Oceania Cruises sales director predicts lates will be ‘bigger than ever’

Oceania Cruises’ sales manager has forecast a record-breaking period for late bookings, stating the trade will be “flooded” with interest as consumers look to flee the UK weather.

In a breakout session at the Advantage Travel Partnership conference in Madrid, titled ‘cruise leaders unfiltered’, Louise Craddock noted that while many cruise lines are reporting earlier booking curves, there is still capacity available to capitalise on for those seeking winter-sun.

“This [lates period] is going to be bigger than we’ve had in any season because people will get to the end of the month, realise it’s still raining, and want to go away,” she told delegates.

“You’re going to be flooded with late, late bookings and that’s going to present a great opportunity for you because there is still inventory.”

Craddock highlighted that cruise prices have remained competitive compared to soaring hotel and flight costs, offering better value for winter-sun.

The panel, which featured AmaWaterways’ Andrea Stafford and Ambassador Cruise Line’s Karen Cameron, hosted by Advantage cruise director Jonny Peat, discussed how the situation in the Middle East has shifted customer patterns toward “safe bets” like Europe and the Caribbean.

Stafford explained Europe is seen as a secure destination and encouraged agents to capitalise on the growth in the sector, noting 50 new ships are due to be delivered by 2030.

“River cruise has been having a moment for about the last three years and that is continuing, so if you’re not on board, you should jump on board now,” she said.

Cameron urged agents to focus on the “50-plus” market, which is projected to represent 62% of the population within five years, as well as the opportunity for “longer duration” cruises.

The session also addressed concerns regarding complex marketing, with Cameron revealing “internal discussions” are underway at Ambassador to streamline campaigns, potentially via an agent focus group.

Craddock emphasised that agents should not be afraid to sell luxury, pointing to the generous commission rates.

“You’re going to do the same amount of work for a luxury cruise holiday than you will for a hotel holiday, but you’re going to make a much greater commission,” she explained.

The trio highlighted their strong trade ties and pointed to their accessible agent rates, including Ambassador’s concessions from “£50 per person per night” and Oceania’s balcony staterooms for “£125 per person per day”.