11-day transatlantic journey from New York, US; to Reykjavik, Iceland; including stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Akureyri, Iceland.”
Ferrin said there has been an increase in new-to-NCL guests as well as demand for 2022 and 2023 departures for those “seeking more certainty”.
He added: “We are seeing strong revenue growth as UK holidaymakers want to make up for lost time during the pandemic.
“Our customers are purchasing higher category cabins, longer holidays, and more adventurous itineraries.”